National Youth Ministry Conference Saturday , October 17 th , 2009

2. National Youth Ministry ConferenceSaturday, October 17th, 2009 Framework Document Presentation

4. Called together Making the Difference

5. Foreword • Seeks to give direction to ministry with young people in a number of key contexts including the need for the highest standards in safeguarding children and young people. • Intended to support, not direct, to motivate rather than dictate. Not intended to be a dead document, but one that will need to be discussed, implemented and evaluated. • Two official bodies sponsored the production of the publication / were heavily involved in its development: - The Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Renewal and Adult Faith Development - The National Committee of Diocesan Youth Directors (NCDYD)

7. Introduction • A primary goal: to thank, encourage and nurture those involved in youth ministry • Written especially for young people, for those who work with them and for those who share community with them. • Written after a process of consultation and listening. • The document will always remain an invitation to further dialogue, a step along the way.

8. ‘LONGING TO BELONG IN A MEANINGFUL WAY AND TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.’ ‘To promote a renewed affective and effective option for young people in the Irish Church today’ * ‘Renewed’ – transformation / conversion of many aspects of Irish Church life. * ‘Affective’ – warmth, welcome, friendliness, care ... love. * ‘Effective’ – something real, life-giving * ‘Option’ – a choice • Global financial crisis: ‘When will this crisis be over?’ / ‘How will this crisis change us?’ • It would be a terrible thing to waste this crisis – it is an opportunity

10. Section 1 SETTING THE CONTEXT THE CHANGING WORLDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN IRELAND TODAY • Part One The Changing World of Adolescence • Part Two Young People in a Changing Ireland • Part Three Youth Ministry - The Task and the Challenges • Part Four Youth Ministry in a Changing Ireland

11. Section 1 • ‘young people’ is used to refer to people in their teens and twenties • Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge • It is the best of times, it is the worst of times in Ireland • Building on Good Foundations • Some Fundamental Principles – listen, relate, creativity, encounter, share … • The National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church (NBSCCC)

13. Section 2 A FRAMEWORK • Part One Some Goals and Settings • Part Two Elements and Themes of a Well-Balanced Ministry with Young People

15. Definition • The essential task of youth ministry is to unfold and to facilitate a life-giving and life-changing personal encounter between young people and God’s Love (Jesus Christ) and to help young people to explore and accept a Life Project based on this encounter.

16. 4 Goals Goal 1: To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person Goal 2: To invite and empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today Goal 3: To draw young people to participate responsibility in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community Goal 4: To call the Catholic faith community to continually renew its affective and effective option for young people

17. Settings • The Family Community • The Faith Community in School and College • The Parish Community • Catholic Youth-Serving Organizations, Movements and Communities • Other Settings in the Wider Community

18. ELEMENTS OF A WELL-BALANCED YOUTH MINISTRY • The Ministry of Advocacy • The Ministry of Justice and Service • The Ministry of Community Life • The Ministry of Evangelization • The Ministry of Catechesis • The Ministry of Leadership Development • The Ministry of Pastoral Care • The Ministry of Prayer and Worship ** Pilgrimage (e.g. WYD)

20. Themes of a Well-Balanced Youth Ministry • Effective Leadership • Safety • Developmentally Appropriate • Creative, Participative, Flexible, Adaptable and Fun Programming • Family Friendly • Intergenerational • Intentionally Fostering Catholic Identity in a Multicultural, Inclusive Environment • Community-wide Collaboration

22. Section 3 SOME ACTION POINTS • Part One Youth Ministry: A Mission for the Entire Church • Part Two A Youth Ministry Framework: Some Common Guiding Principles across the settings

24. Some common guiding principles • Team Ministry • Coordinators of Youth Ministry • Possible Pitfalls to be Recognised and Avoided • A Partnership Mindset • Appropriate Child Safeguarding Policies and Procedures • Lay Ecclesial Ministry • Working as a Volunteer • Accredited Training / Formation

25. Some common guiding principles • Recognition and Authorisation by Competent Church Authority • Appropriate Selection / Recruitment / Accompaniment Policies and Procedures • Mentoring - Supervision / Networking / Prayer / Spiritual Renewal & Direction • A Spirit of Co-Responsibility, Delegation and Communication • Strategic Planning: Well Planned and connected • Finance • Evaluation

26. CONCLUSION & APPENDICESSELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY & ENDNOTES • Appendix 1 Some Aspects of a Vision for Diocesan Youth Ministry • Appendix 2 Some Aspects of a Vision for Parish Youth Ministry • Appendix 3 Some Aspects of a Vision for Youth Ministry in 2nd and 3rd Level Education • Appendix 4 Some Aspects of a Vision for Youth Ministry in Catholic Organisations / Movements • Appendix 5 Some Strategic Questions for Further Conversation • Appendix 6 Some Young Voices

28. Conclusion • “In working with young people ... do not call them to where they were, and do not try to call them to where you are, as beautiful as that place may seem to you. You must have the courage to call them to a place where neither you nor they have ever been before.”

29. Appendix 1 • Some aspects of a vision for DIOCESAN youth ministry • Strategic Planning • Some Basic Responsibilities of a Diocesan Youth Team (Commission)

30. Appendix 2 • Some aspects of a vision for PARISH youth ministry • 10 Ways That a Parish Can Become ‘Youth-Friendly’ • Beginning to work with Young People as a Parish • A sample job description for a Parish Youth Ministry Coordinator

32. Prayer • ‘Síoth Athar an áidh, Síoth Chríosta na Páis’, Síoth Spioraid na ngrás, Dúinn féin is don ál ’tá óg.’ • ‘May the peace of the Father of Providence, the peace of the Son of the Passion, the peace of the Spirit of Graces be upon us all and especially on the brood that is young.’

33. One Person can’t change the world

34. But YOU can change the world for one person!

36. Called together Making the Difference