Chapters

Welcome, Overview, Evaluations, Goals and Objectives Welcome to this Specialization.  If you are coming because you are a brand-new catechist, Welcome.  If you’re a seasoned catechist, Welcome.  If you’re a peer leader, Welcome.  We, the team, hope to learn with you. There is great wisdom in this community.  Thank you for sharing your faith with … Read more

CATECHIST’S CHECKLIST On a scale of 1 to 4 (4 to signify the most important), rate the following items with reference to the catechist.  Circle your response.  Then X over the number that you rate yourself in each regard.   1 2 3 4    The catechist should have a sense of humor. 1 2 3 … Read more

Developing a Leadership System By Thomas East Ministry: Roles and Opportunities To use the many gifts that the adult and youth communities have to offer, parishes must develop a leadership system that provides for the coordination and implementation of the programs and processes of youth ministry. The following schema provides a variety of leadership roles … Read more

Family and Intergenerational Approaches By Rebecca Davis Sacredness of the Ordinary Since 1980, the Church’s Year of the Family, many family spirituality resources have been developed to meet the changing needs of families today. Adopted, extended, merged, nuclear, blended, multi-generational, and enculturated families are words which describe Christian communities, deep in faith and spirituality, good … Read more

Adolescent Development Understanding Youth Today Generational Insights Insights on the Millennial Generation “They are the young navigators.  They doubt that traditional institutions can provide them with the good life and take personal responsibility for their lives.  They do value material goods, but they are not self-absorbed.  They are more knowledgeable than any previous generation, and … Read more

Then Jesus approached and said to the disciples, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. … Read more

Building Relationships And Creating Community Belonging is a primary issue of young adolescents. With the onset of puberty, young adolescents experience a myriad of changes involving their physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual dimensions. In the midst of all these changes, they struggle with the paradox of wanting to be “different, just like everybody else!” … Read more

Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences -Walter McKenzie IT’S NOT HOW SMART YOU ARE, IT’S HOW YOU ARE SMART!   What parent can not see gleaming rays of genius in their child? And yet, how many children come to school and demonstrate their own unique genius? There was a time when it might have been … Read more

The Four Goals of Misbehavior To Gain Undue Attention To Seek Power To Get Revenge To Display Inadequacy What do I do when a student/peer misbehaves? Attention: Never give attention on demand, even for useful behavior. Help young people become self-motivated. Give attention in ways they do not expect. Catch them being good. Power: Withdraw … Read more

Eight Components of Comprehensive Youth Ministry The components describe specific areas of the mission of the Church that work together to provide ministry with adolescents. These components provide a framework 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 … Read more

ARTICLE 2:  THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION [From the Catechism of the Catholic Church] 1285     Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion … Read more

SHARED CHRISTIAN PRAXIS MAIN IDEA FOR SESSION What is the main idea for this session? For example, The Holy Spirit, Sacraments, Jesus     etc. Often your DRE or Confirmation Director will give you the session main idea or topic   LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR SESSIONS Groome suggests that Christian Faith has as a lived reality has … Read more

Ministry Leadership Style Questionnaire   The purpose of the Ministry Leadership Style Questionnaire is to provide you with information about your perceptions of your own leadership style. The questionnaire consists of twenty typical ministry situations that involve a leader and one or more volunteers (from a ministry team or program). Following each situation are four … Read more

How to Use Media in the Catechetical Setting Media and Catechesis: A Training Module for Catechists PREVIEW— PREPARE — INVOLVE— PRESENT — FOLLOW-UP — EVALUATE It’s helpful to consult the Leader’s Guide that accompanies the program when you preview. It will often include background material as well as ideas and suggestions for preparation, discussion and … Read more

10 Things in “Christus Vivit” Addressed to All of Us Who Work with Young People By Tom East 1.  Reflect Christ. ​As people who love young people, our first job is to reflect Jesus Christ. “Even though to many young people, God, religion and the Church seem empty words, they are sensitive to the figure … Read more

      Prayer tables Prayer tables reflect the presence of God in the space where you meet. They can incorporate the liturgical sea­ son, theme, lesson, or subject of discussion. They provide a sacred space in your room Common Components of a Prayer Table Bible Cross Candle Christ in life Symbol of the Season: Any object … Read more

Nuts and Bolts Important Forms for Ministry with Young People This page contains templates for many forms that are used on a regular basis in ministry with young people. These forms pertain to liability issues, employment matters, and other areas of this vital ministry. PLEASE note that most forms should be adapted to include specific … Read more