YOUTH MINISTRY Methodology and Skills Course Information

Transcription

1 YOUTH MINISTRY Methodology and Skills Course Information Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas

2 How to Offer Youth Ministry Methodology & Skills Courses: For more information concerning Youth Ministry Methodology & Skills course offerings, please contact the Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministries. The CCF Handbook/Courses and Objectives section refers to the Methodology and Skills Courses available to take through Catechetical Services. Please note that in this section, we list the available Youth Ministry Methodology and Skills courses that can be offered as well as further information on how to offer these courses for your parish. Please contact our office for the steps in offering a course at your parish including items such as: - Advertising Avenues - Course Documentation Materials (Course form, attendance sheet, evaluations, course materials, etc.) - Host parish responsibilities - Wrap-up and completion of documentation for credit (always making sure to keep a copy on file for your own records) When offering a course, CYML s should contact the OY&YAM prior to its planned offering date. Upon notification to our office, the offering entity will be asked to complete the Course Documentation form and fax it to the OY&YAM for pre-approval as this helps to ensure that Catechetical Services knows this course has been approved through our office and can be entered into the database. Please inform your parish PCL of your offering. Upon completion of the course: Please return the Course Documentation Form, the Attendance Spreadsheet and a copy of all participant evaluations as directed by the OY&YAM. This must be done in order to receive credit for your participants. You will send in both a hard and electronic copy of your Attendance Sheet. If you send the Attendance Spreadsheet in with any missing information or do not send in evaluations for all participants, your paperwork will be returned to you so you can complete the documentation. Payment and Fees: Are done so at the discretion of the host parish. You will not turn in any fees to the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. If you a planning on paying your instructor a stipend, you will take care of that in house. When offering a course, please notify the OY&YAM if you will be charging a course fee so it can be noted in the advertising.

3 Courses Not Listed in this Handbook/Taking Place Outside Our Diocese: If you attend a Youth Ministry Methodology and Skills training not listed in our courses that takes place outside of our diocese, please call for possible approval pathways prior to the offering date. We have provided you a listing of pre-approved Youth Ministry Methodology & Skills courses and objectives in this specialization handbook. - For Youth Ministry Methodology course approval, please contact OY&YAM. - For Scripture, Theology, or Personal Spiritual Maturity course approval, please contact the Office of Catechetical Services. - You will need to provide a copy of the content covered/syllabus of training in addition to instructor information. When offering a course, please note that all instructors must be pre-approved The OY&YAM has a listing of pre-approved instructors. You will need to seek pre-approval of instructors not listed on the approved list in order to submit trainings for credit prior to offering the class or attending a course outside the diocese when seeking credit. If you wish to bring a guest speaker into your parish and are seeking course credit, you will need to contact the OY&YAM for pre-approval of the instructor and content/matching of course objectives. For instructor approval for Youth Ministry Methodology Courses/please call the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. For Scripture, Theology, Personal Spiritual Maturity instructors, please call the Office of Catechetical Services.

4 Youth Ministry Methodology & Skills Course Listings Youth Ministry: Methodology/Skills Revised 9/20/12 30 hours Core Courses 15 hours Foundational Youth Ministry Topics 6 hours Specialized Youth Ministry Options 9 hours

5 Youth Ministry: Methodology/Skills Core Course Content 30 hours 15 hours These courses equip and empower catechists with the knowledge and methods to be effective teachers and facilitators of learning. Getting Started as a Catechist [5 hours] To be incorporated if not included in Echoes of Faith segment What is catechesis faith formation process as lifelong and intergenerational, and particular issues and emphasis during the adolescent years Role of a catechist Ministry mindset: being a facilitator of learning, a mentor and engaging youth in an apprenticeship model Call to ministry assessment of personal attributes and strengths; matching gifts to roles Tips for being prepared as a catechist Tending to the learning setting: room arrangement, atmosphere, personal interaction, etc. Tending to your own spirituality; Continued faith development and your own personal relationship with Jesus Partnering with families: parents as primary catechists Introduction to the Learner [5 hours] Understanding the nature and needs of adolescents (young and/or older) adolescent development and family (asset building) the role of adults in adolescent development (asset building) adolescent spirituality and faith formation adolescents and learning (brain development, learning styles) adolescent life today (media influence, technology, etc.) Methods for Grade Levels [5 hours] Understanding the theory and developing skills for establishing rapport and relationships with adolescents effective communication with adolescents empowering young people into a discipleship mindset through facilitation and modeling managing behavior (individual and group) effective teaching methods: facilitating learning (experiential, interactive, relevant)

