Certificate in Youth Ministry Program

Transcription

1 Certificate in Youth Ministry Program Contents Program Overview Frequently Asked Questions Course Curriculum Next Steps Application Student Learning Contract Roles & Responsibilities

2 Program Overview The Office of Formation & Discipleship in cooperation with the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) at the University of Dayton is offering a Certificate in Youth Ministry Program that is designed for catechists who desire to specialize in Youth Ministry. The Certificate in Youth Ministry Program equips leaders with the knowledge, skills, practical tools, and techniques needed for creative and comprehensive ministry with youth. The program consists of eight 5 week courses; three introductory and five core youth ministry courses. Basic Courses 1. Survey of Catholic Doctrine 2. Introduction to Scripture 3. Faith and Human Development Core Courses 4. A Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry 5. Relational Ministry with Youth 6. Prayer and Worship with Adolescents 7. Principles for Addressing Diversity Issues in Youth Ministry 8. Planning Youth Ministry Events There are six regular 5 week cycles in the VLCFF calendar year (and one 3 week cycle that is reserved for seminars only). The Certificate in Youth Ministry Program requires approximately one and a half years to complete if all eight courses are taken consecutively. Each course earns 2.5 CEU credits (Continuing Education Units) or 20 CEUs total credit. When the Certificate in Youth Ministry is completed, the student is required to apply for a Certificate of Completion that can serve as a foundation component for achieving Master Catechist status if all the other Master Catechist requirements are met. (See Chapter 9, Page 85 of Communicating the Catholic Message at under Office of Formation & Discipleship for detailed information about Master Catechist requirements.) The Certificate in Youth Ministry Program is now being made available to all parishes in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

3 What is VLCFF? Frequently Asked Questions The Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) at the University of Dayton is a growing initiative to offer adult religious education and faith formation courses anytime and anywhere online via the Internet. The goal is to support the church's professional ministry of religious education and faith formation in cyberspace. The Archdiocese of Atlanta is a partner diocese in the VLCFF program which entitles students to reduced fees for the VLCFF programs and courses. What is the Certificate in Youth Ministry? The Certificate in Youth Ministry Program is a ministry education program for adults in ministry with youth in both parish and school settings. The Certificate in Youth Ministry is recognized by the Office of Formation & Discipleship as one of the required foundation components for awarding of Master Catechist status. The certificate alone does not confer Master Catechist status. The other requirements to achieve Master Catechist status are spelled out in Communicating the Catholic Message (CCM), the official Catechist Certification guideline for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. (See Chapter 9, Page 85 of Communicating the Catholic Message. Go to under Office of Formation & Discipleship for detailed information about Master Catechist requirements. Questions about certification should be directed to the Religious Education Department within the Office of Formation & Discipleship. Why should you consider getting a Certificate in Youth Ministry? a. Affirmation & Credibility: Certification is a chance for you to be affirmed and lifted up in your ministry and to have your ministry professionally acknowledged by an outside authority. It is an acknowledgement of your pastoral and professional competence in ministry relative to national standards. As such, being certified enhances your credibility as a lay ecclesial minister and the credibility of your field of ministry. b. Identity & Connection: Certification is an opportunity for you to affirm your commitment to ministry in the Church. It also offers you a professional identity within your field and a connection with the national ministerial organization for your field. c. Development of Your Field: Becoming certified is one way for you to be an agent of change and contribute to the development and strengthening of your field. Receiving certification may not have an immediate, positive effect on your compensation; however, dioceses that have been certifying lay ecclesial ministers for a few years are beginning to report that certification is becoming a factor that leads to higher compensation. Your participation in this process supports the building of a culture of competence in lay ecclesial ministry and helps to raise the bar for competent, faithful and professional ministry with the People of God National Association for Lay Ministry on behalf of the Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

