Full Resource Manual For Youth Ministry

Parish Resource Manual
for Youth Ministry

Diocese of Columbus,
Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
September, 2013
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry
Diocese of Columbus, Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Table of Contents
0. Table of Contents
1. What is Youth Ministry?
1.1. Youth Ministry Is…
1.2. Youth Ministry Seeks to Help Youth…
1.3. Renewing the Vision Summary
1.4. Components into Action
1.5. Becoming a Curator of Content in a Digital Age
2. Getting started
2.1. Responding to Youth as a Parish Community
2.2. How to Start a Youth Program
2.3. Youth Interest Survey
2.4. Parent Survey
3. Youth Ministry Parish Structure
3.1. Parish Youth Ministry Program Structure—One Example
3.2. Parish Youth Ministry Committee Structure—One Example
3.3. Youth Ministry Coordinator Job Description (Sample)
3.4. Elements of Effective Parish Youth Ministry
3.5. Hiring a Parish Youth Ministry Coordinator
4. Youth session
4.1. A Typical Youth Gathering Outline
4.2. Youth Ministry Program: A One‐Year Sample
4.3. Curriculum Framework
5. Supporting Parents
5.1. Youth Ministry and Parents: Principles and Suggestions
5.2. Family Resources
5.3. Strong Catholic Families, Strong Catholic Youth
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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry Table of Contents
6. Administration and Policies
(Full Youth Ministry Policy Handbook available at www.cdeducation.org/oym/)
6.1. Driver’s Requirements
6.2. Volunteer Driver Information
6.3. Parental Permission Form
6.4. Rules for Youth Participants/Guidelines for Adult Chaperones
6.5. Additional Transportation Policies
6.6. Cell Phone Use Policy
6.7. Social Media Guidelines
7. Training
7.1. Diocesan Certification for Coordinators of Youth Ministry
7.2. Parish Youth Ministry Training and Support
8. Retreats
8.1. Youth Retreats Defined
8.2. Leading a Small Group
8.3. Retreat Guidelines
9. Resources
9.1. Teen Hotlines and Web Sites
9.2. Youth Ministry Resources
9.3. Additional Safe Environment Resources
9.4. Important Web Page Links
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1. What is Youth Ministry?

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 1.1. Youth Ministry Is…

Youth Ministry Is…
When taking a trip, there is usually a point when we come to a fork in the
road. In which direction shall we head? Which path will bring us to our desired
destination? In planning for our parish’s youth ministry the following
statements point us in the right direction. These directions, grounded in the
Catholic Bishops’ pastoral plan Renewing the Vision (RTV), help us to use our
resources wisely as we respond to youth and families.

Youth Ministry is…
 Drawing youth into the adventure of discipleship
Goal 1: Empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today. (RTV 9)
 Helping youth to make the right connections
Goal 2: Draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith
community. (RTV 11)
 Growing young disciples
Goal 3: Foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person. (RTV 15)
 Responding to the needs and including the gifts of youth
Youth ministry is the response of the Christian community to the needs of young people and the sharing of
the unique gifts of youth with the larger community. (RTV 1)
 Seeing youth as gifted and growing
Youth ministry is most importantly an affirmation of the faith, gifts, energy, and fresh ideas of young
people. (RTV 2)
 Seeing parents as partners
The home is a primary context for sharing, celebrating, and living the Catholic faith, and we are partners
with parents in developing the faith life of their adolescent children. (RTV 2)
 Seeing our parish as ready and able to respond to youth
…if parishes are to be worthy of the loyalty and active participation of youth, they will need to become
“youth‐friendly” communities in which youth have a conspicuous presence in parish life. (RTV 13)
 Seeing the wider community as collaborators and resources
Community collaboration means building partnerships among families, schools, churches, and
organizations that mobilize the community in a common effort to build a healthier community life and to
promote positive adolescent development. (RTV 24)
 A relationship, not just a program
The comprehensive approach is not a single program or recipe for ministry. Rather, it provides a way of
integrating ministry with adolescents and their families into the total life and mission of the Church,
recognizing that the whole community is responsible for this ministry. (RTV 19)
 Investing in youth with our time, attention, and resources
Renewing the Vision is a blueprint for the continued development of effective ministry with young and
older adolescents. Its expanded vision and strategy challenges leaders and their faith communities to
address these challenges and to invest in young people today. (RTV 7)

Used with permission from CMD for Diocese of Columbus OYYAM

Celebrate Youth – Conversation Handout 2
Copyright © Center for Ministry Development, 1998. www.cmdnet.org. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 1.2.Youth Ministry Seeks to Help Youth…

Youth Ministry Seeks to Help Youth…
Our hopes for young people shape our youth ministry. We hope that younger
and older adolescents will be guided to become young disciples. The following
statements describe what we hope youth ministry will accomplish in the lives
of individual youth. They are summarized from the U.S. Bishops’ pastoral plan,
Renewing the Vision – A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, (pages 16‐18).

Youth Ministry Seeks to Help Youth…
 Develop a personal relationship with Jesus
 Participate in the Church
 Integrate Catholic values
 Apply Catholic faith to daily life
 Commit to the Catholic faith for life
 Live the moral and theological virtues
 Develop Biblical and doctrinal literacy
 Develop personal spirituality and prayer life
 Participate in the sacraments
 Work for justice and defend human dignity
 Serve those in need and foster social change
 Become healers, reconcilers, and peacemakers
 Develop respect for differences
 Develop critical thinking skills
 Integrate Catholic sexual values
 Develop a positive self‐image
 Grow in life skills
 Discern their vocation
 Share gifts



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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 1.3. Renewing the Vision Summary

“Renewing the Vision”

Document on Youth Ministry Summary
The following information is taken from the “Renewing the Vision”: A Framework for Catholic
Youth Ministry, approved and authorized for publication by the National Conference of Catholic
Bishops on June 20,1997. To order the full document in English or Spanish or any other USCCB
documents, call 800 235‐8722 or go to the US Bishops internet site at www.usccb.org.

Goals for Youth Ministry:

Goal 1: To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.

Goal 2: To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of
the Catholic faith community.

Goal 3: To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.

Comprehensive Ministry with Adolescents – It Takes a Whole Church:
The comprehensive approach is not a single program or model of ministry, it is a way of
integrating ministry with adolescents and their families into the total life and mission of the
church. The comprehensive approach uses all of our resources as a faith community –
people, ministries, and programs – in a common effort to promote the three goals of the
Church’s ministry with adolescents.

Components of a Comprehensive Ministry:

Ministry of Advocacy: The ministry of advocacy encourages the Church to examine its
practice of fully integrating adolescents into the life of the Church.

Ministry of Catechesis: The ministry of catechesis fosters growth in Catholic faith in all three
dimensions; trusting (heart), knowing and believing (mind), and doing (will). The ministry of
catechesis recognizes that faith development is a lifelong process.

Ministry of Community Life: Community life is nurtured when the atmosphere is
welcoming, comfortable, safe, and predictable‐one in which all adolescents know that their
presence is welcomed, their energy is appreciated, and their contributions are valued.

Ministry of Evangelization: The ministry of evangelization incorporates several essential
elements: witness, outreach, proclamation, invitation, conversion, and discipleship. The
ministry must invite young people into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and
empower then to live as his disciples.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 1.3. Renewing the Vision Summary
Ministry of Justice and Service: Our faith calls us to work for justice; to serve those in need;
to pursue peace; and to defend the life, dignity, and rights of all our sisters and brothers. The
ministry of justice and service nurtures in young people a social consciousness and a
commitment to a life of justice and service rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ, in the
Scriptures, and in Catholic social teaching; empowers young people to work for justice by
concrete efforts to address the causes of human suffering; and infuses the concepts of
justice, peace and human dignity into all ministry efforts.

Ministry of Leadership Development: The ministry of leadership development calls forth,
affirms, and empowers the diverse gifts, talents, and abilities of adults and young people in
our faith communities for comprehensive ministry with adolescents. Leadership role in
adolescent ministry are key. Leaders must be trained and encouraged.

Ministry of Pastoral Care: The ministry of pastoral care is a compassionate presence in
imitation of Jesus’ care of people, especially those who were hurting and in need. The
ministry of Pastoral care involves promoting positive adolescent and family development
through a variety of positive (preventive) strategies; caring for adolescents and families in
crisis through support, counseling, and referral to appropriate community agencies;
providing guidance as young people face life decisions and make moral choices; and
challenging systems that are obstacles to positive development (advocacy). Pastoral care is
most fundamentally a relationship‐a ministry of compassionate presence.

Ministry of Prayer and Worship: The ministry of prayer and worship celebrates and deepens
young people’s relationship with Jesus Christ through the bestowal of grace, communal
prayer and liturgical experiences; it awakens their awareness of the spirit at work in their
lives; it incorporates young people more fully into the sacramental life of the Church,
especially Eucharist; it nurtures the personal prayer life of young people; and it fosters family
rituals and prayer.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 1.4 Components into Action

Turning Youth Ministry Components into Action

Advocacy

 Keep parish and church leadership aware that teens are a vital part of the parish and
require adequate resources, support, and attention.
 Get a teen on parish council.
 Stay abreast of community developments, issues, and events that affect young
people.
 Celebrate World Youth Day at Sunday liturgy
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Catechesis

 Conduct youth group meetings with a theme or specific learning objective.
 Have small or large group bible studies.
 Conduct parish retreats for teens.
 Plug into diocesan, regional, or national retreats, conferences, and events.
 Give youth opportunities to share life experiences; talk about teen issues.
 Create opportunities to catechize via social media (i.e. saint or topic of the day)
 _______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

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Community Life

 Use icebreakers and games at all meetings/gatherings.
 Create social and refreshment times at each meeting.
 Send each teen a birthday card; pull birth dates from parish census.
 Host fun events and/or take trips together (i.e. ball games, concerts, bowling parties,
pizza parties, lock‐ins)
 Get to know as many teens as you can in your parish and greet them. Chat with them
at every opportunity.
 Go on their “turf” to visit (i.e. extracurricular events, Starbucks, Chipotle)
 Volunteer time at Catholic or public schools for events (i.e. after‐prom, dances,
fundraisers)
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

Evangelization

 Reach out to young people who are active in their faith.
 Break away from a “club” mentality in the youth group. Make sure everyone knows
they are welcome and feels welcome!
 Train/empower young people to reach out to their peers with God’s Word.
 Meet teens where they are, especially in regards to technology (i.e. social networks
and cell phones **with special consideration of diocesan guidelines and web
policies**)
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

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Justice and Service

 Arrange for teens to help in soup kitchen with chaperones or, better still, with
parents.
 Arrange for opportunities for teens to serve through organizations like nursing
homes, CSS (Service Saturdays), or OYYAM (Gospel Road).
 Try simulation experiences (i.e. food fasts or homeless situations)
 Invite speakers from homeless shelter, social service agencies, advocacy groups,
environmental groups, and/or respect life groups.
 Process any of the above at youth meetings and be certain to allow teens to share
their personal experiences.
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Leadership Development

 Get adequately trained and updated in youth ministry skills, youth development, and
youth culture.
 Create and empower a youth leadership team that helps to plan and execute youth
events and activities.
 Train teen leaders!
 Create a parish youth ministry resource library.
 Consult the OYYAM for resource ideas, training, and direction.
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

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Pastoral Care

 Take time to listen when a young person needs a friend.
 Offer programs on teen issues (i.e. peer pressure, wellness issues, sexuality)
 Train teens in peer ministry skills.
 Post crisis hotline numbers where teens can see them.
 Arrange parent skills programs for parents or parent support groups.
 Create a contact list of professionals for referral in instances of high risk issues.
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Prayer and Worship

 Integrate prayer at all meetings and functions.
 Involve teens in Sunday worship with specific roles.
 On occasion, hold a special liturgy for teens.
 Collect teen prayer resources and use them at youth meetings.
 Conduct parish retreats for teens.
 Create text or Twitter prayer chains.
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 1.5. Becoming a Curator of Content in a Digital Age

Becoming a Curator of Content in a Digital Age

A summary of selections from
Faith Formation 2020; Designing a Future of Faith Formation
By John Roberto

The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry highly recommends reading the full book Faith
Formation 2020 by John Roberto, and the sections entitled “Becoming a Curator of
Content” on pages 107‐109 and “Faith Formation with Digital Media and Web Technologies”
on pages 127‐133.

