Vision of youth ministry

The Archdiocese offers 'Youth Ministry Certificate'

Is God calling me to be a priest?

A few years ago, an invitation was extended to all the parishes throughout the diocese to help create a Vision for Youth Ministry. As a result of this effort, the vision for the diocese is as follows:

We envision a Christ centered Youth Ministry guided by the Holy Spirit that reaches out to the young people of the diocese, fostering in them a deeper faith while enabling their full active participation in all aspects of parish and community life.

The Archdiocese of Ottawa is offering a two year certificate course in Youth Ministry Studies that teaches a comprehensive model approach to Youth Ministry in these five environments: community, church, school, family, and youth. This course is being offered to help begin a Youth Ministry as well as to enhance already existing ministries.

If you have any questions about the youth program, please contact .

CYCLE ONE COURSES:

1. PRINCIPLES OF YOUTH MINISTRY

This course presents the foundational principles of comprehensive youth ministry. It examines the dynamics of promoting healthy adolescent development and faith growth. It also presents a model for youth ministry which incorporates Youth, Family, Parish, School and Community. It presents a model for ministry development which incorporates developmentally appropriate youth programing; strengthens family life; and involves young people as integal members of the faith community.

2. DEVELOPING YOUTH MINISTRY

This course explores the role of the leader in effective Christian Ministry. Leaders will diagnose their own giftedness for ministry, as well as techniques for calling forth the gifts of those to whom and with whom they minister. This course combines theory presentations with experimental learning about the skills and processes for collaborating with a youth team, inviting and nurturing adult and youth leaders and developing youth ministry through a process which includes planning, implementing and evaluating youth ministry programming.

3. FOUNDATIONS OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

This course invites leaders to look at the principles and priorities that guide their lives. It presents a model of principle centered leadership and Christian Spirituality that provides tools for synchronizing activities with principles and priorities. Participants develop a personal mission statement and strategies for self-care, personal renewal, leadership development and growth in ministry.

4. SKILLS OF CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP

This course addresses theories and skills youth ministers need to work with and through people. Participants will develop practical skills for leadership roles for group discussions, empathic communication, group dynamics, facilitation of group processes, win/win negotiating and for conflict resolution. The course stresses the application of these skills to various settings, problems and issues.

B. CYCLE TWO COURSES:

1. FOSTERING THE FAITH GROWTH OF YOUTH THROUGH EVANGELIZATION AND CATECHESIS

This course explores the theological understandings of faith, discipleship, Catholic identity, a contemporary vision and approach for evangelization and catechesis with young people.

2. FOSTERING THE FAITH GROWTH OF YOUTH THROUGH PASTORAL CARE

This course explores the principles and methods of caring for young people and their families. The course goals are to equip ministers with tools for promoting healthy adolescent development and developing preventative interventions for families with adolescents.

3. FOSTERING THE FAITH GROWTH OF YOUTH THROUGH PRAYER AND WORSHIP

This course investigates the role that Christian worship and the sacraments have in fostering the spiritual growth of youth. Participants develop the theoretical and practical skills necessary for preparing and celebrating liturgy, prayer and worship experiences with youth, for designing youth retreat experiences, and for fostering the prayer life of youth. The goal of the course is to develop a realistic, integrated, and practical approach to worship within a comprehensive ministry to youth.

4. FOSTERING THE FAITH GROWTH OF YOUTH THROUGH JUSTICE AND SERVICE

This course explores the theological and scriptural foundations for engaging young people in the work of justice and service. Participants develop the practical processes and skills for creating justice education programming, developing service and action opportunities, and nurturing the social consciousness and spirituality of young people.

TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE

The Canadian Certificate of Youth Ministry Studies will be awarded by the Diocese of Ottawa and the Canadian Ministry Support Services to students who:

1. Participate in all eight (8) weekend courses;
2. Complete and submit assignments and study questions for each course;
3. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the core areas of Catholic belief: Old Testament and New Testament Scriptures, Christology, Ecclesiology, Christian Ministry, Sacraments, Morality and Social Justice.
4. Participate in one Small Group Learning Team meeting per course, organized geographically, to discuss the course content and course readings.