4 How does the program work? The VLCFF program is an online program available for access 24/7, 365. The student is required to submit programmed work assignments to an online facilitator and the other members of a class (called a cohort) who respond individually and collectively by means of an online Discussion Board. Being assessable online, the students can work the program into their particular lifestyle and schedule their course work when it is most convenient, any hour of the day or night. How much time is required? There are eight, five week courses that require on average approximately 7 to 12 hours of study time per week, or 56 to 96 hours per course. Some courses require less time and some a little more time. How long does it take to get a certificate? The course schedule is established and managed by VLCFF at the University of Dayton with six cycles spaced throughout each year. It would be academically possible for a cohort to complete as many as six courses in a calendar year if the courses were taken consecutively. The additional two courses could be taken in the following year. Therefore, a student or cohort could complete all eight courses in approximately one and a half years. What is a cohort? All VLCFF courses operate with cohorts. The term cohort means a group of students who form a class unit and stay together during the entire course or program. The students in each cohort would be classmates throughout the program. There is an option to form a cohort within a parish or groups of parishes or allow VLCFF to assign a student to a cohort made up of students in other parts of the U.S. or globally. Who schedules the courses? All courses are scheduled by the University of Dayton in line with their annual cycles. The cohort members can decide to skip a cycle if requested by a majority of the students. Once a course is scheduled, all students in the cohort must participate as a unit. What happens if a student is not able to take a particular course with the cohort due to a business or personal situation? A student can opt out of a course but would remain in the cohort. The student would then be responsible for making up the course(s), separate of the cohort, when the course is offered in the regular VLCFF course cycle but without the Archdiocesan preferred tuition grant. All missed courses would have to be completed before the student could receive a certificate of completion. What does the VLCFF program in Youth Ministry cost? The Archdiocese, through the Office of Formation and Discipleship, is offering a special tuition grant of $20 per student per course, or a total of $160 for all 8 courses. The total fee of $160 is due and payable in advance. The normal rate is $90 per course for non-partner dioceses and $40 per course for partner diocese. OFD is absorbing half of the tuition as an incentive to get more catechists certified in youth ministry. In addition to the course fee, the student must pay a one-time, non-refundable registration fee Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

5 of $15. Some courses require a text book that can be purchased separately through Amazon.com. The books are reasonably priced in relation to university level textbooks. Will my parish reimburse me for the cost of the program? There is no standard practice within the Archdiocese. It is suggested that the student discuss the possibility with the Pastor or Director of Religious Education. What is the Student Learning Contract? Each student will be required to read and sign a Student Learning Contract that outlines a student s role and responsibility throughout the entire program. The purpose of the contract is to ensure that the student understands and is willing to fulfill all requirements of the program since the entire cohort depends on the commitment of every student in order to undertake all 8 courses in the program. The student is also required to review the roles and responsibilities of VLCFF and OFD. How will a student be scored? The course instructor determines and monitors the requirements for each course. Upon successful completion of each course, the student will be scored in one of three categories: Distinguished, Very Good, and Good (the equivalent of A, B and C). Each student will receive a certificate of completion for each course from the University of Dayton. When all courses are successfully completed, the student must apply to VLCFF with proof of completion to receive a Certificate of Completion. The proof of completion of all courses is available for reproduction in the Student Profile under My Course History. What are the roles of VLCFF, the University of Dayton and the Office of Formation & Discipleship? The Certificate in Youth Ministry operates under the jurisdiction and direction of the University of Dayton. Their role is to establish requirements, guidelines, provide the content, assign qualified instructors, and administer the program. The role of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Office of Formation & Discipleship is to serve as an intermediary in making the program available to parishes and catechists. OFD has no authority to change, establish or influence the program requirements or guidelines put in place by VLCFF and the University of Dayton. Is the program available in Spanish? No, the entire program is not available in Spanish. However, it may be possible to create a Spanishspeaking cohort if there are enough interested Spanish-speaking participants. VLCFF has Spanishliterate facilitators and are working on translating the course content. When will the program start? The next Atlanta cohort for the Certificate in Youth Ministry is scheduled to start in January If you are interested in forming or joining a cohort, please contact Bill Clarke, wclarke@archatl.com or by phone at Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

6 Can my parish start our own cohort? Yes, by all means. If you have not less than 12 interested students, VLCFF could form a cohort for your parish. Could I take a course or program for Undergraduate Credit? The VLCFF courses could be classified as continuing education. Any student interested in receiving undergraduate credit for courses in the program should go to: for detailed information and costs. Or, contact Richard Drabik at rdrabik1@udayton.edu. Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