Summary:

There is an abundance of “Catholic” content and experiences, especially online, for our
young people and parents. Experts say that we will soon reach a point where all of the
content on the internet will double every 3 days. Because of this, there is a desperate need
for leaders today to take on a new role as “curators of content”. Museums often have a
curator, who is a subject‐matter expert on the content, and they will choose what to display
in a way that makes sense to museum visitors. Similarly, “this dramatic increase in
information requires content curators who continually find, group, organize, and share the
best and most relevant content and resources available” (pg 107).

John Roberto lays out some key skills to being a good curator, including: being able to
locate, organize and evaluate content; create or re‐purpose content when necessary; and
capitalizing on social media to build connections.

Roberto describes being a curator in three simple steps: 1. Identify content, 2. Organize
content, and 3. Share content.

New digital media and web technologies have changed the way we can do youth ministry
and faith formation with all generations. Utilizing digital media and the abundance of online
resources mentioned above, ministry can now blend physical face‐to‐face ministry, with
virtual face‐to‐face and other interactive online ministry to provide round‐the‐clock, ministry
and faith formation for all generations, anytime and anywhere. The community,
conversation, discussion, and even prayer is no longer confined to the Sunday evening
meetings, but can be continued throughout the rest of the week in more personal and
interactive platforms than ever before. Roberto explains that “the new digital tools can
empower people to connect with each other online, share their stories and faith
experiences, give witness to the ways they are living their faith (practices), create faith
formation content (print, audio, video) to share with others, and so many other user‐
generated activities” (pg 127).

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 1.5. Becoming a Curator of Content in a Digital Age

Application in Catholic Youth Ministry:

What does this mean for us in Catholic youth ministry? Young people know better than any
of us that there is now a world of information available at their fingertips. What they do not
always know is how to sort through that information to find what is true and good. We as
youth ministry leaders need to help evaluate content on the internet to put the best
resources and experiences in the hands of our youth and parents. We also need to teach
youth and parents the skills needed to evaluate for themselves content, resources, and
experiences that they find on the internet. Finally, there is still a need for creativity in
developing some new content for youth ministry and taking existing content, such as pop
culture media, and re‐purposing it with a Catholic message. When looking to evangelize and
catechize young people, we have to reach out to them where they are located. Thanks to
the booming growth of smart phones and tablets, young people are located online. When
we blend our physical face‐to‐face ministry with interactive virtual experiences of faith
formation, sharing, and prayer, we are fostering young people’s experiences of faith in
everyday life, anytime and anywhere, and helping them to understand how faith is relevant
all the time, not just on Sundays.

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2. Getting Started
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 2.1 Responding to Youth

Responding to Youth as a Parish Community
How can we respond to youth as a parish? How will we build up our youth
ministry program? Parishes of all shapes and sizes from all over the country
are answering this call by putting their creativity to work. The following five
starting points can help parishes in a variety of situations to build and
strengthen their parish ministry with youth.

Five Ways to Get Started
 Become a youth friendly community.
o Promote a common vision for valuing youth in the community.
o Include youth in planning for parish life: praying, learning, celebrating, and serving.
o Make youth and families a central concern by supporting youth ministry efforts with time,
facilities, and money.
 Build support for families.
o Review all parish and youth programs to consider the impact on families.
o Bridge youth programs to families.
o Support parents by sponsoring education programs and providing family resources.
o Connect families to each other to form a network of support.
 Link youth and families to programs, resources, and support.
o Research programs, events, and resources for youth and families in your community.
o Compile and share information about available support.
o Connect youth and families to programs and events by sharing information and by creating access
such as ongoing transportation.
 Connect youth to service, ministry, and leadership roles.
o Research current service, ministry, and leadership roles in your community.
o Create roles for youth to become involved.
o Train adults to mentor, supervise, and support youth in a variety of roles.
 Develop programs and strategies that meet needs and include gifts.
o Assess current youth ministry efforts.
o Assess current resources available for youth ministry: people, facilities, and resources.
o Gather information about youth interests.
o Create programs that are targeted to the interests of younger and older adolescents, working
towards a balance between faith formation, community building, outreach, and service elements.



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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 2.2 How to Start a Youth Program
How to Start a Youth Program
1. Enlist the support of parish leaders. A program is not “of the parish” if it does not
have the approval and support of the parish leadership and community. Thus the first
step in starting parish youth ministry is to get the pastor’s support along with the
parish council and general congregation.
2. Determine your purpose. In other words, why do you want to start a youth ministry
program and what do you want to accomplish? Make sure your mission is clearly
stated and that you are “in the same ballpark” in terms of mission as the parish
leadership and community. It might be helpful to write a mission statement or at
least to articulate your goals.
3. Assess the needs of the parish for youth ministry and the needs of youth. Before
you can begin programming, you have to have a sense of what you are programming
for. Programs accomplish objectives and fulfill needs. So determine the needs. Do
your teens need experiences with other Catholic youths because your parish is so
small and your teens are a distinct minority in the public school? Is drug and alcohol
abuse a big enough problem in your community that you feel the need to address it?
Are few teens seen at Sunday Eucharist? Determine your parish needs, and then
proceed programmatically from there.
4. Gather a team of committed adults to help plan and carry out the parish youth
ministry program. Youth ministry will not sustain itself without a core group of
committed adults. Youth ministry is a very relational ministry – committed Christians
sharing their journey in faith with young people. The number of adults needed will
vary with the number of youth to be served. A small parish might get by starting with
a married couple who enjoy working with youth. There is no set age, gender,
occupation or educational background for volunteer youth ministers. You need only
find adults who love youth, love God, can establish a rapport with youth and want to
minister in a team setting in the parish.
5. Assess your resources and determine your resource needs. After determining your
people resources, survey the market for material resources to use in your program.
There’s a ton of stuff available in the youth ministry publishing market. Find the
materials that will help you build an effective program. Also, seek training and
information on effective youth ministry. Start by contacting the Diocesan Youth
Ministry Office at 614‐241‐2565.
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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 2.2 How to Start a Youth Program
6. Schedule your events realistically. Plan a calendar of events that does not exhaust
your people or material resources. When making the calendar, ask the youth what
they want to do and then plan accordingly, but be sensitive to their busy schedules
and yours. A few events planned well are better than lots of events planned poorly
because you and your team are overextended. Share responsibilities for particular
events among the youth ministry team.
7. Evaluate and adapt. Periodically meet as a youth ministry team (adults and leadership
youth) to evaluate your progress. Modify your program to improve where
improvement is needed. Of equal importance is congratulating yourself on big and
small successes.
8. Pray and keep Jesus as the center. Don’t worry about little setbacks. There will be
lots of those. Keep focused on the larger mission and enjoy what you are doing.
Helpful resources:
Diocesan Youth Ministry Policies: www.cdeducation.org/oym/
Diocesan Youth Ministry link:
www.colsdioc.org/offices/OfficeofYouthandYoungAdultMinistry.aspx
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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 2.3.Youth Interest Survey

Youth Interest Survey

The Youth Ministry Planning Team at our parish needs your opinion! Please take a moment and tell us what
days are good for your participation in youth ministry and the activities in which you would be most interested!
Age:
Grade:
School:
Scheduling: Please indicate the best days of the week for your participation in programs that the parish would
sponsor. Check all the days that are good for you!
 Sunday afternoon  Tuesday evening  Friday evening
 Sunday evening  Wednesday evening  Saturday afternoon
 Monday evening  Thursday evening  Saturday evening
Please indicate how frequently you would participate in programs that the parish would sponsor. Select all the
options that are good for you!
 every week  every other week  once a month
Youth Ministry Events: Please indicate in which of the following activities you would participate!
 weekly or bi‐weekly youth group  youth retreats or lock‐ins
 parish sports program  Confirmation program
 youth liturgies and prayer  service projects (soup kitchens, clothing drives, work
experiences camps)
 leadership training programs  social events (camping, ski trips, dances, sports events)
 youth newsletter  drama production or One Act Plays
 diocesan events (Youth Day, National Catholic Youth Conference)
 special topics nights (dealing with drugs and alcohol, stress, relationships and sexuality, depression)
Faith Topics: Please indicate all the faith topics of interest:
 discovering what is unique about me  understanding parents and my family
 developing skills for making and keeping relationships  understanding my sexuality
 developing a more personal relationship with Jesus  learning how to make moral decisions
 discovering what it means to belong to the Church  developing a personal prayer life
 exploring adult lifestyles (marriage, single life, religious life)
 exploring the Bible (Old and New Testament)
 discovering what it means to be a Catholic Christian
 exploring the Christian response to the social problems and injustices in our world
 Are there other issues or activities you’d like to see offered?
School and neighborhood involvement: Please indicate in what other activities or groups you are already
involved.
 school sports teams  school clubs or organizations
 student council  school campus ministry
 neighborhood rec/sports leagues  scouting
 4‐H Clubs  a job
 other
Hobbies, skills, or interests: Please list your special hobbies, skills, or interests.

Thank you for your time in filling out this interest survey. The Youth Ministry Planning Team will use the findings to
develop our parish program for young people. So keep watch for future youth ministry events and gatherings!

From NFCYM Groundbreaking Manual

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 2.4.Parent Survey

Parent Survey
What do you need from the Parish’s Youth Ministry Program for your teen?

The Youth Ministry Planning Team at our parish needs your opinion! Please take a moment and tell us what you
expect and need from the parish for your teen(s).
Age:
Grade:
School:
Scheduling: Please indicate the best days of the week for your participation in programs that the parish would
sponsor. Check all the days that are good for you!
 Sunday afternoon  Tuesday evening  Friday evening
 Sunday evening  Wednesday evening  Saturday afternoon
 Monday evening  Thursday evening  Saturday evening
What kind of programs or opportunities do you want the parish to provide for your teen? Please check all
that you would like:
 Youth group gatherings (weekly or biweekly)
 Social events designed to help your teen make and deepen friendships in the parish
 Learn more about the Catholic faith and living as a good Catholic
 Learn about making good moral choices
 Retreats to deepen spiritual depth
 Service activities in the community helping the poor and those in need
 Finding ways to develop a stronger prayer life
 Discussions on human sexuality and living a Christian moral life
 Skills for discerning one’s vocation; marriage, single life, priesthood or religious life
 Fun and movie nights
 Bible study
 Developing a deeper relationship with Jesus
 Overnight trips to diocesan or national Catholic conferences
 Teens and parents together in discussion sessions
 The opportunity for your teen to be mentored by good faith‐filled adult youth ministers as role models
 Involvement in the parish’s liturgical ministries
Other ideas:

What would you like the parish to offer for you?
 On line or written resources on parenting tips and suggestions
 Regular communication on what topics the teens are discussing in youth ministry
 Opportunities to meet with other parents to discuss parenting issues and prayer and support with
each other
 Spiritual formation opportunities with other adults like evenings of reflection, Bible study, or a retreat
 Adult faith formation with the opportunity to learn more about your faith
Other ideas:

Other comments:

Thank you for your time in filling out this interest survey. The Youth Ministry Planning Team will use the findings to
develop our parish program for young people. So keep watch for future youth ministry events and gatherings!