6 sharing faith with adolescents partnering with parents in the learning process traits of families with adolescents, healthy habits for family faith growth responding to difficult questions and comments of concern from youth clarifying boundaries, personal limitations, privacy issues, appropriate personal disclosure, etc. when and where to get assistance and provide referrals working with co-catechists: collaboration in ministry and team teaching (differing styles, strengths, communication, conflict resolution, clarifying roles, etc.) incorporating scripture in catechesis: integrating scripture in sessions, how to use the bible with youth, etc. Foundational Youth Ministry Topics 6 hours (For all those working within youth ministry) These courses provide participants with an understanding that all youth ministry activities are avenues for ministry and faith formation. They form adult leaders with the mindset and skills to nurture faith with young people regardless of the specific nature of the program or activity in which they are involved. Courses establish a framework for viewing specific ministry roles and activities in the context of a broader comprehensive youth ministry, encouraging mutual respect and support across ministerial and cultural perspectives. Vision and Process of Catholic Youth Ministry (Becoming Church for Young People) overall vision what does Catholic Youth Ministry mean; youth ministry in the context of lifelong process of faith growth; family as partners in ministry approach how is youth ministry organized and implemented in a parish community; collaboration and networking; parish as community of youth ministers; leadership - how does leadership function; what roles are involved; individual roles in context of overall ministry; Baptism and Confirmation as sacraments of ministry; the gift of cultural diversity Nurturing Spiritual Growth and Discipleship of Youth (Living as a Child of God and Disciple of Jesus Christ: Personal dimension of Catholic faith) discerning and affirming personal gifts, interests, talents with youth exploring vocation seeking and responding to God s call throughout life evangelizing youth forming and deepening their relationship with Jesus Christ

7 exploring Jesus call to discipleship connecting faith to life living as a disciple in the world: building the Kingdom of God on earth (Thy Kingdom come thy will be done.) nurturing personal spirituality developing personal prayer habits integrating scripture and spirituality encouraging personal use of the bible for learning, praying, strengthening Catholic identity, lens for life decisions Nurturing Christian Community with Youth (Living as the Body of Christ Communal dimension of Catholic faith) establishing an understanding of Christian community as basis for all youth ministry activities valuing and affirming diversity of individuals and cultures promoting a gospel-value mindset for personal interaction: inclusion and acceptance, respect and reconciliation (scripture as guideline for personal and group interaction) sharing faith and prayer in community supporting family as the primary faith community the elements and process of building community sample techniques and activities for building community Specialized Youth Ministry Options 9 hours (Ministry specific) These courses focus on specific component areas of youth ministry programming. They provide both foundational principles and practical tools and skills for preparing and leading effective programs with youth. Each course emphasizes the importance of incorporating a family perspective and addressing multicultural diversity. Consult the course offerings with Catechetical Services for a variety of elective options which may support your ministry area. Examples include: RCIA - Adolescent; Sacramental Prep; Media; The Liturgical year; Multiculturalism; Special Needs, Quince Años Preparing for Retreat Ministry [3 hours] Models and framework for retreats Planning process Leadership formation roles, responsibilities, limitations Involving youth as leaders Effective progression for retreat outline

