What is Youth Ministry?

The Catholic Bishop’s of the United States clarified youth ministry in their publication A Vision by saying “Youth Ministry is the response of the Christian community to the needs of young people, and the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larger community.” 

So what? What does that mean to me as a Catholic Teenager? Quite simply it means that Youth Ministry is the ministry of the church that is specifically for you. Youth Ministry is a ministry of the church that is For, With and By young people. How great is that? I see, so you aren’t into church you say? Ok we can deal with that, but why is it you aren’t into church? Church is boring, church is for adults, the church doesn’t understand what it is like to be young. If these are your reasoning’s you should take another look at the church. 

The Catholic Church of 2008 is a vibrant, youthful church, energetic, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Don’t believe me? I’ll prove it. A new movement in the church often referred to as the Charismatic movement has begun to influence worship, and while there is beauty in traditional forms of worship, the charismatic make great use of modern upbeat music within the Catholic Celebration of the Eucharist. 

So what is it we intend to do to you through Youth Ministry? There are three goals of youth ministry. To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our World today. To draw people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community. And finally, To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.

To meet these goals Youth Ministry engages in a number of activities. Some of which are spiritual, like prayer services and retreats. Some are social, like dances and lock-ins. Other activities are service oriented, like the Souper-Bowl for Caring or visiting our elderly parishioners during the holidays in their homes or nursing homes. 

Still thinking Youth Ministry is going to be lame? Give it a try if for no other reason but that your grandmother will be happy. We are all called to be Disciples of Christ “And he saith unto them, come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) Shouldn’t you at least give it a shot? 

2008 Calendar

Mission Statement

Based on the goals and themes expressed in “Renewing the Vision” by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Youth Ministry program at St. Joseph’s will attempt to respond to the needs of our parish’s young people, and assist young people in sharing their unique gifts with the larger Christian community. Beyond catechesis our program will expand to address the call to personal discipleship, evangelization, and leadership.

Goal 1: To Empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.

• Learn what it means to follow Jesus Christ and to live as his disciples today

• Empowering them to serve others and to work toward a world built on values

• “All ministry with adolescents must be directed toward presenting young people with the Good News of Jesus Christ and inviting and challenging them to become his disciples” (Renewing the Vision, Pg 10)

Goal 2: To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.

• The family community

• The parish community

• The school community

• The service community

Goal 3: To foster the total person and spiritual growth of each young person.

Dear Father,

     You are the creative origin of all I am and of all I am called to be. With the talents and opportunities I have, how may I serve you best? Please guide my mind and heart, open me to the needs of my country and of the world, and help me to choose wisely and practically for your honor and glory and for the good of all those whose lives I touch.