7 Next Steps 1. Review the program with your Director of Religious Education and/or your Pastor to inform them of your desire to participate in the program. Inquire if your parish has a reimbursement program for catechist training expense. 2. Fill in and submit the Youth Ministry application form (attached) along with the signed Student Learning Contract (attached) and your check in the amount of $ (made payable to the University of Dayton, VLCFF Program). You will also have the option to use a credit card to charge the tuition when you register for the first course. If you have any questions, contact Bill Clarke, the Office of Formation & Discipleship (wclarke@archatl.com or Each student is required to review the roles and responsibilities of VLCFF and OFD (attached). 4. When there is a minimum of 12 students to form a cohort, OFD will provide VLCFF with the application forms and the check from the students. 5. VLCFF will then assume the responsibility for the registration and administration of the program, including: a. VLCFF will create a Youth Ministry cohort and establish a closed class designation for the cohort that allows the cohort to take each course in desired sequence whether or not the course is offered in a particular cycle. b. VLCFF will provide each student with detailed instructions on how to create a student profile and pay the one-time registration fee. c. VLCFF will register all students for the first class and provide detailed instructions on how the online program operates along with guidelines or requirements that are specific to VLCFF or the University of Dayton. d. VLCFF will provide the opportunity and instructions for a student to pay the upfront tuition of $160 by credit card if desired. e. VLCFF will advise if any textbooks are required for the course and provide instructions on how to order the textbooks. f. VLCFF will assign a facilitator who will be responsible for guiding and monitoring the progress of each student in the cohort. The facilitator will further explain how the online system operates and the requirements for the course. c. VLCFF recommends that the cohort meet with the instructor about a week before each course begins (telephone, Skype or in person if the facilitator is local). The cohort can get to know each other and talk about expectations for the course. 6. Prior to the first class, the students should visit the VLCFF website and review the student expectations for the class at 7. If you any questions or need assistance, contact Richard Drabik, Asst. Director, VLCFF (rdrabik1@udayton.edu) Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

8 Certificate in Youth Ministry Application First Name M.I. Last Name Street Address City State Zip Parish Role in Parish Highest Level of Education Degree/Institution Primary Experience in Catechesis Years Experience Occupation/Organization Reason for Applying to the Youth Ministry Program Contact Information: Home Phone Office Phone Mobile Phone I would like to apply for the Certificate in Youth Ministry Program. I have read and understand the commitment that will be required. I understand that I must submit a signed Student Learning Contract and a check for advance tuition payment or pay by credit card directly to VLCFF. Signature Date Attach Student Learning Contract & FAX or mail to Archdiocese of Atlanta, Office of Formation & Discipleship, Attn: Bill Clarke, 2401 Lake Park Dr., Smyrna, GA FAX: Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

9 Student Learning Contract Certificate in Youth Ministry The purpose of this learning contract is to specify the roles and responsibilities of the student, VLCFF and the Office of Formation & Discipleship (OFD) to ensure that there are no misunderstandings about the Youth Ministry Program. Student Responsibilities the overriding responsibility is to recognize that you are responsible and accountable for all that you do or fail to do in the program. The program offers the opportunity to achieve a foundation in Youth Ministry that can lead to Master Catechist status if all other requirements are met. 1. You will exhibit a sincere effort and commitment to fulfill your responsibilities as a student. 2. You will start the program with the intent of completing all eight (8) courses and complete the program with your cohort. 3. You will commit to full participation in each course by doing your weekly assignments on time and in line with your Instructor s guidelines. Specifically, you will allocate a minimum of 7 to 12 hours each week for designated reading assignments and posting three (3) or more responses on the Online Course Discussion Board. 4. You will participate from Monday through Saturday of each week and not wait until the end of the week to initiate your reading and posting to the Discussion Board. 5. You will check your VLCFF mail box daily for messages from the facilitator or fellow students. 6. If you experience a problem in completing your assignments, you will take the initiative to contact your Facilitator ASAP to explain your situation and determine the best way to get up to date. 7. You will practice common courtesy with high standards of professionalism in all of your postings and exchanges with your Instructor, the VLCFF staff and fellow students. 8. If you fail to complete the full program of eight (8) courses and do not graduate with your cohort, you will be responsible for enrolling in the required courses to complete the program requirement. 9. You will be responsible for advising your cohort coordinator of your intent to enroll in each course and purchasing any books or course materials, in advance of starting a course. 10. You will be responsible for paying the student portion of the course fees ($20 x 8 course = $160) in advance of starting the first course. If your course fees will be reimbursed by a third party, you are responsible for paying the fees and securing your reimbursement. VLCFF will not bill third parties. 11. You will be personally responsible for resolving any issues concerning VLCFF policies or practices. OFD has no responsibility or input into the development or administration of the VLCFF programs. 12. You will be scored by your Facilitator on a scale of: Distinguished, Very Good or Good for each course. You are responsible for resolving any questions or issues involving scores with your Facilitator and/or VLCFF. Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