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3. Youth Ministry Parish Structure

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.1 Parish YM Program Structure

Parish Youth Ministry Program Structure—One Example
The following program structure is intended as a possible guide for assigning youth ministry
team members to specific function in the youth ministry program. The structure can be
adjusted to fit local needs and available resources. Youth ministry team members can serve
on more than one committee and probably will need to do so.

Youth Ministry Coordinator
 Arranges training and provides support for adult and youth peer leadership team
members.
 Coordinates volunteers and encourages parent involvement.
 Works with Team to do scheduling of events and calendar.
 Arranges and directs planning core team meetings.
 Monitors budget and spending.
 Monitors policies, safe environment, and appropriate forms.
 Keeps all committees in sync.

Youth Ministry Team
Youth ministry is a team effort. The team consists of committed adults and young people
using their talents as peer leaders. The Youth Ministry team handles the practical
implementation of the program. Team members share the tasks based on individual gifts
and interests. Team tasks are:
 Responsible for needs assessments, setting goals and objectives, and designing
programs.
 Meeting as planned with the coordinator to assess the direction of the program and
plan the calendar of events.
 Help plan and direct specific programs as activity leaders (described below) or assist
activity leaders as needed.
 Evaluates the program periodically.
 Foster the involvement of young people in the life of the parish, including serving on
various parish committees and being involved in parish activities.
 Advocate for youth and youth ministry to the whole parish; promote a youth‐friendly
parish culture.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.1 Parish YM Program Structure
Program and Activity Leaders
These individuals have the responsibility for specific areas or activities within the total youth
ministry program. Their responsibilities include:
 Plans and directs social events and trips (such as, game nights, movie socials, trips to
sporting events, etc…)
 Plans and leads interactive and engaging sessions that teach the faith to teens.
 Provide opportunities for teens to grow in their expression of the faith especially in
building a strong prayer and spiritual life.
 Connects teens to useful youth ministry events and programs outside the parish
(Diocesan youth rally, youth conferences, service opportunities, etc…)
 Plans and leads retreats.
 Provides parents with resources to encourage regular family prayer.
 Manages communication tools—on line communication, bulletin inserts, etc…
 Plans, sets up, and leads service opportunities for teens at community service centers
or other places for service; processes the experience with teens and provides them
with information on Church’s teachings on justice.

Chaperones*
This important role is often where the relational dimension of youth ministry is most
evident. These individuals provide the necessary supervision and involvement for programs
to exist. Their tasks include:
 Provide a consistent adult presence at youth ministry activities.
 Provide appropriate supervision, as outlined by the planning team and/or
coordinator.
 Interact with the young people, developing relationships of respect, trust and care.
 These are not just drivers or guards; their role is to build relationships with the young
people.

*Quoted from Groundbreaking: A How‐To Guide for Building a Comprehensive Youth Ministry Program, NFCYM

Outline prepared by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Diocese of Columbus

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.2 Parish Youth Ministry Committee Structure

Parish Youth Ministry Committee Structure—One Example

The following program structure is intended as a possible guide for assigning youth ministry
team members to specific function in the youth ministry program. The structure can be
adjusted to fit local needs and available resources. Youth ministry team members can serve
on more than one committee and probably will need to do so. This structure is not intended
to compartmentalize the team. Each committee must interface with each other committee
and in any single event most if not all committees will have a piece of the entire event. For
example, in a typical youth gathering evening, the Faith Formation Committee will provide
some learning (catechetical) content while the Social Activities Committee can plan the
icebreaker and provide refreshments, and the Prayer and Worship Committee can prepare
and lead prayer, etc…

The Youth Ministry Team should have a planning meeting inviting each team member to
pray on his/her gifts and decide where that member would like to offer that gift in terms of
picking a committee to serve on.

 Trains and supports adult and youth peer leadership team members.
 Coordinates volunteers and encourages parent involvement
 Oversees scheduling of events and creating calendar.
 Arranges and directs planning core team meetings.
 Keeps pastor and parish pastoral council informed.
 Monitors budget and spending.
 Monitors policies, safe environment, and appropriate forms.
 Keeps all committees in sync.

Social Activities Committee
 Prepares and leads games and icebreakers; tries to match icebreakers to youth
session theme for that particular session.
 Plans and directs social events and trips (such as, game nights, movie socials, trips to
sporting events, etc…)
 Plans and directs occasional parent socials

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.2 Parish Youth Ministry Committee Structure
Faith Formation Committee
 Plans and leads interactive and engaging sessions that teach aspects of the faith to
teens.
 Engages parents with their own faith formation by on line or handouts on parenting
tips, linking to available adult faith formation opportunities, etc…
 Connects teens to useful youth ministry events and programs outside the parish
(Diocesan youth rally, youth conferences, etc…)

Justice and Service Committee
 Plans, sets up, and leads service opportunities for teens at community service centers
or other places for service.
 Connects teens and families to the parish service outreach. And provides parents
with resources and contacts to encourage regular family outreach.
 Plans and leads opportunities for teens to learn more about our Church’s teaching on
social justice and justice issues.

Prayer and Worship Committee
 Advocates for teen roles in liturgy and worship in the parish.
 Plans and leads retreats.
 Assists Faith Formation Committee with prayer at every gathering.
 Engages teens and families with seasonal on line prayer or finds other ways to help
teens develop their prayer lives.
 Provides parents with resources to encourage regular family prayer.

Communications and Promotion
 Manages communication tools—online communication, bulletin inserts, etc…
 Handles basic P.R. for teens and parents.
 Works with other committees to provide regular communications to parents on
what’s happening in the youth ministry program and connect them to resources that
help parents with the practical application of faith in the home.
 Handles P.R. to parish to keep on‐going support for the youth ministry.

Outline prepared by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Diocese of Columbus

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.3 Youth Ministry Coordinator Job Description


Job Description (Sample)

Title: Youth Ministry Coordinator
Reports to: Pastor
General Description: Responsible for coordinating a parish pastoral ministry for youth based on
Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry; works under the direct supervision of
the pastor; coordinates youth ministry team of adults and youths; develops close communications
with and mutual support from families of youth and collaborates with other community and parish
organizations and offices; focuses the parish community on the spiritual needs and gifts of youth.
Job Responsibilities
Program development:
 Coordinates a core group of adults and youths to determine and direct programs and
services.
 Develops the kind of relationship with parents that are conducive to open communication
between parents and youth.
 Plans, schedules, and leads (or finds leaders for) an annual retreat for teens focusing on some
aspect of spiritual growth.
 Provides programs for social outreach and service and directly involves parish teens; provides
pastoral reflection on their experiences prior to, during and after experience.
 Arranges seasonal or occasional small group Bible study or reflection groups.
 Offers occasional social gathering for teens.
 Provides pastoral guidance to teens and parents as needed on individual basis and helps
teens and parents find professional referrals when needed.
 Arranges occasional parenting program for parents of teens or pre‐teens.
 Creates or acquires other programs reflecting the components of youth ministry (RTV) as
needed.
 Provides a catechetical component in youth gatherings and offers catechesis in other
practical ways.
 Works in collaboration with parish religious education and other offices.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.3 Youth Ministry Coordinator Job Description
Additional Programs:
 Arranges for teens to participate in diocesan sponsored and other acceptable programs
offered to teens or pre‐teens in larger venues: i.e., Diocesan Youth Rally, Good Friday
Walking Stations of the Cross, NCYC, and other diocesan, regional, and national programs.
 Works with other parish youth minister coordinators to connect teens with multi‐parish
youth ministry collaborative events and programs; when acceptable, involves teens in
ecumenical or interfaith programs.
 Conducts or arranges leadership training for youth ministry core group and teen leadership.
Administration:
 Operates within an established budget; monitors and fully accounts for spending and
receipts.
 Monitors adult volunteers for compliance with safe environment policies and general youth
ministry policies of the diocese.
Professional and Spiritual Development:
 Seeks continuing education and training in the fields of youth ministry and religious
education and catechesis.
 Works with a spiritual director or mentor for personal spiritual growth and development so
as to best meet the spiritual needs of the youth and adults in the parish.
 Participates in at least one personal retreat each year, not personally responsible for
planning or leading, focusing on some aspect of spiritual growth.
Communication:
 Keeps the parish and faith community informed of youth ministry activities and goals
 Keeps informed of diocesan events, policies, and other programs.
 Stays in communication with diocesan offices to meet resource needs; calls diocesan offices
for support and help.
 Is aware of community agencies and resources that interface with youth.
 Stays connected with youth and parents through appropriate electronic media.
Necessary Qualifications:
 Roman Catholic in good standing in the Church.
 Strong commitment to the Catholic faith and relationship with God.
 Fully compliant with Diocesan policies and with safe environment/child protection
requirements.
 Prior youth ministry experience, training in youth ministry or willingness to acquire and
continue training.
 High degree of comfort working with youth and awareness of appropriate boundaries.
 Must be at least 21 years of age and in good emotional health.
 B.A., M.A. in religious education, theology, youth ministry or related field preferred.
 Youth ministry certification preferred.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.4.Elements of Effective Parish Youth Ministry

Elements of Effective Parish Youth Ministry

RELATIONSHIPS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Ministry is built on relationships. Young people need to know the call of
Genuine relationships are more important Jesus in Matthew 25.
than programs. Serve with parish outreach
Catholic Social Teaching

FAITH FORMATION GO DEEPER EXPERIENCES FOR THE
Hands‐on learning SEEKERS
Catechesis that connects to their life Bible Studies
experiences Retreats
Honest dialog Mentoring
Jesus‐centered

TRIPS AND CONFERENCES HELPING THEIR PARENTS
Mission trips (service camps) Parents as partners
NCYC Resources for parents
Diocesan Youth Conferences Support opportunities for parents
Social outings as a group

PRAYER BUILD COMMUNITY
Pray together (Every time!) (EVERY time you gather!)
Meaningful to youth Icebreakers and games
Develop personal prayer habits/skills Lock ins
Involve teens in parish liturgical roles Movie nights
Celebrate holidays and holy days
Food and fun (Every time!)
Teen involvement in larger parish
activities.

DEVELOP LEADERS NON‐GATHERED YOUTH MINISTRY
Train/equip adult leaders On‐going outreach to youth we don’t
Empower/train youth leaders see at gatherings
Core team Technology
Social networking

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.5 Hiring a Parish Youth Ministry Coordinator

Hiring a Parish Youth Ministry Coordinator

The task of Youth Ministry belongs to the parish community. It is the parish’s responsibility
to make sure young people receive the level of ministry that they need. The Coordinator of
Youth Ministry is hired (or “volunteered”) to oversee and direct the ministry to young
people while calling upon the various gifts and resources of the community to minister to
and with young people.

Why hire a Coordinator of Youth Ministry (CYM)?
The parish needs someone with the right skills to give direction to the ministry and help
keep the ministry within the vision for youth ministry. While the CYM is chiefly responsible
for moving youth ministry forward, the CYM isn’t the only youth minister responsible for the
ministry. The CYM convenes and leads the core team of parish youth ministers which
typically includes adult volunteers and young people using their leadership skills. Good
leadership is crucial for the success of effective ministry.

What do we do first? Assess needs and resources.
Why do we need a CYM and a Youth Ministry Program? Articulate this need to the parish.
What are the age demographics of our parish?
What are the needs of the parish community and the needs of young people and their
families in the community? Spiritual needs? Catechetical needs? At risk issues? Socialization
needs?
Can we afford a CYM salary? Part time or full time?
In addition to the salary, can we afford a program budget and other associated expenses?
Can we a pay a just salary?
Are we a vibrant faith community with adults willing to step forward to help as volunteer
youth ministers?
Do we have access to good space for youth gatherings?
Is the parish leadership solidly behind youth ministry and this plan? (Pastor, Parish Pastoral
Council)
What age groups will we primarily focus on with our ministry? Jr High/middle school? High
school? Young Adult (18 plus)? Other?
How will this ministry interface with other ministries that impact youth? Catholic school,
PSR, etc…
Pray for the right person to surface and for the wisdom to know whom to select.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.5 Hiring a Parish Youth Ministry Coordinator
Planning to hire a CYM
Create a committee to assist with the hiring process and design and on‐going evaluation of
the ministry.
Develop a job description.
Generate a general idea of where you want the ministry to go and how you want it
structured, using the USCCB Document, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth
Ministry, as your guide.
Create a budget.
Set some initial criteria for what you want in your job candidates.
Draw up a contract.

