"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."
Definition from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Definition from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Catholic Youth Ministry—Goals and Components:
The goals of Youth Ministry[1] state what it means for the Catholic community to respond to the needs of young people and to involve young people in sharing their unique gifts with the larger community. The three primary goals in our ministry to young people are:
Catholic Youth Ministry uses eight fundamental components from the Bishop's Renewing the Vision (RTV)[1] guidance which provides a framework for a youth Ministry:
The goals of Youth Ministry[1] state what it means for the Catholic community to respond to the needs of young people and to involve young people in sharing their unique gifts with the larger community. The three primary goals in our ministry to young people are:
- To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
- To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community.
- To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
Catholic Youth Ministry uses eight fundamental components from the Bishop's Renewing the Vision (RTV)[1] guidance which provides a framework for a youth Ministry:
- Advocacy - Engages the church to examine its practices related to integration of youth into the Catholic community.
- Catechesis - Effectively promote faith development of the young and older adolescents.
- Community Life - Build an environment that develops meaningful relationships and nurtures the Catholic faith.
- Evangelization - Sharing the good news of the reign of God and invite young people to hear about the Word Made Flesh.
- Justice and Service - Nurture, in young people, a social consciousness and a commitment to a life of justice and service.
- Leadership - Calls forth, affirms and empowers the diverse gifts, talents and abilities of adults and young people.
- Pastoral Care - A compassionate presence by imitating Jesus' care of people, especially those who are hurting and in need.
- Prayer and Worship - Celebrates and deepens their relationship with Jesus Christ. Matures the personal prayer habits of young people.
St. Francis - St. Ambrose Catholic Youth Ministry:
Our St. Francis, St. Ambrose CYM team is comprised of: 1) our grades 9 through 12 high school students, 2) our adult CYM leaders 3) and, very importantly, adult volunteers especially parent volunteers.
Our youth are very receptive to spreading the pastoral care of our parish and have taken on projects that benefit our community and those in need. For example: we participate in a variety of community service projects; we adopt a family (or families) in need for Christmas; we also assemble and distribute food boxes for our elderly or others who need them. One of our main community service events is the annual Valentine's Day dinner for the community's senior and disabled citizens.
Our program also emphasizes personal faith, fellowship and plain old fun! During a typical year we:
Our St. Francis, St. Ambrose CYM team is comprised of: 1) our grades 9 through 12 high school students, 2) our adult CYM leaders 3) and, very importantly, adult volunteers especially parent volunteers.
Our youth are very receptive to spreading the pastoral care of our parish and have taken on projects that benefit our community and those in need. For example: we participate in a variety of community service projects; we adopt a family (or families) in need for Christmas; we also assemble and distribute food boxes for our elderly or others who need them. One of our main community service events is the annual Valentine's Day dinner for the community's senior and disabled citizens.
Our program also emphasizes personal faith, fellowship and plain old fun! During a typical year we:
- Hold a kickoff recruiting event such as a hay-rack ride, cookout and games.
- Actively participate in one CYM Sunday Mass per month in which our youth participate as servers, lectors and gift bearers. During this Mass our youth and leaders sit together wearing CYM shirts (which are updated annually).
- Have one major field trip per year, such as a river canoe trip, plus shorter trip that include bowling, pizza or other activity.
- Assist with setup, serving or cleanup during our Pastor's and Father Crager's annual fun night.
- Attend the Diocesan Youth Conference in Wichita.
- In all events we try to incorporate faith activities into the fun by having a speaker.
Taking a break while preparing the Christmas food packages.
 Mike and Kim McCracken
CYM Leadership and Contacts:
The St. Francis - St. Ambrose adult CYM leaders are Kim and Mike McCracken. Contact Mike or Kim for information regarding programs, membership, events, donations or volunteering. The parish office or Director of Religions Education can be contacted for other matters related to youth or education. |
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References and Notes:
1. The goals and components stated above are according to the U.S. Bishops' 1997 document Renewing the Vision (RTV): "A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry." Guidance and information from the RTV document, regarding Youth Ministry, are embodied in this downloadable document: "Groundbreaking - A How-To Guide for Building a Comprehensive Youth Ministry Program."
1. The goals and components stated above are according to the U.S. Bishops' 1997 document Renewing the Vision (RTV): "A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry." Guidance and information from the RTV document, regarding Youth Ministry, are embodied in this downloadable document: "Groundbreaking - A How-To Guide for Building a Comprehensive Youth Ministry Program."
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2. The following links to the Diocese of Wichita website will provide useful and informative CYM information to leaders, parents and volunteers. The diocese site includes a wealth of tools, forms and publications.
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This is the community website for the St. Francis de Hieronymo and St. Ambrose Catholic Churches in Neosho County, Kansas. Both churches are located in the center of the historic nine-county southeast Kansas area. We share one of the richest Catholic Heritages in Southern Kansas and the Four-State Region. For more information about our churches, history, organizations or programs browse our site including its links.
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