8 Maintaining a healthy environment (managing emotional intensity, responding to youth reactions, tending to pastoral issues, etc.) Samples and examples of retreat resources Spirituality of retreats Engaging Youth in Justice and Service [3 hours] Understanding the Catholic perspective on Justice Addressing Catholic Social Teaching with youth Creating effective service-learning opportunities Working with social justice organizations becoming an advocate and liaison for youth Organizing service projects and activities Preparing, engaging and de-briefing experiences with youth and adults Tending to the preparation, experience and response of adult participants/leaders Making the faith connection Justice spirituality and scripture Planning Effective Programs for Youth [3 hours] Practical tips and tools for planning Identifying learning aspects and making catechetical connections Assessing and documenting the program plan, outcome and participant response Developing a ministry mindset for all programs and activities Tending to the administrative details Preparing Prayer and Worship Experiences for Youth [3 hours] Understanding the Catholic perspective on prayer, spirituality, sacrament and worship Principles and process for praying with youth (planning steps, creativity and prayer forms, sample outlines and examples, music and prayer, etc.) Principles and elements for preparing liturgies for and with youth Involving youth in the prayer and worship experiences of the parish (liturgy, Stations of the Cross, reconciliation services, etc.) Preparing youth as liturgical ministries of the parish Planning Large Events, Inter-parish Events and Mission Trips [3 hours] Planning timelines Administrative issues (liability, registration/permission, emergency response, etc.) Collaboration with other Agencies and Organizations Managing transportation Managing meals and housing Managing large groups and multiple locations Recruiting and preparing leaders Designing learning elements

9 Tending to prayer and spirituality Role of families Empowering Youth as Leaders [3 hours] Spirituality of Christian leadership: servant leaders to lead as Jesus did Roles and responsibilities Mentoring, modeling and apprenticing Elements of leadership: communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, planning, etc. Collaboration and teamwork Evangelization and Discipleship [3 hours] Understanding evangelization what is it, why it is important and how it happens Tips and tools for evangelizing youth: individual, small group, large group Effective witness talks and conversion conversations Empowering youth as evangelizers Designing evangelization programs and activities Maximizing evangelization opportunities making the faith/jesus connections in conversations and interactions Additional Elective Courses Offered in Collaboration with Other Agencies/Specialized Youth Ministry Options These courses focus on several elective offerings that occur in collaboration with other agencies in a specialized area of youth ministry. They provide both foundational principles and practical tools and skills for preparing and leading effective programs with youth. Each course emphasizes the importance of incorporating a family perspective and addressing multicultural diversity. RESPETO [5 hours] RESPETO is a program by the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) offered in collaboration with the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries: Providing students with the training to implement the RESPETO curriculum which invites Latino youth to active participation in the life and mission of The Church today and tomorrow. Fostering prayerful reflection and teaching valuable skills for leadership such as listening, conflict resolution, discernment, and planning.

10 Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth [5 hours] Understand the current research on the religious beliefs, attitudes and activities of youth today including the critical impact of the parents faith, beliefs and actions on that of their children/teens Reflect on the challenges that are facing families, parents and the Church when one seeks to pass on our Catholic faith in an authentic and effective manner Review Church teaching related to the primacy of parents and families in faith formation Learn change management strategies to critically examine the traditional faith formation system while highlighting a strategic process for moving toward an engaged partnership with parents in living and sharing the Catholic faith at home and through the life and mission of the parish community Discover some practical ideas, strategies and resources for empowering families to grow in faith together Sharing the Vision These Courses are pre-designed. Materials, course outlines and further information on these courses can be found by contacting the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Each course is offered as a 2 hour block/credit. A brief overview of the training designs follow: Overview of Youth Ministry This workshop helps parish leaders come to fuller understanding of comprehensive youth ministry as outlined in Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (USCCB, 1997). The workshop explores the ways that a parish can effectively minister to young people within the context of the parish, including the family and wider community. This workshop is for parish staff, parish leaders, and interested youth ministry volunteers, including young people. This will work best with parishes that currently have no youth ministry, or who have a limited approach. Organizing a Team for Youth Ministry This workshop helps parish leaders create a leadership structure for youth ministry that includes youth and adults. The workshop explores the need for a variety of leaders and the reasons why different roles are necessary and helpful in sustaining youth ministry over many years.