Hiring a CYM
Appoint an interview team. The Pastor should be part of the team or at least review all the
candidates and be part of the final selection process.
Advertize the position.
Review resumes and select the candidates that meet your criteria.
Interview fairly and thoroughly.
Check references on those who make the final “cuts”. Also make sure they are in diocesan
compliance for child protection or willing to get compliant.
Offer the position.

Orient your new CYM
Publicly announce and welcome the new CYM. Get the parish support for the CYM.
Help the CYM settle into the new position and get comfortable with the rest of the staff.
Complete all the human resources details—salary and benefits paperwork, compliances,
etc…
Have the CYM meet with the Youth Ministry Committee that helped with the hiring process
to discuss direction for the program; arrange periodic meetings to report progress and
evaluate the CYM’s work and needs.
Connect the CYM to the Diocesan Youth Ministry Office and other needed resources.
Create a process for the CYM to meet with and report to the Pastor on a regular basis.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.6 Parish Youth Ministry Budget (Sample)
Parish Youth Ministry Budget (Sample)

INCOME
Program fees (event registration): $
Contributions: $
Parish subsidy: $
Other income: $
TOTAL Income: $
EXPENSES
Staff:
Salaries: $
Benefits: $
Continuing education/training: $
Continuing spiritual direction/personal retreat: $
Mileage: $
Office expenses:
Initial expenses (start up): $
(i.e. Computer, office furniture, phone, filing cabinets…)
Internet/phone fees (unless covered by parish plan): $
General supplies (paper, pens, copying, etc…): $
Postage and mailings: $

Program expenses:
Youth regular gatherings
Food, refreshments: $
Materials: $
Retreats
Facility/food: $
Program materials: $
Prayer supplies: $
Scholarships for teens with need: $
Youth conferences/work camps
Youth ministers’ fees: $
Registration fees: $
Travel and lodging: $
Scholarships for teens with need: $
Parent programs and support
Hospitality: $
Resource and program materials: $
Outreach (non gathered initiatives, one to one ministry, etc): $
Promotion and program advertizing: $
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 3.6 Parish Youth Ministry Budget (Sample)
Resources:
Start up costs—building YM library: $
Print and on‐line updating; subscriptions: $

Volunteer Team:
Training: $
Program fees (youth conferences): $
Gratitude dinner/event: $

TOTAL Expenses: $

EXCESS/DEFICIT
TOTAL Excess/deficit: $


4. Youth Session
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 4.1.A Typical Youth Gathering

A Typical Youth Gathering
Purpose and Logistics
 When? Where? Who? (age group)
 Primary purpose to gather: a special event or regularly scheduled gathering?
 Theme or faith formation topic (lesson or learning)?

Pre‐meeting Preparation
 Promote ‐ Advertise
 Invite (one to one, teen to teen)
 Preparation/Advanced planning
 Assign Tasks

Structure/Content

1. Welcome
 Music in background while gathering
 Meet and greet.
 No one stands alone!
2. Warm up
 Icebreakers
 Introduce the topic for the night
3. “Work”
 Catechetical teaching/theme (Interactive is best!)
 Faith sharing
 Prayer
4. Wrap up
 “Business” or promoting next events
 Social time

Involve teens in planning and running sessions!

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 4.2 Youth Ministry Program: A One Year Sample

Youth Ministry Program: A One Year Sample

This document is a SAMPLE parish youth ministry program that seeks to be faithful to the
guidance of the USCCB guidelines for high school catechesis as instructed in the Adaptation
of Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical
Materials for Young People of High School Age for Use in Parish and Youth Ministry Programs
(Curriculum Framework for short). This Program offers sample sessions that could be
implemented in a parish youth ministry while satisfying parts of each of the six core themes.
This is a one‐year sample. Presuming the parish wants to keep its youth involved for the four
years of high school, three more years of curricula could be developed using this model.

This is a resource‐based model that takes existing resources and aligns them with the six
core themes. In this one year sample, content of each core theme was covered in at least
two youth ministry sessions. The core theme and content covered is listed for each session.
Each session is drawn from a very credible youth ministry publisher that the Office of Youth
and Young Adult Ministry recommends. The parish youth minister implementing the
program would need access to these resources. The parish should be willing to invest in
catechetical resources for youth. No resources mentioned here are expensive and none
require supplying textbooks. Of course, the youth minister is free to substitute other
resources and is encouraged to research other resources and design future programs. We
invite anyone who adds to the model to share with us so we can post on our OYYAM Wiki
for youth ministry resources. The resource bank is created to align with the Curriculum
Framework. There are other program suggestions on the resource bank. We have also
included a third monthly meeting with alternative activities that would cover other themes
and allow for more social options.

Each of the twelve sessions are designed in a typical youth ministry format: Welcome
(Hospitality, up‐beat atmosphere); Warm up (Icebreakers, warmers): Work (Content and
teaching; prayer): Wrap up (social and fun). Almost every resource mentioned here comes
complete with all needed content, some icebreakers, and prayer. We encourage that the
youth minister read the program in advance and adapt it to fit the parish needs. Feel free to
change, delete sections, add sections, put in your own style and stories, or make it shorter or
longer. Make it fit your needs. These twelve sessions run anywhere from 45 minutes to two
hours. You will need to adapt it to fit your schedule and needs. Feel free to call the OYYAM
at (615) 241‐2565 if you need help adapting resources.

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Here are some basic assumptions about the programs listed here:
 The content is for high school level, grades 9‐12.
 All four grades are meeting together (even though you can break it out by age grade
level if you want.)
 The sessions are conducted in a basically informal environment; not using a typical
classroom format. Learning is experiential and strong on dialog and interaction.
 The program is part of a comprehensive youth ministry approach.
 Young people are invited to assist adults in planning and directing the programs.

Keep in mind that the model offered here is purely a SAMPLE of one way you can offer the
Curriculum Framework that the USCCB has put forth for adequately catechizing teens. If
you have a different model and it works well for you, then we encourage you to keep using
it as long as your pastor is satisfied that it is covering the key concepts that young people
need to learn, which should line up to the concepts in the Curriculum Framework. We hope
“newer” youth ministers in particular will find this model helpful.

Year‐long Program
August

Parent Session (This session could also take place in late spring with parents of Confirmation
kids)
Take this time to meet and greet with parents of teens, and allow them to socialize with one
another. Offer the Parent Survey (sample survey can be found in your resource manual) and
discuss with parents what they hope their teens will get out of youth ministry. Also take a
little time to discuss with them the importance of their involvement in the faith
development of their child and ways they can reinforce the ministry in the home. Walk
parents through the youth ministry schedule for the year. Close with a parent/family prayer
service.

September

1st Youth Ministry Gathering of the Month
Many parish youth ministry programs choose to do a “Kick off” gathering that features
food, fun, music, prayer, and a lot of promotion for the coming year.

2nd Youth Ministry Gathering of the Month
Theme: Understanding the four Gospels; their similarities and differences.
Resources: from Faith Works for Senior High, Saint Mary’s Press (www.smp.org) Pages 51‐57
“Good News: Hearing and Proclaiming the Gospels”
Notes: This program needs an opening icebreaker but everything else is included.
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 1—“The Revelation of Jesus Christ in
Scripture”; covers several key points on Jesus and revelation through scripture.

2

3rd Youth Ministry Gathering of the Month
Theme: Connecting my story to the Catholic story—Church and scripture
Resources: from Catholic to the Core; 2006 Youth Ministry Resource Manual, NFCYM
(www.nfcym.org) Pages 93‐97 “Sharing the Faith; the Catholic
Story; Our Story”
Notes: This program needs an opening icebreaker but
everything else is included. Note: We highly encourage you
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 4—“Jesus
to share (via email or other
Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church”; covers several key
points on the Church – belonging, sign and instrument of
mode) the topics, content, and
communion with God, etc… prayers of youth ministry
gatherings with parents. Also, if
October you have resources, prayers, or
activities for adults, parents,
st
1 Youth Ministry Gathering of the Month families, or young children
Theme: Understanding the various images of God and the around the same topic, equip
Trinity in Scripture parents with these resources to
Resources: from Total Catechesis: The Creed, Saint Mary’s Press, use in the home.
Pages 54‐66 “God Our Father”
and The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Saint Mary’s Press
(used primarily as a back‐up resource book for the youth
minister).
Notes: This in its entirety is a 2‐hour long session. We recommend choosing certain activities
from the lesson plan to develop. It needs an opening icebreaker.
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 2—“Who is Jesus Christ?” This session looks
at God the Father and the relationship of the Father and the Son; it looks at the Trinity.

Alternative activities
Theme: Global Solidarity and Fair Trade
Resources: http://education.crs.org/ see “Solidarity”, “Fair Trade” or “Catholics Confront
Global Poverty” under the Activities tab in the website menu for great prayers, activities,
talks, videos, and other resources.

Theme: Describes the various traits needed to be a modern‐day disciple of Jesus Christ.
Resources: from Youth Ministry Strategies; Creative Activities to Complement the Horizons
Curriculum, Saint Mary’s Press, Pages/Section C:1 “DIAs: Disciples in Action” and…
20 More Teen Prayer Services, 23rd Publication (available on Amazon.com) Pages 45‐50
“People to Imitate”
Notes: This is a short discussion session on identifying disciples and traits of disciples with a
prayer service from 23rd Publication that connects to the lesson plan. This session needs an
icebreaker to begin.

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Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 3—“The Mission of Jesus Christ”; covers the
call to holiness and living as a disciple of Jesus.

November

Theme: Understand the meaning of grace in sacrament and in the everyday moment.
Resources: from Catholic to the Core: 2006 Youth Ministry Resource Manual, NFCYM, Pages 23‐
27, “Every Moment is Grace”
Notes: This is a two hour session; some parts could be shortened.
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 6—“Life in Jesus Christ”; covers grace and
the call to holiness.

Alternative activity
Consider doing a winter clothing drive or collecting shampoo,
toothpaste, and other items local shelter may need.
Theme: Poverty and Homelessness Note: This is a good time of year
Resources: from Living and Loving Our Catholic Faith: Affirming to begin thinking about and
Life, NFCYM, Pages 73‐85, “Understanding Poverty” or from planning summer activities like
Living and Loving Our Catholic Faith: Our Catholic Faith Sunday mission camps, service
and Beyond, NFCYM, Pages 103‐106, “Why Do It? projects, parish summer camps,
Understanding the Call to Serve as More than Service Hours” or trips to sporting events. For

ideas and resources around
Or
Theme: Human Trafficing
these and other summer youth
Resources: www.centralohiorescueandrestore.org activities contact our office.
www.gracehaven.org and
www.salvationarmyusa.org
Look under “Programs that help” and “Combating Human
Trafficing”

Theme: Advent; waiting and expectation; the need to be ready with emphasis on correctly
understanding the Book of Revelation and Christian expectation
Resources: from Ministry Ideas for Celebrating Advent and Christmas with Teens, Families, and
Parishes, Saint Mary’s Press, Pages 13‐22 “First Sunday of Advent: Great Expectations: A
Session on the Theme of Waiting”
Notes: This is a good session for the entire youth group to prepare for Advent. Be sure to
read the preparatory notes, especially on the section on Revelation. The SMP Youth Bible is
an excellent resource with side notes for reading the Scriptures, especially The Book of
Revelation. There are other sessions for the rest of Advent that could be offered for a small
group elective Bible Study program during December.
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 2—covers the mystery of the Incarnation.

