PART 2 WYD08 and Youth Ministry

,...deepen the faith, spirituality and missionary awareness of those who are already working in the parishes... PART 2 WYD08 and Youth Ministry

Table of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 INTRODUCTION YOUTH MINISTRY AND WYD 2.1 Why the urgency 2.2 How do we reap the benefits after WYD08 2.3 What is the key focus that we need post WYD COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH MINISTRY 3.1 What youth ministry contexts are there 3.2 Youth group or youth ministry 3.3 Ten Point Appraisal to an effective, comprehensive Youth Ministry 3.4 What might a youth ministry include PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 4.1 How can I set up an existing group style in the parish 4.2 What groups can help with leadership formation 4.3 What major youth ministry resources are out there 4.4 General resource documents WORLD YOUTH DAY AND BEYOND 5.1 What studies have been done to show the effectiveness of WYDs 5.2 What Mission opportunities after WYD are there 5.3 What large youth gatherings are there to plug into post WYD08 APPENDIX A Gathered and non-gathered programming APPENDIX B Characteristics of a youth ministry coordinator APPENDIX C Job description for a youth ministry coordinator P3 P3 P5 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12 2

INTRODUCTION 1.1 Get ready!! 8 is coming!! Parishes, the time is now!! The following information has been compiled by WYD 2008 from feedback received from individuals working in youth ministry across Australia and New Zealand. The goal is to maximise the effect of WYD08 in parishes and chaplaincies., YOUTH MINISTRY AND WYD 2.1 Why the urgency [Parishes are to] be very involved in their preparation for WYD so the young people will automatically come home to a parish that they feel they belong to and then the parish can continually support them on their faith journey. Don t wait until after WYD08! Belinda Chapman, WYD08 Coordinator, Archdiocese of Hobart WYD is a once in a life time opportunity to re-engage or more deeply engage young people in the life of parishes and chaplaincies. By involving young people in parishes now to prepare of WYD08 and implementing youth ministry structures, will ensure that on return youth will have more inclination to be involved. Spending a week together with their pastors is a rare and treasured experience for WYD pilgrims and often helps to establish long standing and fruitful relationships in the Church. 3

2.2 How do we reap the benefits after nourish the spiritual experience they have had, talk to them about it and what they would like to do to keep that flame alive and then I would talk to them about outreach/ service. That is the best way to keep an experience/encounter with God alive by using it, developing it, inviting others into it. It also potentially grows the numbers in their social circle with their parish. Shanelle Bennett, National Coordinator of NET Ministries Australia Guide and support their spiritual development through regular prayer for the young people Andy Moore, WYD08 Coordinator, Diocese of Sale We must never lose sight of the fact that if a young person has had a strong experience then that young person needs personal follow up, and the seeds planted in their hearts and mind need nurturing. Opportunities for sharing and exploring faith and life questions must be given priority in the period immediately after WYD08 and must continue on so that faith sharing becomes an integral aspect of the life of the pilgrim, through which he or she will grow. Retreats and regular faith sharing groups with other pilgrims with guidelines will help them focus on God s action in their life. 2.3 What is the key focus that we need post WYD Offer them Jesus: something clear, something real Benita de Vincentis, WYD08 Coordinator, Diocese of Darwin In particular, our movements hope that WYD calls young people to follow Jesus and to build up the reign of God in their every day lives before and beyond the event in Sydney. Chantelle Ogilvie, WYD08 Coordinator, Australian Young Christian Workers (AYCW) & Australian Young Christian Students (AYCS) Contemplating the face of Christ keeps our efforts with young people focused on our ultimate goal. As Pope John Paul II stated at the dawn of the new millennium when he promulgated the Church s pastoral plan in Novo Millenio Ineunte: It is not therefore a matter of inventing a new program. The program already exists: it is the plan found in the Gospel and in the living Tradition, it is the same as ever. Ultimately, it has its centre in Christ himself, who is to be known, loved and imitated, so that in him we may live the life of the Trinity, and with him transform history until its fulfilment in the heavenly Jerusalem. This is a program which does not change with shifts of times and cultures, even though it takes account of time and culture for the sake of true dialogue and effective communication. This program for all times is our program for the Third Millennium. 4

COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH MINISTRY 3.1 What youth ministry contexts are there (It is) important to consider that some parishes are extremely small and isolated Benita de Vincentis, WYD08 Coordinator, Diocese of Darwin Each parish is different, and this impacts on the types of youth ministry which would be most effective. Some of the variable considerations include Urban or rural Existing or nonexistent youth structure Demographics ethnic, cultural, age range School presence University presence Socio-economic background Family of origin/structures Levels of church attendance of young people and of their families 3.2 Youth group or youth ministry The first question that needs to be answered is whether a youth group is the appropriate model for youth ministry for the parish Rachel Grahl, WYD08 Coordinator, Diocese of Townsville What are the goals and objectives of ministries and groups The first suggestion often made in relation to youth engagement in a parish is let s start a youth group. A youth group is one great tool for youth ministry, but it does not equate to youth ministry. Youth ministry includes a variety of means of engaging young people, according to their particular human needs, into the life of the Body of Christ within the context of the parish or chaplaincy. Schools can also play a significant role in youth ministry. Involve your Catholic Colleges - use the project as an opportunity to establish and build relationships with RE staff and chaplains and ask them to utilise retreat days and RE classes to prepare young people of senior college age. Chris Duthie-Jung, Chairperson of the National WYD Committee Aotearoa NZ 5

3.3 The ten point appraisal to an effective, comprehensive Youth Ministry To plan an effective, comprehensive youth ministry, which is sustainable long term and is integrated into parish life, the following steps help provide considerations: 1. Identify whose task is Youth Ministry within the parish Identify a core group of potential leaders. In cooperation with the Parish Priest, they then set out how they will go about it Andrew Moore, WYD08 Coordinator, Diocese of Sale The whole parish is involved in youth ministry: Parish Priest, other clergy and religious, Pastoral Associate, Parish Councils, Parents and Youth, each in their own way. Young people need to be particularly involved! 2. Call together a leadership team Develop youth leaders in the congregation now Benita de Vincentis, WYD08 Coordinator, Diocese of Darwin Call together a leadership team to begin the process of building or enhancing a youth ministry, including a first draft of a mission statement. 3. Assess your assets What assets do you have: a hall, willing parents, donations, information, a local school Consider engaging elderly parishioners to pray and assist in youth ministry. 4. Assess youth needs Find out the specific needs of the youth in your area and use this to focus your youth ministry delivery. Consult young people in your area. Assess community needs. Where can young people help to meet a need Understand and work in the strength of the community. The local charism of the parish can give rise to sustainable initiatives. 5. Research Meet with other parishes that have effective and thriving youth ministries Martin Pannell, National Manager, Youth Mission Team Australia Research possible programs that deliver on your mission statement. Refer to the resources lists in this document. 6. Structure Structure your youth ministry with a mission statement, making it clear what you hope to achieve. Link this to the parish pastoral plan. Plan and work to your ministry. 7. Form the leaders with sound theological, pastoral, spiritual and communitarian formation Leadership formation, liturgical formation, theological reflection, or scripture studies are all places to start. If young people see that the parish is a learning community they win. Mark McDonald, WYD08 Coordinator, Diocese of Broken Bay It is crucial that these dimensions of formation consider authentic human needs, including the search for meaning and are drawn from in the official Teaching of the Church and the Heart of Christ. 8. Provide ongoing support, guidance and mentoring for the leaders Provide adequate pastoral care for all involved in the youth ministry Martin Pannell, National Manager, Youth Mission Team Australia. Refer to 4.2 for leadership formation courses that you can offer to your leaders. 9. Build the youth ministry in realistic stages Start small Janet Mazenier, Project Manager, WYD 2008 New Zealand. Go step by step, keeping an eye on where the grace is given. 10. Approach young people to be involved Sell them the vision and build relationships with them through common projects. Relationship evangelisation is a crucial complement to event evangelisation. 6

