| Themes, Dimensions and Principles of Vibrant Youth Ministry |
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Themes: The Bishop's in "Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry" teach us that Youth Ministry must be:
Dimensions: Youth Ministry strives to be a ministry to, with, by, and for youth.
Principles: Recognizes Unique Times of Personal Development Adolescence is a unique time of human development, the critical period of transition from childhood to adulthood. No two youth travel this period at the same pace. The transition is not always one of forward progression. Good youth ministry remains sensitive to these realities as it meets the individuals it enages with from a day to day basis. Remains Concerned with the Total Person Vibrant ministry concerns itself with the whole person, not just the spiritual and religious aspects of any given life. It recognizes that aspects such as social, cultural, familial, emotional, intellectual, etc. are critical to the development of the Gift from God that each person is. Is Rooted in Relationships The starting point of any vibrant ministry is not a program or an event, but relationships. Relationships of ministry are called to mirror the Divine-human relationship revealed by God through the Blessed Trinity to humanity. Grace is mediated through relationships and as such central to all ministry. Is a Call to Community As Christ established His Church to be the means of salvation, He established a community of believers who are called to care for one another and seek the good of each other. Vibrant ministry is an action of Christ’s Church. Proceeds as an Affirmation of Gifts Since its beginning the Church has been calling on the gifts she finds among her membership to serve the People of God. Vibrant ministry seeks to recognize the ability and gifts of its community and encourages to gifts to be shared for the common good of others. True Ministry Duplicates Itself As ministry succeeds it draws more people in and empowers them to greater involvement. Vibrant ministry challenges participants to full and active participation and the realization of each person’s baptismal call to faithful discipleship of Christ Jesus. Dimensions and Principles Adapted from "A Vision of Youth Ministry," USCCB 1986 |
