Handbook - Start Here | Diocese of Sacramento

WHAT IS YOUTH MINISTRY?

The Catholic Bishops of the United States defined Catholic youth ministry in the 1997 document Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry. This document lays out a structure, language, theology and a pastoral approach for responding to the personal and spiritual needs of today's youth. The document also identifies three goals and eight components that provides direction for this ministry.

YOUTH MINISTRY GOALS

Goal 1- Empower: "To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today." (RTV 9)
Goal 2- Participation: "To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community." (RTV 11)
Goal 3- Growth: "To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person." (RTV 15)

YOUTH MINISTRY COMPONENTS

Advocacy
Catechesis
Community Life
Evangelization
Justice and Service
Leadership Development
Pastoral Care
Prayer and Worship

Read and learn more about Catholic youth ministry: Renewing the Vision: Youth Ministry

What is Youth Ministry / Getting Started with Youth Ministry in Your Parish FAQ (Diocese of Wilmington)?

What is Youth Ministry? (NFCYM)

Youth Ministry USCCB

WHAT IS YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

In 1996, the Catholic Bishops of the United States promulgated a national pastoral plan for ministry with young adults, Sons and Daughters of the Light. The U.S bishops aimed to create a strategic plan to integrate young adults into the life of the Church by taking into consideration the various stages of life and circumstance that young adults find themselves in. This document identifies four tasks of Young Adulthood, and four goals, each goal having its own set of objectives and strategies.