11 This workshop is for parish staff, parish leaders, and interested youth ministry volunteers, including young people. Developing Volunteer Leaders for Youth Ministry This workshop will assist parish leaders in recruiting, training, and supporting adults and youth for volunteer leadership in youth ministry. Included in this workshop are the tools necessary to create the roles descriptions that will assist these volunteers in knowing what they are being asked to do and will help parish leaders in recruiting volunteers based on interests and gifts. This workshop is for parish staff, parish leaders, and interested youth ministry volunteers, including young people. It can be used in helping to create a youth ministry team in a parish with no current youth ministry, or for creating a team to support an on-going youth ministry. Planning for Dynamic Youth Ministry This workshop helps parishes assess their current strengths and weaknesses, identify resources for youth ministry, and develop a practical plan for developing more effective ministry with adolescents. This workshop is designed for youth ministry leaders, including young people. This workshop is targeted at a group that wishes to plan for a season of ministry. Note: This workshop can be done in 2 hours, but it is also helpful to do it in a longer period of time thereby allowing for a practical plan at the end of the session. Becoming a Youth Friendly Parish This workshop helps parish leaders imagine together the parish s ability to minister to young people throughout all of parish life. Participants will discuss ways to include youth throughout parish life and discover ways that they can collaborate more fully to make young people feel welcomed in all ministries. Parish leaders will discover new ways that they can have a positive effect on youth and on the parish s youth ministry. This workshop is for parish staff, parish leaders, parish councils, and youth ministry leaders. It will work best with a variety of parish leaders in attendance. This workshop is not designed to do only with youth ministry leaders.

12 Hiring and Supporting a Coordinator of Youth Ministry This workshop assists a parish in preparing to hire a Coordinator of Youth Ministry (CYM). The session includes creating a job description and budget for the CYM, a guide through the search process, and a plan for orientation, support, and supervision. This workshop is for a hiring committee from a parish, empowered with hiring a coordinator of youth ministry. This can include parish staff, pastors, youth ministry volunteers, parish council members, youth, parents, etc. Understanding Youth Today This workshop helps parish leaders understand the developmental changes that young people are experiencing during early and older adolescence and how these changes affect the type of ministry that we offer. Participants will also explore how faith changes during these adolescent years and ways that ministry can address and support these changes. This workshop is youth ministry volunteers, and other adults who are interested in knowing about adolescent development. This might include parents and catechists, as well as parish staff and leaders. Ministering to Middle School Adolescents This workshop helps parishes know and understand how to minister with young adolescents. The workshop includes information about the developmental and faith needs of young adolescents and models for Middle School Youth Ministry that are effective. This workshop is for parish staff, parish leaders, and youth ministry leaders, including young people. This workshop should include those who are currently involved in catechetical efforts with young adolescence. Many Faces in God s House This workshop helps parish leaders come to a fuller understanding how Catholic Youth Ministry can minister effectively with all of the cultural groups represented within their parish community. Participants will explore the importance of creating room for all the cultural differences while maintaining unity within diversity in youth ministry and learn how to engage all young people in appreciating the richness of other cultures. This workshop is for parish staff and youth ministry leaders, including young people. It is essential that leaders from all cultural groups of the parish participate within the workshop.

13 Additional Information Regarding Personal Spiritual Maturity (PSM) Offerings: 1. All PSM s have to be 5 hours in length in order to receive credit 2. Pre-approval must be done with Catechetical Services prior to offering. Post offering approval may not be granted credit. 3. The OY&YAM is not the approving agency for PSM hours. See the CCF Handbook for more information regarding Personal and Spiritual Maturity Courses Descriptions and Objectives (Examples noted below) Personal & Spiritual Maturity Offerings/CCF Handbook: Small Faith Sharing Groups Theological Reflection Retreats/ Days of Reflection Art of Discernment Spiritual Direction Prayer Groups