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December

Youth Gathering for December

Alternate Activity
Consider making arrangements with a local nursing home to take teens caroling or
contacting a local children’s hospital about letting teens make hundreds of handmade
Christmas cards for children being hospitalized during the Christmas season. You can plan
either of these options for a Saturday afternoon/evening and then host a Christmas party
lock‐in over night at the parish. And/or consider getting youth involved in or even helping to
coordinate a parish giving tree.

January

Theme: Epiphany; revelation of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit
Resources: from Ministry Ideas for Celebrating Advent and Christmas with Teens, Families, and
Parishes, Saint Mary’s Press, Pages 75‐80 Epiphany:
Revelation, Radiance, Remembrance: A session to Explore the
Biblical Story of the Magi
Notes: Needs an icebreaker to begin. Note: We encourage all parish
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 1—covers youth ministry programs to
Divine Revelation and Sacred Scripture. consider hosting a parish retreat
for teens. The length of the
retreat can vary and you can
Alternate activity
consider hosting a one-day or
Consider doing a diaper and bottle drive for a local pregnancy
center
half-day retreat for parents
Theme: Right to Life preceding the teen retreat to
Resources: from Living and Loving Our Catholic Faith: Affirming equip them with topics for
Life, NFCYM, Pages 13‐20, “Responding to the Sorrow of taking it home.
Abortion” and Pages 21‐34, “Our Sin and God’s Mercy: Catholic
Teaching on the Death Penalty” and Pages 35‐54, “Euthanasia:
Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”

Theme: A dialog with youth on Catholic belief and practice
Resources: Youth Ministry Strategies: Creative Activities to Complement the Horizons
Curriculum, Saint Mary’s Press, Pages/Section D:21 and 20 More Teen Prayer Services, 23rd
Publications, Pages 41‐43 “The Cross of Courage: Doing What is Right
Notes: Needs an opening icebreaker
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 4—Belonging to and living as a member of
the Church

5


February

Theme: Reconciliation as a celebration of grace; forgiveness
Resources: from Living and Loving our Catholic Faith: Sacraments: Celebrations of Grace,
NFCYM, Pages 55‐59 “The Sacred Do Over”
Notes: This event if done with the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation would take
about 2 ½ hours. If celebration of the sacrament is not possible, you can do the content and
activities and close with a different prayer. You could then invite teens to celebrate the
sacrament at a different time.
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 5—Penance and Reconciliation

Parent Session (This session could also precede or follow a required meeting for Confirmation
parents, to attempt to get all parents of teens together to socialize and support one another)
Theme: Strong Catholic Families Equal Strong Catholic Youth
Resources: Strong Catholic Families, Strong Catholic Youth Handbook from the NFCYM
Notes: Consider using the “Family Faith Assessment” from the Handbook to discuss how
parents can pass on the faith in the home. Provide them with time for small group
discussions and a resource page for parent resources (contact our office for a list of parent
resources)

Alternate activity
Consider doing a food drive or serving at a local soup kitchen.
Theme: Feeding the Hungry
Host a “Souper Bowl Party” or a “Food Fast”
Resources: http://www.souperbowl.org/ or http://www.foodfast.org/

Theme: A discussion and activity on Eucharist and real presence
Resources: Catholic to the Core: 2006 Youth Ministry Resource Manual, NFCYM Pages 29‐34
“Presence that Makes a Difference: Eucharist and Discipleship
Notes: If Lent begins in February you might want to switch this program to later in Lent and
use a Lenten preparation program instead (next activity).
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 5—Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist

6

March

Theme: Lent; Ash Wednesday; prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
Resources: from Youth Ministry Access, Center for Ministry Development (www.cmd.org)
Program title‐ Participating in the Lenten Practices: Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving
Notes: Youth Ministry Access from the CMD requires a year‐long subscription. It is an
excellent resource that supplies new programs every year. Each program is a complete
youth session. If you are not subscribed to Youth Ministry Access you might want to
consider. The following session is an alternative session in case you do not have this
resource in your computer.
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 6—Living as Jesus’ disciple. Also check out
the Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving resources at CRS.org for supplemental resources

Alternate Program for 1st Gathering of the Month

Theme: Virtue of charity; Catholic Social Teaching
Resources: from Living and Loving Our Catholic Faith: Affirming Life, NFCYM, Pages 1‐7
“Foundational Session: Charity: Love Received and Given”
Notes: this is a two hour session, it could be adapted to fit a shorter time frame.
Curriculum Framework connection: Core them 6—Human rights and duties


Alternate Activity
Bring teens to Diocesan Youth Rally in March
Also, consider having teens do the H2O Project for Lent from Living Water International.
Information and free resources are available on their website: http://www.water.cc/

Theme: The Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ experienced in human life
Resources: from Faith Works for Senior High, Saint Mary’s Press, Pages 129‐140 “No Pain, No
Gain: Experiencing the Paschal Mystery”
Notes: Needs an icebreaker. There is a lot of material in this program. It could be broken into
two evenings or you could pull out the parts you want to emphasize.
Curriculum Framework connection: Core theme 3—Redemption through the passion and
death of Jesus

April

Good Friday‐ Join the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry & the Office for Social
Concerns downtown for the annual Walking Stations of the Cross

Alternate Activity for April

7

Theme: Care for Creation
Resources: http://education.crs.org/ click “Care for Creation” under the activities tab and
locally check out http://www.shepherdscorner.org/
Alternative Activity for April
Theme: Dating/Chastity/Relationships with the opposite sex
With prom approaching and with May being Teen Pregnancy Awareness Month this is a
good time of year to talk about dating, relationships, making moral decisions and embracing
chastity.
Resource: from Discover Jesus Christ the Way: 2007 Youth Ministry Resource Manual,
www.nfcym.org “What is so great about having a date?” pp. 79‐86

July

Bring Teens to Diocesan Gospel Road in July

NOTES:
Other Resources
The preceding programs involve about a dozen or so available resources that we have
researched, tested, and/or used in youth ministry. There are many other resources available
so we encourage you to explore them as well. FREE is always good and there are a number
of free resources on the web. We continually go to the web for free icebreakers and group
warmers. One free resource that we want to highlight is the Resource Center at the Saint
Mary’ Press web page. This page has a lot of articles and free programs to consider. Try it.
Here is the web link: http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/

Reaching teens who don’t come to youth ministry gatherings
Let’s face it; you won’t attract all the teens in the parish to attend youth ministry gatherings
like the sessions we just outlined in this section of the Parish Resource Manual. Many of
them are too busy or just not interested. So do you write them off? Of course not! There are
many ways to address teens that don’t come to events or gatherings. Technology can be
very helpful.

If you have an e‐mail list or a social media page of some sort (Facebook) then take some
time to write a summary of the lesson you covered in your youth gathering and then send it
to the whole e‐mail list or put it out there though social media. You can include prayer
pieces and discussion questions or stories to share with those who didn’t attend your
session. Keep it short and to the point.

8

Resources used in this section
Here is a list of resources we recommend for the sessions we outlined for year’s worth of
programming. We tried to keep this cost effective realizing that the parish youth ministry
budget is usually very modest. All of the resources combined for this one year of
programming totals less than $300. (This estimated cost is excluding the Youth Ministry
Access Series from the Center for Ministry Development which is an on line subscription
service that itself would provide a full year of programs.) Of course we are highlighting
single programs in each resource book and given that the books have many other themed
programs, you could construct about 3 or 4 years of programs from these suggested
resources. Occasionally resources go out of print so give us a call if you encounter that
situation in your search and we can help since we have everything listed here in the OYYAM
library.

Center for Ministry Development; www.cmd.org
Youth Ministry Access

National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry; www.nfcym.org
2006 Youth Ministry Resource Manual: Catholic to the Core
2007 Youth Ministry Resource Manual: Discover Jesus the Way
Living and Loving Our Catholic Faith; Our Catholic Faith Sunday and Beyond
Living and Loving Our Catholic Faith: Celebrations of Grace
Living and Loving Our Catholic Faith: Affirming Life

23rd Publications; www.Amazon.com
20 More Teens Prayer Services

Saint Mary’s Press; www.smp.org
Total Catechesis; The Creed
The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth
The Catholic Youth Bible
Youth Ministry Strategies; Creative Activities to Complement the Horizons Program
Ministry Ideas for Celebrating Advent and Christmas with Teens, Families, and Parishes

9

ADAPTATION OF
Doctrinal Elements
of a Curriculum Framework
for the Development of
Catechetical Materials for
Young People of High School Age
FOR USE IN
PARISH AND YOUTH
MINISTRY PROGRAMS
Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
January 2010
1
CONTENTS
PREAMBLE …………………………………………………………………………………….3
ADAPTATION ………………………………………………………………………………….5
ADAPTED CORE CURRICULUM……………………………………………………………5
I. The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture………………………………………5
II. Who is Jesus Christ?................................................................................................5
III. The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery)……………………………...7
IV. Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church………………………………….8
V. Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ…………………………..8
VI. Life in Jesus Christ……………………………………………………………….13
2
PREAMBLE
The heart of catechesis is the explicit invitation of Jesus to “Come, Follow Me,”
addressed to the young man in the Gospel (Matthew 19: 16- 22; GDC, no.183). This essentially
Christological character of catechesis permeates the Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum
Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age
published in 2008. The content and order of the Curriculum Framework extends this direct
invitation of Christ to youth. It expresses the meaning of Saint Paul’s words to the Corinthians,
“I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received” (1 Corinthians 15:3).
The Curriculum Framework is designed to provide systematic content to guide the
catechetical formation of young people of high school age in the various catechetical contexts in
which it takes place. In particular, this Adaptation is now offered to guide the use of the
Curriculum Framework in parish religious education programs, and in catechetical formation that
is a constitutive part of youth ministry programs. It presents a condensed outline of the six core
themes of the Curriculum Framework.1
A Point of Reference
Like the Curriculum Framework, this Adaptation is not a tool for direct instruction. Both
are offered by the Bishops primarily as a point of reference for the work of catechetical
publishers. The creativity of writers, editors and catechetical publishers who take into account
the pastoral experience of catechists and youth ministers will shape catechetical materials and
programs based on this Adaptation. A Curriculum Framework model aims to encourage and
support, rather than limit, the creativity of publishers and catechists in the creation and use of
catechetical materials and programs derived from it.
The Church, in transmitting the faith, “does not have a particular method nor any single
method,” and the “variety of methods is a sign of life and richness” as well as a demonstration of
respect for those to whom catechesis is addressed (GDC 148). Therefore catechetical materials
and programs shaped by this adaptation of the Curriculum Framework will, of necessity, include
specific elements of sacramental catechesis, spirituality, retreats, family prayer, popular piety,
devotions, and works of charity and justice. Publishers will also take into consideration
methodological approaches suitable for youth catechesis and the formation of catechists and
youth ministers.
Catechetical Content and Method in a Divine and Human Pedagogy
The Curriculum Framework and its adaptation for parish religious education and youth
ministry programs assume the “Pedagogy of God”2 as a vital starting point for catechetical
formation of high school age students. God has revealed Himself and His message gradually
over an extended period of time using human means and experiences in what is called a “Divine
Pedagogy.” In the life and teaching of His Son, Jesus Christ, this Divine Revelation reaches its
fullness in time (Hebrews 1: 1-2).
1
In addition, a brief list of Protocol items that supplement the six core themes is included. The Protocol is an evaluative instrument used in the
review of catechetical materials for conformity to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It may be found at
www.usccb.org/catechism/document/protocol.shtml
2
Vatican Congregation for the Clergy, General Directory for Catechesis, Part Three, “Pedagogy of God,” nos. 137 – 147.
3
Catechesis of youth is “radically inspired by the Pedagogy of God, as revealed in Christ
and in the Church” (GDC 143). “The wonderful dialogue that God undertakes with every human
person becomes the inspiration and norm” of the ministry of the catechist and youth minister, as
noted in the General Directory for Catechesis (GDC 144).
Following the “Divine Pedagogy,” the Curriculum Framework and this adaptation affirm
a vital correlation and interdependence, between doctrinal content and catechetical method,
rather than a separation or opposition between them. In other words, the Curriculum Framework
and this adaptation accept both content and methodology as constitutive elements in the ministry
of catechists and youth ministers. The catechist “conducts a pedagogy of signs, where words and
deeds, teaching and experience are interlinked” (GDC, 143), and belief is understood as an
“ecclesial act of faith” in which the Church’s faith “precedes, engenders, supports, and nourishes
our faith” (CCC 181).
The content of all catechesis, including that of youth, is derived from Divine Revelation
received through Sacred Scripture and Tradition. The sequence of the Curriculum Framework
and this adaptation follows this “Divine Pedagogy,” and the unfolding of Revelation in the New
Testament. To the extent that catechetical methods serve the content of Revelation they
communicate the living mystery of God and invite a personal encounter with Jesus Christ in the
power of the Holy Spirit.
As writers, editors and publishers create catechetical materials and programs based on the
Curriculum Framework and this adaptation they give expression to the “Divine Pedagogy”
through a variety of catechetical methods related to the real life experience of youth and the
challenges and opportunities from contemporary culture.
The Parish and the Family in the Catechetical Formation of Youth
The parish is, without doubt, the most important locus in which the Christian community
is formed and expressed (GDC 257). The parish remains the “prime mover and pre-eminent
place for catechesis, (CT 67) together with “family catechesis that precedes, accompanies and
enriches all forms of catechesis” (GDC 226). The Curriculum Framework and this adaptation,
while primarily prepared for publishers, will also assist all whose catechetical ministry engages
youth in the parish and in the family.
The effective and successful formation of youth through the use of the Curriculum
Framework and this adaptation will depend on the creative work of authors, editors and
publishers of catechetical materials and programs derived from it. Those who are to benefit from
the publishers’ implementation of the Curriculum Framework and its adaptation include Bishops,
pastors, catechetical leaders, catechists, youth ministers, parents and scholars. Together all
involved in the catechetical formation of youth in parish religious education programs and youth
ministry programs extend to young people the invitation of Christ to accept the life-giving
message of the Gospel, and to Christian discipleship and witness in the midst of contemporary
culture.
4
ADAPTATATION OF THE
DOCTRINAL ELEMENTS OF A CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF
CATECHETICAL MATERIALS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF HIGH SCHOOL AGE
FOR PARISH AND YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAMS
I. The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture
A. The thirst and desire for God (CCC, 27-30, 44-45, 1718)
1. Human beings have a longing for God
B. God revealed in many ways
1. Natural Revelation as attested to in Sacred Scripture (CCC, 32-38; 46-47)
2. Divine Revelation (CCC, 50-53, 68-69; 230)

