Relational Ministry with Youth

Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to relational ministry with youth. Participants will examine a mindset for relational ministry and its place relative to the Vision of Youth Ministry in the U.S Catholic Church. Specific attention will be given to theological reflection on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ as the staring point for building relationships with youth.

Successful completion of this course earns 2.5 CEU's.

General Course Objectives

• Explain the concept of Incarnational Youth Ministry
• Articulate the key relational elements of Comprehensive Youth Ministry
• Understand the role of parents and pastoral care as starting points for relational ministry with youth
• Explore the youth ministry component of community life as it refers to youth and their peers as well as youth with the parish community
• Describe the implications of Incarnational Youth Ministry for youth ministry leaders

Course Materials

• Required Book: Weddell,Sherry A. Forming Intentional Disciples: The Path to Knowing and Following Jesus Our Sunday Visitor, 2012. ISBN: 1612785905; ISBN-13: 978-1612785905, ASIN: B008H4NAPI
  • Order here

Course Structure and Highlights

• Week 1: Relational Youth Ministry: Influence or Incarnation?
  • Explain the differences between the motive of influence and the motive of incarnation within relational ministry
  • Describe the concept of Climate Change within ministry as depicted in Forming Intentional Disciples
• Week 2: Relationships and Catholic Youth Ministry
  • Understand the role of Jesus as the incarnate, crucified and resurrected place-sharer
  • Learn the goals and dimensions of Catholic Youth Ministry
  • Connect and apply the concept of place-sharing to Renewing the Vision
• Week 3: Bridging the Gaps: Parents and Pastoral Care
  • Explain the importance of the role that parents play in lives of their children
  • Describe pastoral care in terms of relational ministry with youth
  • Be familiar with the concept of Thresholds as described by Weddell
• Week 4: Community Life: Relationships with Peers and Parish
  • Understand the ministry of community life in the context of young people’s relationships with their peers and their parish community
  • Identify ways to create a ministerial environment for youth that provides them opportunities to form authentic relationships
• Week 5: Leadership Implications of Relational Youth Ministry
  • Understand and apply intentional journeying (also referred to as missionary discipleship) as the foundational motive for relational ministry with youth
  • Explain the elements of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and their significance for youth ministry leaders

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