Youth Ministry -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At Our Lady of Grace we are working towards a comprehensive Youth Ministry program as put forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. According to Renewing the Vision, the USCCB’s document on comprehensive Youth Ministry there are eight components of Youth Ministry. These components are advocacy, catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. These components are to be integrated into Youth Ministry programming in order to facilitate the positive development of the youth in the program. Advocacy involves examining how well young people are integrated into the life, mission and work of the Catholic community and also interpreting the needs of the youth and their families. Catechesis helps young people develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and increase their knowledge of the core content of the Catholic faith. Community Life builds an environment of love, support, appreciation of diversity, and acceptance modeling Catholic principles, the component develops meaningful relationships and nurtures Catholic faith. Evangelization involves proclaiming the word of God and inviting young people to hear about the Word made flesh. Justice and Service nurtures a social consciousness and a commitment to a life of justice and service rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ. Leadership Development calls forth, affirms, and empowers the diverse gifts, talents, and abilities of adults and youth in our faith communities. Pastoral Care promotes positive adolescent and family development through different positive strategies; caring for adolescents and families in crisis, providing guidance as young people make important decisions, and challenging systems that are obstacles to positive development. Prayer and Worship celebrates and deepens the experience that young people have with Jesus. (Information regarding the eight components of youth ministry was found in A Comprehensive Approach for Ministry with Adolescents from the Office of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Family Life of the Diocese of Albany.) Our Lady of Grace’s Youth Ministry program involves a combination of classroom catechesis and retreats for each grade. In eleventh grade the young people prepare for the reception of the sacrament of confirmation. Young people in the program are encouraged to participate in service activities both in the parish and in the greater community. If you have any questions about the program or how to get involved please contact the Youth Minister, Jillian Donohue at 384-0109 x. 3 or donohuej@nycap.rr.com. 2009-2010 school year information