10 13. Upon the satisfactory completion of the Certificate in Youth Ministry Program, you will apply for a Certificate of Completion in Youth Ministry from VLCFF. 14. You will be responsible for applying to OFD for a Master Certification in Youth Ministry when all other requirements for Master Catechist status have been fulfilled and submitted. Student Acknowledgement by signing this Learning Contract, the student agrees to comply with all program requirements. Signature Date Attach Application & FAX or mail to Archdiocese of Atlanta, Office of Formation & Discipleship, Attn: Bill Clarke, 2401 Lake Park Dr., Smyrna, GA FAX: Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

11 VLCFF Responsibilities VLCFF is the creator, provider and administrator of the Certificate in Youth Ministry Program. As the arm of a major Catholic university, VLCFF has the overall responsibility to ensure the quality, accuracy and theological correctness of the content of the Program. 1. VLCFF will provide the overall credentials to establish the program as a requirement for master catechist status when all other diocesan requirements are fulfilled and submitted. 2. VLCFF will provide the learning platform, lesson content and overall administration and control of the program. Only VLCFF can make any changes in the program. 3. VLCFF will provide and manage the student profile database, assignment of cohorts, schedules and the maintenance of the systems resources. 4. VLCFF will provide a Facilitator who is highly qualified and experienced with the program, the processes and the content of each course. 5. VLCFF will communicate acceptance into the program to all qualified students. 6. VLCFF will advise the students of the schedules, the available courses, textbook requirements and necessary information for a student to register for a course. 7. VLCFF, through the Facilitator, will facilitate and monitor student activity and performance during each course, including reminders, counseling, evaluation of work and participation in the Discussion Boards. 8. VLCFF, through the Facilitator, will assign a score for each course based on student performance. 9. VLCFF will resolve any issues with the student relative to performance or program administration and operation. 10. VLCFF will track performance and award a certificate at the completion of each course. When all eight courses are completed, the student will apply for a Certificate of Completion for the program. VLCFF acknowledges the above responsibilities. Questions can be sent to Richard R. Drabik, University of Dayton, Institute for Pastoral Initiatives, Asst. Director for the VLCFF, Toll-Free or Richard Drabik rdrabik1@udayton.edu Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final

12 OFD Responsibilities OFD, as an office within the Archdiocese of Atlanta, provides the opportunity and incentive for youth leaders to fulfill a major foundation component in their path to Master Catechist status. The Certificate in Youth Ministry Program is developed, updated and administered by VLCFF, an arm of the University of Dayton, and OFD has no authority to control, change or influence any part of the program. 1. OFD will work closely with VLCFF to ensure the content and process aligns with the certification requirements of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. 2. OFD will provide the students with full descriptions of the Youth Ministry program. 3. OFD will establish the conduit between VLCFF and the student that unites the student with the program. 4. OFD will make information about the program available and accessible to all parishes in the Archdiocese. 5. OFD will respond to inquiries about the program and create cohorts (minimum of 12 students) students); from one parish or a group of parishes. 6. OFD will advise VLCFF of the names and contact information for all prospective students in a cohort. 7. OFD will monitor the program and respond to any requests from VLCFF. 8. OFD will review, sign and forward certificates of completion to students at the conclusion of each course in the program. 9. OFD will stipulate that the Certificate in Youth Ministry fulfills a foundation component for the awarding of Master Catechist status upon fulfillment and submission of all other Master Catechist requirements as specified in the official catechist training and certification document, Communicating the Catholic Message. ( 10. OFD will maintain records of master catechist certification for future reference or referral. OFD acknowledges the above responsibilities. Questions can be sent to William L. Clarke, Professional Development, Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta, Phone (404) or wclarke@archatl.com Office of Formation & Discipleship, Archdiocese of Atlanta Rev Final