3.4 What might a youth ministry include Social action Catechesis Service Prayer Scripture reflection Leadership training Letter writing Fundraising Drop-in centre Visiting group Evangelisation Mass Hook young people into multiple activities as life goes on different things may appeal. What about older young people, those in their late twenties and early thirties Theatre group Sport team Art exhibition Music ministry Cinema discussion group Dinner party hosting Parent support and child minding 7

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS 4.1 How can I set up an existing group style in the parish There are many different styles of youth groups, some examples are: Antioch www.geocities.com/athens/oracle/2744/story.html Life Teen www.lifeteen.com Vinnies Youth www.vinnies.org.au/youth/home.cfm Young Christian students (YCS) www.aycs.org.au Young Christian Workers (YCW) www.ycw.org.au Youth Mission Team www.ymt.com.au Net Ministries www.netministries.com.au Prayer groups e.g. Catholic Charismatic Renewal contact locally. Emmanuel Youth Outreach www.eyouth.com.au Eucharistic Adoration, refer to WYD08 Holy Hour of Power Kit Taize prayer www.taize.fr/en_article3489.html Growing Teen Disciples model Australian Catholic Students Association www.catholicstudents.org.au Gospel/bible study groups www.usydcc.org In addition there are ideas for youth ministry in one on one or other non traditional youth group settings (refer to APPENDIX A) 4.2 4.3 What groups can help with leadership formation Many Diocesan Youth Ministry offices, some Catholic Adult Education bodies and various Movements and Communities offer leadership formation and Youth Ministry courses. Some of the well known ones include: National Evangelisation Teams (NET) www.netministries.com.au Choicez media www.choicez.com.au Catholic Adult Education Centre, Sydney Archdiocese www.caec.com.au Youth Mission Team www.ymt.com.au Sydney Uiversity Catholic Chaplaincy www.usydcc.org What major youth ministry resources are out there Papal letters and addresses to Youth - My Dear Young Friends of Pope John Paul II and WYD addresses of both John Paul II and Pope Benedict. http://www.vatican.va/gmg/documents/gmg_parole-hf_en.html Tu Kahikatea Standing Tall A framework for Catholic Ministry in NZ www.ncyc.org.nz Renewing the Vision A framework for Catholic Youth Ministry in USA http://www.usccb.org/laity/youth/rtvcontents.shtml 4.4 General resource documents Characteristics of a youth ministry coordinator (refer to APPENDIX B) Job description for a Youth Ministry coordinator (refer to APPENDIX C) Event permission slips (refer to Catholic Youth Services, Sydney Archdiocese of Sydney Parish Pack) Child protection/risk assessment - WYD policy on child protection www.wyd2008.org.au/index.php/en/pilgrims/age_policy The various states have different laws, so contact your diocesan Youth Ministry Co-ordinator or your local chancery office. 8

AND BEYOND 5.1 What studies have been done to show the effectiveness of WYDs A study has been undertaken by Richard Rymarz, of the Australian Catholic University, which indicates that for young Australians who have attended previous WYD s experience an objective benefit and increase in religious practice. (Study by Richard Rymarz www.secondspring.co.uk/young/rymarz.htm) 5.2 What Mission opportunities after WYD are there Many young people deepen their faith by participation in the mission of the Church on a local, national and international level. This section is dedicated to the multitude of mission opportunities both in Australia and overseas for young people. These include: National Evangelisation Teams Youth Mission Teams Remar Fidesco Diocesan Mission Teams 5.3 What large youth gatherings are there to plug into post WYD08 Movers and Shakers QLD Marist youth festival Adore Disciples of Jesus Summer School Emmanuel Summerfest Light to the Nations Remar Antioch National Conference Australian Catholic Students Association Conference 9

