Youth Ministry

An Introduction to Youth Minis= try

Renewing the Vi= sion (RTV): A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry is the U.S. Conference of Catholic BishopsR= 17; blueprint for the continued development of effective ministry with young and older adolescents. It is the founda= tion of our parish’s youth ministry program. As summarized by the National Feder= ation for Catholic Youth Ministry, “Youth ministry is more than programs and events. It is ‘the response of the Christian community to the nee= ds of young people, and the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larg= er community.’ (A Vision of Youth Ministry, p. 6, quoted in RTV 1). To be most effective, this is a ministry to, with, by, and for young people that involves their families, their parish community, and the larger community. = At the heart of ministry with young people is the presence of caring, supporti= ve relationships where youth experience the Good News in the flesh.”

A comprehensive appr= oach to youth ministry utilizes the eight components identified in Renewing the Vision as a framework: advocacy, catechesis, commu= nity life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. These components guide our efforts in proclai= ming the Good News, connecting young people with the faith community, and calling our young people to the challenge of discipleship.

Our Youth Ministry Leadership Tea= m

Youth ministry is a = team effort. Our leadership team consists of committed adults and young people, = many of whom are involved as program or activity leaders. It provides the vision, direction, planning and practical implementation of the youth ministry program at Corp= us Christi Parish.

The leadership team = has the following specific tasks:

It assesses needs, sets goals and objectiv= es, and designs responsive programs;
It plans, implements and evaluates program= s;
It features holistic programming, includin= g

adolescent catechesis;<= /li>
parent involvement and programs;
justice and service activities;

It fosters the involvement of young people= in the life of the parish, including service on various parish committees= and involvement in parish activities; and
Its members serve on planning teams for yo= uth ministry programs and activities.

As of January 2009, = the leadership team included: Fr. Marcos Gonzalez (parochial vicar) Roxanne Raeside Wilton (youth ministry co= ordinator), Nancy Novelline Clayburg, Meaghan Curry, Steve Gagnon, Rita Lena, Chris Mol= da, Mary Ellen Poulin, Tom Pugliesi, and Jim Wilton.

What’s in Store?=

As of January 2009, = youth ministry is undergoing a hopeful renaissance. As the program takes shape, look f= or additional information in this section of the website, but especially throu= gh the parish bulletins. For more information, or to volunteer your services to this ministry, contact Roxanne Raeside Wilton at 436-4555, ext. 22 or youthmin@corpuschristinh.org.