a. Events of God’s Revelation in history are recorded in Sacred Scripture,
God’s inspired word (CCC, 54-64, 70-72)
b. Jesus Christ, the definitive Word of Revelation, the One to whom all
Scripture bears witness, is God’s only Son (CCC, 65-67, 73, 101-104, 134,
423)
3. The transmission of Divine Revelation (CCC, 74-95)

a. Tradition and Scripture (CCC, 74-83, 96-97)
b. Deposit of Faith given to the Church (CCC, 84-95, 98-100)
4. Sacred Scripture, God’s inspired word (CCC, 105-137)

a. The Scriptures develop through oral tradition (CCC, 76, 126), written
books (CCC, 106), and the setting of the canon of Scripture (CCC, 120)
b. Sacred Scripture and the life of the Church (CCC, 131, 133, 141, 1190)
c. Scripture and prayer (CCC, 103, 1096, 1100, 1176-1177, 1184, 1190,
1349, 2662)
d. The authentic interpretation of Scripture is the responsibility of the
teaching office of the Church (CCC, 85-87, 100)
e. The Old Testament (CCC, 121-123, 138)
f. The New Testament (CCC, 120, 124-127)
1) The Gospels (CCC, 125, 126, 139, 512-667)
II. Who is Jesus Christ?
A. Revelation is God’s gift of himself (CCC, 50-73, 230-231)
1. The divine plan of salvation is disclosed in salvation history
5
B. The response to Revelation on the part of the human person is faith (CCC, 143-144,
153-165, 176-183, 229)
1. Grace enables faith (CCC, 143, 179)
2. Faith leads to discipleship (CCC, 229, 520, 546, 562, 654, 1533)
3. The fullness of Revelation, Jesus Christ himself, is reflected in the life and
teaching of the Catholic Church (CCC, 748-870)
4. The Magisterium guards and hands on the deposit of faith and is entrusted
with the authentic interpretation of Revelation (CCC, 880-896)
C. Jesus Christ’s Revelation about God
1. The Mystery of the Incarnation

a. Jesus is the Son of God from all eternity and Son of Mary from the
moment of the Incarnation (CCC, 454, 486-487, 496, 501, 721-730)
b. Jesus is fully God and fully man (CCC, 464-469, 479-483)
c. Unique role of Mary, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin (CCC, 484-487,
495, 499-507, 508-510)
2. The revelation of Jesus about God (Jn 14:9)

a. God is Trinity: One God in three Divine Persons (CCC, 234, 261, 267)
1) God the Father (CCC, 238-242)
2) God the Son (CCC, 252, 422, 430, 456-469, 484-487)
3) God the Holy Spirit (CCC, 243-248)
b. Development of Trinitarian Theology in the early Councils of the
Church (CCC, 245-248)
D. Jesus Christ teaches us about ourselves
1. The human person is created in the image and likeness of God. (CCC, 381,
1700-1709) This means we are endowed with special gifts. (CCC, 356-
358, 1702-1706, 1745)
2. Jesus Christ redeems us and gives us his grace (CCC, 1705, 1708-1709)
3. Jesus Christ reveals the Father to us (CCC, 2798)
4. Jesus Christ teaches us to pray (CCC, 2680, 2774-2776, 2798-2900, 2857)
5. Jesus Christ tells us of the goal of this life

a. Four Last Things (CCC, 677-679, 992, 996, 1010-1019, 1021-1041,
1051-1060)
6
III. The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery)
A. The Creation of the world and of our first parents (CCC, 54, 279-282, 315, 319, 353)
1. Understanding literary forms in Scripture (CCC, 289)
2. The Trinitarian God is the Creator of all that is (CCC, 290-295, 301, 316-317,
320, 350)
3. Human beings are the summit of creation, made in the image and likeness
of God (CCC, 356-359, 381-384, 1700-1706, 2331)
a. Human persons are a union of body and soul and possess inviolable
dignity (CCC, 356-368, 2334)
B. The Fall from grace: Original Sin (Rom 5:12, Gen 3; CCC, 55, 309-31, 324, 385-390,
1707)
1. The fall of the angels (CCC, 391-395)
2. The rebellion of Adam and Eve was a sin of disobedience toward God (CCC,
396-398, 415)
3. Consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin (CCC, 399-409, 416-419)
C. God promises to send a Savior in the Proto-Evangelium (Gen 3:15; CCC, 410-412)
1. God’s covenants of the Old Testament (CCC, 121-123)
2. The promise fulfilled in Jesus (CCC, 422-455, 592)

a. The Annunciation (CCC, 484-489, 744)
b. Christ’s whole life was a mystery of redemption (CCC, 535-618)
c. Redemption through the Passion and death of Jesus (CCC, 595-618,
620-621, 629, 637)
d. The Resurrection of Jesus: Redemption accomplished and the promise
fulfilled (CCC, 631-658)
e. The Ascension and glorification of Jesus culminating in the sending
of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (CCC, 659-667, 1112)
3. Call to holiness and living as a disciple of Jesus (CCC, 826, 2012-2014, 2028,
2045, 2813)
a. We need to accept and live the grace of redemption (CCC, 1803)
b. Holy Spirit and grace enable us to live a holy life (CCC, 1704)
c. Life of worship, prayer, service to the poor (CCC, 618, 767, 2558,
2590-2591, 2644-2645, 2661-2662, 2693-2694, 2720-2721, 2757)
7
IV. Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church
A. The Origin, Foundation and Manifestation of the Church (CCC, 777-779)
1. The Catholic Church instituted by Christ (CCC, 748-766)
2. Descent of the Holy Spirit (CCC, 696, 731-732, 743, 747, 767, 1076, 1287,
2623)
3. Mission of the Apostles (CCC, 857, 860, 935)
4. Images of the Church (CCC, 804-810)
5. Marks of the Church (CCC, 813-870, 960, 1208-1209)
B. The Church is the sign and instrument of communion with God and unity of the
human race (CCC, 747, 760, 780, 804, 810)
1. The Church’s mission (CCC, 760, 849-852)

a. Evangelization and the New Evangelization (CCC, 861, 905)
2. Visible structure of the Church (CCC, 880-896, 936-944)

a. The Church is a communion of twenty-one Eastern Catholic Churches
and one Western Church, all in union with the Pope.
3. The teaching office in the Church, the Magisterium (CCC, 890)
4. Belonging to the Church is essential (CCC, 760, 804, 838-839, 597, 846-847)
5. Word and Sacraments entrusted to the Church for our salvation (CCC, 96-96,
1110, 1131)
6. Living as a member of the Church is living as a disciple of Jesus (CCC, 520,

1248, 2757)
V. Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ
A. Sacrament is an efficacious sign of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the

Church, by which the divine life of grace is dispensed to us through the work of the Holy
Spirit (CCC, 1131)
1. The Sacraments confer the grace they signify (CCC, 1127, 2021-2024)
2. Jesus Christ is the living ever-present Sacrament of God (CCC, 1088-1090,

1187)
8
3. The Church as Universal Sacrament of Jesus Christ (CCC, 774-776, 1111)
B. Redemption is mediated through the Seven Sacraments (CCC, 1129)
C. The Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist (CCC,
1275)
1. The Sacrament of Baptism (CCC, 985, 1277, 1279-1280)

a. Scriptural basis: Mt 3:1-17; Mt 29:19; Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21-22; Jn 1:22-
34; Jn 3:1-15; Acts 2:37-41 (CCC, 1223-1225)
b. The celebration of Baptism
1) of adults (CCC, 1247-1249)
2) of infants (CCC, 403, 1231, 1233, 1250-1252, 1282, 1290)
3) Role of godparents (CCC, 1255)
4) Essential elements: Immersion or triple pouring of water on the
head; saying the words of the Trinitarian formula (CCC, 1239-
1240, 1278)
c. Effects of Baptism (CCC, 1279)
1) Die and rise with Christ (CCC, 1227)
2) Freed from Original Sin and all sins (CCC, 985, 1263)
3) Adopted children of God (CCC, 1265-1266)
4) Members of the Church (CCC, 1267-1270)
5) Indelible character; this Sacrament cannot be repeated (CCC,
1272-1274, 1280)
6) Holy Spirit and discipleship (CCC, 1241)
d. Requirements for reception (CCC, 1247-1255)
e. Minister of the Sacrament (CCC, 1256, 1284)
f. Necessity of Baptism (CCC, 1257-1261, 1281, 1283)
2. The Sacrament of Confirmation (CCC, 1316)