APPENDIX A 6 Gathered and non-gathered programming Comprehensive ministry can be designed using gathered and non-gathered approaches to make it flexible in responding to young people s needs. Gathered programs. Gathered programs focus on participation in organised groups at a particular venue. Examples include youth meetings, social events, trips, retreats, liturgical experiences, parish events and family programs. The gathered approach to programming is probably the most common, but it is also the least flexible in responding to the diversity of people s schedules and adolescent needs. Sometimes young people will just be too busy to get into youth group stuff. Maybe they have a hectic work and study schedule, they might have responsibilities at home, or perhaps there are family issues that prevent them from attending. Non-gathered programs. As well as organising meetings and events where people gather, include those who can t make it by developing non-gathered outreaches. In this way they will be kept in the loop, you will be reaching out to them with the same messages as to the others, and they will know that you have remembered them. Non-gathered programs can be in small groups or individualised. Small group programs can be used for evangelisation programming, catechetical courses, prayer groups, self-help support groups and bible study, to name a few. Small group settings also allow easy use of video-based programs. A small group idea is to run Bible studies for small groups of teens plus a youth leader in someone s home once a week before school, maybe in six-week blocks during the school term, focusing on a different book of the Bible in each block. Individualised programs focus on individuals or families. They can be home-based activities and resources, spiritual direction, mentoring, emails and newsletters. For example, maybe not everyone can make the special Mass you ve organised for the start of exam time, so why not send an exam prayer card to all the young people in the parish. CYS Parish Pack, Archdiocese of Sydney 10

APPENDIX B 7 Characteristics of a youth ministry coordinator Generic skills Leadership: someone with vision who can encourage and lead others, as well as delegate and supervise work Administration and organisation Strategic planning Communication: one to one, small group facilitation, up front speaking Promotion: an understanding of how to promote events to youth, and how to recruit youth and volunteers Crisis management: someone who can deal with things when they go wrong, and with people in crisis situations Specific youth ministry skills Designing and giving youth retreats and training retreat teams Designing and leading prayer nights/liturgical activities and social activities for youth Relating with young people on a spiritual and social level Challenging young people in the faith in a non-threatening way Understanding of how to use basic youth ministry tools such as personal Sharings, drama, music, small group activities Faith experience A lifestyle in keeping with the Catholic faith, regular participation in the Sacraments Prayerfulness and a commitment to service and evangelisation A personal relationship with Jesus and a love for the Catholic Church Strong understanding of the teachings of the Catholic Church Capacity to help others make steps in the life of faith Personal qualities Creative thinking Enthusiasm and motivation Ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team Confident Personal maturity Ability to build friendships with young people CYS Parish Pack, Archdiocese of Sydney 11

APPENDIX C 8 Job description for a youth ministry coordinator 1. The coordinator acts as an advocate and link for youth interpret the needs of youth to the youth ministry team and the community facilitate the development of community among young people, their families, their parish and the local community support families in their role of promoting healthy adolescent development and faith growth partner with schools and the civic community to promote effective services for youth and positive values in youth provide multicultural and multilingual ministry as needed promote the pastoral care of youth and families 2. The coordinator recruits, forms and supports volunteers promote the spiritual formation of youth and adult leaders lead the youth ministry team in planning and coordinating programs and services develop job descriptions and recruitment processes facilitate the training and support of leaders 3. The coordinator promotes the faith formation of youth develop and implement evangelization and outreach programs develop and implement catechetical programs promote active youth worship including inclusive and participative liturgy and prayer opportunities 4. The coordinator empowers youth for Christian ministry facilitate the training and formation of youth as leaders provide opportunities for service and linking such opportunities to the fostering of peace and justice 5. The coordinator acts as parish administrator for youth facilitate the planning, implementation and evaluation of long and short range program goals collaborate with other members of the pastoral staff develop and supervising the program budget assure that legal and moral responsibilities are provided for within the context of the parish program CYS Parish Pack, Archdiocese of Sydney 12