Teens in Christ - St. John the Baptist Youth Group

Youth Ministry is the Church fulfilling its mission on behalf of the young. Through the efforts of the Church in Youth Ministry, the young encounter the Word of God, are welcomed into the community of faith, worship the Lord in prayer and liturgy, and are challenged to a life of service in the Lord's name.

A. GOALS
1. Youth Ministry works to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
2. Youth Ministry seeks to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the faith community.
3. Youth Ministry gives the world a sign of God's Kingdom by challenging the young to work for justice and peace among the poor and the oppressed.

B. DIMENSIONS
TO youth when the Christian community excercises its pastoral role in meeting young people's needs (Catechesis counseling, training).

WITH youth because young people share with adults a common responsibility to carry out the Church's mission (Worship, social action).

BY youth when young people exercise their own ministry to others, particularly with their peers (peer ministry, outreach).

C. COMPONENTS
ADVOCACY - Interpreting the needs of youth and their families, especially the social problems facing them and acting with or on behalf of youth and their families for a change in the systems (policies, procedures, programs) which create or contribute to the social problems; giving young people a voice and empowering them to address the social problems that they face. (adult support for youth concerns)

CATECHESIS - Helping adolescents to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian community, and increasing their knowledge of the core content of their Catholic faith. The ministry of catechesis helps young people to enrich and expand their understanding of the Scriptures and the sacred tradition and their application to life today. Also, to live more faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ in their everyday lives. The ministry of catechesis fosters growth in Catholic faith in all three dimensions -- trusting (heart), knowing and believing (mind), and doing (will). (Religious Ed., discussion groups)

COMMUNITY LIFE - Creating an environment which nurtures meaningful relationships among youth and between youth and adults characterized by Gospel values (eg. acceptance of all people, trust, respect, cooperation, honesty, taking responsibility, willingness to serve): helping young people to feel that they are an important part of the Church community; providing opportunities for social interaction and meaningful participation in the life of the Church and the civic community. The ministry of community life is not only what we do (activity), but who we are (identity) and how we interact (relationships). (youth retreats, small groups).

EVANGELIZATION - Sharing the Good News of the reign of God and inviting young people to hear about the Word Made Flesh. Drawing from Jesus' example, evangelization involves the community's pronouncement and living witness that the reign of God has become realized in and through Jesus. Evangelization is the energizing core of all ministry with adolescents. The ministry of evangelization incorporates several essential elements: witness, outreach, proclamation, invitation, conversation and discipleship. (Faith sharings, Scripture groups)

JUSTICE, PEACE AND SERVICE - Guiding young people in the development of a social consciousness and a committment to life of justice and service grounded in their faith in Jesus Christ, in the scriptures and in Catholic social teaching; empowering young people (and their families) to work for justice by concrete efforts to address the causes of human suffering, to serve those in need, to persue peace, and to defend the life, dignity, and rights of all people; infusing the concepts of justice and peace into all Youth Ministry efforts. (feed ing the homeless, service weeks)

PRAYER AND WORSHIP - Celebrating and working to deepen young people's relationship with Jesus Christ through the bestowal of grace, communal prayer and liturgical experiences; it awakens their awareness of the spirit at work in their lives; it incorporates young people mroe fully into the sacramental life of the Church, especially the Eucharist; it nurtures the personal prayer life of young people, and it fosters family rituals and prayer. (Youth Liturgy, Prayer Groups)

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT/ENABLEMENT - Recruiting, training, and supporting youth and adult leaders in Youth Ministry; empowering youth for leadership and ministry with their peers, in their schools, and in the Church and civic community; developing a leadership team of youth and adults to organize and coordinate a ministry with youth; partnering with parents and families in promoting positive youth development and faith growth. (training for youth and adults)

PASTORAL CARE/GUIDANCE - Acting as a comprehensive presence in imitation of Jesus' care for people, especailly those who were hurting and in need. The ministry of pastoral care involves promoting positive adolescent and family development (Penance service, counseling)

The vision guiding youth ministry is found in the life of Jesus the Lord. Youth Ministers and youth take their inspiration from the ministry of Jesus during his journey to Emmaeus. (Luke 24: 13-35)

Renewing the Vision is most importantly an affirmation of the faith, gifts, energy, and fresh ideas of young people. It is a Christ-centered vision. It is a call to empower young people for the mission they have been given by the Lord Jesus.