a. Scriptural basis: Acts 8: 14-17 (CCC, 1287-1288)
b. The celebration of Confirmation
1) Rite of Confirmation (CCC, 1298-1300, 1318)
2) RCIA (CCC, 1232-1233, 1298)
3) Essential elements: Laying on of hands and anointing with
Chrism; the words of the formula (CCC, 1300, 1320)
c. The effects of Confirmation (CCC, 1316)
1) perfection of baptismal grace (CCC, 1285)
2) Help of the Holy Spirit’s gifts and fruits (CCC, 830-1832); in
the Eastern Churches Chrismation is given with Baptism
3) Indelible character; this Sacrament cannot be repeated
(CCC,1303-1305)
4) Call to spread and defend faith (CCC, 1303)
5) Discernment of God’s call (CCC, 1303)
9
6) Stewardship (CCC, 1303)
d. Requirements for reception (CCC, 1306-1310, 1319)
e. The Minister of Confirmation (CCC, 1312-1314)
3. The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (CCC, 1407)

a. Scriptural basis: Ex 12; Mt 14:13-21; Mt 26:26-29; Mk 6:30-33; Mk
14:22-25; Lk 9:10-17; Lk 22:14-20; Jn 2:1-12; Jn 6:22-59; Jn 13-17; 1 Cor
11:23 (CCC, 1337-1344)
b. Celebration of the Eucharist (CCC, 1348-1355, 1408)
1) Celebration of the Mass (CCC, 1348-1355)
2) Essential elements (CCC, 1412, 1352-1355; CIC 924.1-3, 926,
927)
3) Christ’s Real Presence; Transubstantiation (CCC, 1373-1377,
1409, 1413-1414)
4) Worship of the Eucharist (CCC, 1378-1379, 1385-1386, 1418)
c. The effects of the Eucharist (CCC, 1416)
1) Union with Jesus and the Church (CCC, 1391, 1396)
2) Forgiveness of venial sin (CCC, 1394)
3) Protection from grave sin (CCC, 1395)
4) Commits us to the poor (CCC, 1397)
d. Requirements for fruitful reception (CCC, 1376, 1385-1388, 1415,
1417)
e. Minister of this Sacrament (CCC, 1369, 1410-1411, 1566)
D. The Sacraments of Healing are Penance and Reconciliation and the Anointing of the
Sick
1. Penance and Reconciliation (CCC, 986, 1486)

a. Scriptural basis: Jn 20:22-23
b. Celebration of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation
1) Individual confession (CCC, 1456-1458, 1480, 1484, 1497)
2) Communal service (CCC, 1482)
3) General Absolution (CCC, 1483)
4) Essential elements: Penitent’s contrition and firm purpose of
amendment, confession, and penance or satisfaction; priest’s
absolution (CCC, 1450-1458, 1480-1484, 1491-1494)
c. Effects of this Sacrament (CCC, 1496)
1) forgiveness of all sin (CCC, 1442)
2) Reconciliation with God by which grace is received (CCC,
1468-1469; 1496)
3) Reconciliation with the Church (CCC, 1443-1445)
4) Remission of punishment for sin (CCC, 1470, 1496)
5) Peace and serenity (CCC, 1496)
6) Spiritual strength to resist temptation (CCC, 1496)
d. Requirements for reception
10
1) Contrition, both perfect and imperfect (CCC, 1451-1454, 1490,
1492)
2) Confession of grave and mortal sins (CCC, 1455-1457, 1493)
3) Confession of venial sins recommended (CCC, 1458)
e. Minister of this Sacrament (CCC, 1461-1466, 1495)
2. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick gives spiritual healing and strength to a
person seriously ill and sometimes also physical recovery (CCC, 1499-1513)
a. Scriptural basis: James 5:14-15 (CCC, 1510)
b. The celebration of this Sacrament
1) Individual celebration (CCC, 1514-1516)
2) Communal celebration (CCC, 1517-1518)
3) Viaticum (CCC, 1524-1525)
4) Essential elements: Laying on of hands and anointing
forehead and hands with Oil of the Sick; spoken words of the
formula (CCC, 1517-1519, 1531)
c. The effects of this Sacrament (CCC, 1520-1523, 1532)
1) Union of the sick person to Christ in his Passion
2) Strength, peace, and courage to endure the sufferings of illness
or old age
3) The forgiveness of sins
4) The restoration of health if God wills it
5) Preparation for passing over to eternal life
d. Requirements for fruitful reception (CCC, 1514-1515, 1528-1529)
e. Minister of this Sacrament (CCC, 1516, 1530)
E. The Sacraments at the Service of Communion are Holy Orders and Matrimony
1. Holy Orders is the Sacrament through which a man is made a bishop, priest
or deacon, and is given the grace and power to fulfill the responsibilities of
the order to which he is ordained (CCC, 1591-1592)
a. Scriptural basis: Mt 16: 18ff; Mt 28: 19-20; Lk 6:12-16; Mk 3:14-19
(CCC, 1577)
b. The celebration of this Sacrament
1) Bishop, Priest, Deacon (CCC, 1554-1571, 1593-1596); the
Eastern Churches include minor orders of cantor, lector, and
subdeacon
2) Essential elements: imposition of hands and spoken prayer of
consecration (CCC, 1572-1574, 1597)
c. The effects of this Sacrament
1) Indelible character, this Sacrament cannot be repeated
(CCC,1581-1584)
2) Grace of the Holy Spirit (CCC, 1585-1589)
11
1) Called to ministry (CCC, 1578)
2) baptized male (CCC, 1577, 1598)
3) Celibacy in the Latin Church (CCC, 1579)
4) Adequate education and formation (CCC, 1578, 1598)
5) Mental health screening (PPF 5, 53)
6) Life-long commitment to personal prayer and devotion (CCC,
1567, 1579)
7) Servant Leader in Person of Christ (CCC, 1552-1553, 1548-
1551)
e. Minister of this Sacrament: bishop (CCC, 1575-1576, 1600)
2. Marriage is the Sacrament in which a baptized man and a baptized woman form
with each other a lifelong covenantal communion of life and love that signifies
the union of Christ and the Church through which they are given the grace to live
this union (CCC, 1601, 1603, 1613-1616, 1642, 1660)
a. Scriptural basis: Jn 2:1-11; Mt 19:1-15; Mk 5:31-32 (CCC, 1614-1615)
b. The celebration of this Sacrament (CCC, 1621-1624)
1) Essential elements: free consent of the couple, given in
the presence of the Church’s minister and two witnesses (CCC,
1625-1632, 1662-1663)
c. The effects of this Sacrament (CCC, 1638-1642, 1661)
1) Grace to perfect the couple’s love for each other and
strengthen their bond
2) Help to live the responsibilities of married life
3) Help on the journey to eternal life
1) Baptism (CCC, 1617, 1625, 1633)
2) No prior bond or other impediments (CCC, 1625)
3) Able to give free consent (CCC, 1625, 1627)
4) Celebration of marriage according to Church law (CCC,1625-
1637)
5) Promises and requirements of marriage: unity and
indissolubility, fidelity, openness to children (CCC, 1644-1654,
1664-1665)
e. The minister of this Sacrament
1) Baptized man and a baptized woman who are free to marry
before duly authorized sacred minister and two witnesses (CCC,
1623, 1630)
2) In Eastern Churches, the priest is the minister of the
Sacrament (CCC, 1623)
12
VI. Life in Jesus Christ
A. Life in Christ
1. God created us for happiness, to share eternal life with him in Heaven; we are
made in his image and likeness (CCC, 45, 1700-1706, 1711)
2. He calls us to beatitude or joy, true happiness (CCC, 1725-1726)
3. Our response is living as his disciple (CCC, 1693-1695, 1698)
B. God teaches us how to live this new life
1. Natural Moral Law (CCC, 1713)

a. Reason participating in eternal law (CCC, 1954-1955)
b. Basis for human rights and duties (CCC, 1956, 1978)
c. Found in all cultures, basis for moral rules and civil law (CCC, 1958-
1960, 1979)
2. Revelation
a. The Ten Commandments, as the privileged expression of the
natural law, are revealed by God under the Old Covenant and fulfilled by
Jesus Christ in the New Covenant, and they remain as a gift to his people
(CCC, 1975, 1980, 1982, 2052-2083)
1) I am the Lord, your God; you shall not have strange gods
before me (CCC, 2134-2141)
2) You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain
(CCC, 2161-2163)
3) Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day (CCC, 1193, 2175,
2190-2195)
4) Honor your Father and your Mother (CCC, 2248-2257)
5) You shall not kill (CCC, 2319-2329)
6) You shall not commit adultery (CCC, 2393-2400)
7) You shall not steal (CCC, 2451-2462)
8) You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (CCC,
2505-2512)
9) You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife (CCC, 2529-2533)
10) You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods (CCC, 2552-2556)
13
b. The Two Great Commandments of Jesus (CCC, 2083)
1) The grace of the Holy Spirit (CCC, 1715, 1966, 1983,
2003, 2017)
2) The Sermon on the Mount (CCC, 1966-1970)
a) The Beatitudes (CCC, 1716-1723, 1725-1726)
i) Blessed are the poor in Spirit
ii) Blessed are those who mourn
iii) Blessed are the meek
iv) Blessed are the merciful
v) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
for righteousness
vi) Blessed are the pure of heart
vii) Blessed are the peacemakers
viii) Blessed are those who are persecuted
for righteousness sake
c. The Church as teacher of moral principles (CCC, 2032-2035,
2050-2051)
1) The Precepts of the Church (CCC, 2042-2043, 2048)
2) Magisterium and natural law (CCC, 2036, 2050)
3) Church teaching forms one’s conscience for moral
decision making (CCC, 1776-1782, 1795-1797, 1802)
4) The witness of others (CCC, 1194-1195)
d. God’s love and mercy through Jesus Christ (CCC, 2011, 2025,
2027, 2196, 2448)
e. Universal call to holiness as disciples of Jesus Christ (CCC, 520-
521, 901- 913)
1) Grace (CCC, 1996-2005, 2017-2023)
2) Virtue: Theological and Cardinal (CCC, 1803-1829,
1833-1841)
3) Sustaining the moral life of the Christian
a) Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (CCC, 1830-1831,
1845)
b) Twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit (CCC, 1832)
4) Conscience (CCC, 1746, 1777-1802)
5) Sacraments and prayer offer us the grace and strength to
live a moral life (CCC, 2047)
6) Living life as a Disciple of Christ (CCC, 1694, 1194-
1195
e. The reality of sin (CCC, 369-370, 415)
1) Original Innocence (CCC, 369-379, 384)
2) Effects of Original Sin (CCC, 396-406, 416-418, 1714)
3) Sin (CCC, 1849-1876)
a) Sins of omission and commission (CCC, 1853)
b) Mortal and venial sin (CCC, 1760-1761, 1855,
1860)
c) Effects of sin (CCC, 1861-1864)
14
Additional Protocol items for inclusion in high school texts
Protocol Numbers:
1498 (indulgences)
1666 (family as domestic Church)
1678-1679 (sacramentals, popular piety)
1746 (right to religious freedom)
1757 (three sources of morality of an act – not in Curriculum Framework)
1890 (unity of Trinity as model of human fraternity)
1892 (the human person as the object of social organization)
1895 (society to promote exercise of virtue)
1920 (public authority part of order established by God)
1921 (authority must be ordered to the common good)
1923 (political authority and the moral order)
1925 (meaning of the common good)
1926 (common good must promote dignity of human person)
1927 (responsibility of state to protect common good)
1943 (society and individuals, obtain due)
1944 (respect people as other-selves)
1945 (equality is based on dignity and rights)
1947 (dignity requires efforts to reduce inequalities)
1948 (solidarity)
15


5. Supporting Parents
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 5.1 Youth Ministry and Parents

Youth Ministry and Parents:

Principles and Suggestions

Principles for youth ministers to live by:

Parents are not a “problem”; they are part of the solution.

Parents are your partners; they need you to be their partners.

Parents love their kids more than you do.

Teens are part of a family system; you can’t change them without changing the system.

Parents need the Church’s ministry too.

Parents need re‐assurance; want to know that they are good parents.

Not all families look and act like yours. There are many types of families. Learn to love and
support them all.

What can the youth ministry do for parents?

Individually encourage parents. Get to know them.

Help parents find opportunities to grow in their own faith, both spiritually and intellectually.

Help parents find ways to support each other (prayer groups, support groups, discussion
groups…).

Educate parents about youth culture, teen issues and development, ways to nurture faith in
their teens and their homes.

Communicate directly with parents through e‐mail and social media. Tell them about what is
happening in youth ministry. Share information and articles about Christian parenting.

1

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 5.1 Youth Ministry and Parents
Help parents when there is a family crisis.

Connect families to family service opportunities.

Invite parents to help out with the ministry.

Pray for parents and teens.

The National Study on Youth and Religion, a highly recognized and credible sociological
study on the spiritual and religious lives of today’s teenagers, had this to say about parents
of teenagers:

“Contrary to popular misguided and cultural stereotypes and frequent parental
misconceptions, we believe that the evidence clearly shows that the single most
important social influence on the religious and spiritual lives of adolescents is
their parents… parents are most important in forming their children’s spiritual
and religious lives. The best social predictor, although not a guarantee, of what
the religious and spiritual lives of youth will look like is what the religious and
spiritual lives of their parents do look like.”

2

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 5.2.Family Resources

Family Resources
The Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life provide a variety of resources for parents
and married couples. The Office periodically sends electronic mailings with articles and
resource suggestions that parents find helpful. They have archives of these articles that can
be found at this web link:
http://www.colsdioc.org/Offices/MarriageandFamilyLifeOffice/MarriageandFamilyEnrichmen
tResources.aspx
The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) supports a web page that links
parents to helpful resources. The NFCYM sponsors the national initiative on Strong Catholic
Families, Strong Catholic Youth. www.strongcatholicfamilies.org
http://www.pastoralplanning.com/Partnership‐Parents.html for Great Expectations: A

Pastoral Guide for Partnering with Parents. Also find other books and handouts for parents,
and podcasts on coaching parents and how to get started in your parish.
www.smp.org/category/Family/ for the Catholic Family Connections Bible. Also you will find
Teens and Parents: Sessions for Growing in Faith Together, the HELP series Family Ideas for
Ministry with Young Teens, and many other parent/teen/family resources.
http://www.loyolapress.com/catholic‐family.htm For free family activities, prayers, seasonal
activities, or to sign up for their free monthly family newsletter, try this Loyola Press web
site. Also check out www.loyolapress.com/sunday‐connection.htm for background on each
week’s readings with family connections.
www.lifelongfaith.com This resource offers the Lifelong Faith journal and other resources
on intergenerational ministry; a valuable tool for the youth minister.
Parents of teenagers should try Bob McCarty’s book raising Happy, Healthy, and Holy
Teenagers. It is available from the resource section on www.nfcym.org (Then “store” then
“Family”.)
www.vibrantfaithathome.org This online resource is an excellent source for all kinds of
parent and family tips, prayers, ideas for faith formation, etc… You need to register but it is
a free resource. You will need to explore the many pages open to you to find resources for
your family. Everything is well indexed and clearly marked.
This AAA site offers tips for parents of teens who have reached the legal age to apply for a
driver’s license : http://teendriving.aaa.com

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 5.2.Family Resources

http://stickyfaith.org/family?/parents This is a website for parents to learn the latest
research on parenting teens and pick up ideas and guidance for parenting skills and ideas.

Strong Catholic Family Faith: Contains plenty of links to other sites that serve parents of tens
as they grabble with different issues of parenting.
http://www.catholicfamilyfaith.org/adolescents.html

http://www.parentfurther.com/
Parent Further is an online resource from Search Institute to help families strengthen
relationships through shared activities. It offers updated research on young people and
ideas to help parents.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/adolescence2.html
The Center for Disease Control gives information on teen development and stages of
growth.

2

THIS IS HOW YOU CAN OFFER SCFSCY IN
Strong Catholic Families; Strong

YOUR PARISH:
STEP 1: Your parish offers a
2-hour facilitated session for
parents on what eye-opening
research is telling us about Catholic Youth
faith in young people .
A parish process that engages parents in reflecting, assessing,
STEP 2: From the parent and actively sharing with parish leaders the specific support
session, the parish staff and formation they need to form their families in the
receives response forms
identifying the parents’ needs Catholic faith.
and expectations from the
parish. The staff looks at
those needs together and
with the help of a facilitator The research on teens and faith cannot be clearer: parents matter— a
formulates responses to lot! So what is the Church doing to engage and partner with parents in
those needs.
supporting them in their rightful role as primary formers of faith for
STEP 3: A second parent their family? And what can parents do to take ownership for leading
session can be offered to help
their children and teens toward a vibrant faith that embraces disciple-
parents find new, concrete
ways to live their Catholic ship?
faith in their homes.
All steps above are led by a Strong Catholic Families: Strong Catholic Youth ( a parish process) can help
local facilitator you can
schedule through the Office your parish help parents more effectively pass on the faith to their children and
of Youth & Young Adult youth. Thirty ( a rch ) dioceses across the US are using this process to help
Ministry.
parishes help parents. This process can be very helpful in sacramental
Cost: Facilitator’s travel fees preparation or for any gathering of parents. The side bar on the left gives a brief
and a small stipend. A parent
resource book can be step by step description of how the process works.
purchased (about $4) or can
be copied with permission.
For more information

please contact the Office
of Youth and Young Adult
Ministry, 614.241.2565, or e n
[email protected] t th ce o
a n
s th flue -
w l in f ag
o e en
y sh cia es o ric
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DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS
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lea tant tual ts.” es of A
DEPARTMENT FOR m
CATHOLIC EDUCATION,
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MARRIAGE & FAMILY
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LIFE OFFICE
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6. Administration and Policies

Full Youth Ministry Policy Handbook available at www.cdeducation.org/oym/
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 6.1. Driver's Requirements
Catholic Diocese of Columbus

Self-Insurance Office
MEMO: March 30, 2005

TO: All Locations
FROM: Self-Insurance Office
RE: Employees / Volunteers Driving for the Diocese of Columbus
In an effort to help curb the rising costs of auto claims and more effectively manage the
risk exposure for the Diocese of Columbus, we are striving to clarify and emphasize our internal
controls. This is very important to all of us as it allows us to direct more of our resources to the
mission of the Church and the people that we serve every day.
The Diocese of Columbus requires all employees and/or volunteers who drive their own
vehicles for diocesan business, to carry automobile insurance and to photocopy of their insurance
card to be kept on file at their employment location. The employee or volunteer should have (at
a minimum) personal auto insurance in the amounts of:
$100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence for Bodily Injury and
$100,000 Property Damage or a Combined Single Limit of $300,000.
A valid driver’s license is required per the laws of the State of Ohio for operation of such
vehicle, and upon request, employees/volunteers will provide proof of coverage with a
Certificate of Insurance. No one under the age of 25 is permitted to operate a motor vehicle on
behalf of the Diocese of Columbus or any diocesan organization or parish.
All auto accidents incurred by employees or volunteers while driving on diocesan

business MUST BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY to the Self-Insurance Office. It is our
responsibility to report accurate and timely information to our insurance agent so that if a
claim occurs, the insurance company will have all the necessary information to process the
claim.
Reminder: It is the policy of the diocese to prohibit the use of fifteen (15) passenger vans
to transport passengers. Other forms of transportation such as ten (10) passenger vans, private
passenger vehicles, or professional transportation services may be used.
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 6.2. Volunteer Driver Information
FIRST NAME LAST NAME DRIVERS’S LICENSE # STATE
VOLUNTEER DRIVER INFORMATION
Please initial each item below to verify information:
_______ I am at least 25 years of age
Security background check
I have completed the “Protecting God’s Children” training
I have a valid registration for the vehicle
My vehicle is insured for minimum bodily injury liability

coverage limits of at least $100,000 per person/$300,000
per occurrence. I understand that I am required to have the
above insurance coverage in effect on any vehicle used to
transport students.
My vehicle is insured for minimum property damage of at least

$100,000 or a combined single limit of $300,000. I understand
that I am required to have the above insurance coverage in
effect on any vehicle used to transport students.
I have car insurance with company.
As a volunteer driver I will:

 be responsible to see that each student being transported in my vehicle is wearing a
seatbelt
 follow the preferred route (s) to be traveled, if any
 be responsible for seeing that I have been given the emergency medical form
corresponding to each student assigned to my vehicle
 observe the following cell phone policy:
Cellular phone calls, both incoming and outgoing, are not permitted at any
time while driving a vehicle for diocesan business. A cellular phone’s voicemail
feature should be activated to store incoming calls while driving. This policy
applies to both hand-held and hands-free phones.
I certify that the information given above is true. I realize that it is my responsibility to notify
the parish if there is a change in any of the above information.
Signature
Revised 05/06
DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS

REGISTRATION/PERMISSION/RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

PARISH NAME PARISH CITY
Please print clearly; return with appropriate payment to your adult leader. All incomplete forms will be returned.

I. REGISTRATION

A. Name of Participant
Address
City State Zip Code
Phone ( ) Participant Cell (optional) ( )
E‐Mail
Parish School
Date of Birth / / Male Female Grade
Name of Adult Leader

B. Name of Activity
Location
Dates of Activity
Mode of transportation if not self provided:

II. PERMISSION
The undersigned hereby state(s) that _______________ (he/she/they) ________ (is/are) the __________________________________
(parent/parents/guardian) of the above named Participant and have full legal responsibility for the Participant. The undersigned
hereby grant(s) permission for the Participant to participate in the Activity named in Section I.B., above.
III. RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION
A. Release. The undersigned on behalf of the undersigned, the Participant, and the heirs, successors and assigns of the undersigned and the
Participant, hereby release, hold harmless from any liability, and discharge from all direct or derivative claims, actions, causes of actions,
medical expenses, costs, legal expenses, other expenses and all other damages at law or in equity, known or unknown, direct or indirect,
choate or inchoate against the Diocese of Columbus, the Parish and all current and former employees, agents, clergy, officers and
volunteers of the Diocese of the Parish, arising from the Participant’s participation in the Activity named in Section I.B., above.

B. Indemnification. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless the Diocese of Columbus, the Parish, and all current and former
employees, agents, clergy, officers and volunteers of the Diocese of Columbus or the Parish from any claim, liability, suit, judgment, loss,
damage, expense, fee or cost (including court costs and attorney fees) arising directly or indirectly from the Participant’s participation in
the Activity named in Section I.B., above, unless arising from the negligence of an indemnified party.

IV. SPECIFIC MEDICAL INFORMATION AND MEDICATION
A. Specific Medical Information. The Parish will take reasonable care to see that the following information will be held in
confidence.
Chronic Conditions (e.g. Epilepsy; Diabetes) _______________________________________________________________
Allergic Reactions (e.g. Food, medications, plants, etc.) ______________________________________________________
Dietary Restrictions ___________________________________________________________________________________
Immunizations: Date of last tetanus/diphtheria immunization: ________________________________________________
Any physical limitations? _______________________________________________________________________________
Has the Participant recently been exposed to contagious disease or conditions, such as mumps, measles, chicken pox,
etc.? If so, list date and disease or condition:
You should be aware of these special medical conditions of the Participant:

B. Current Medication: The Participant is taking medication at present. The Participant will bring all such medications
necessary, and such medications will be well‐labeled. Names of medications and concise directions for taking such
medications, including dosage and frequency of dosage, are as follows:

Page 1 of 2

C. Non‐Prescription Medication
Please check ONE of the following:

[ ] No medication of any type, whether prescription or non‐prescription, may be administered to the participant unless the
situation is life‐threatening and emergency treatment is required.
[ ] Non‐prescription medication may be given to the Participant, if deemed appropriate.
V. EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONTACT AND TREATMENT

A. Emergency Contact Information

Parent or Guardian
Address
Phone(s)

Medical Insurance Policy Number
Member’s Name Phone ( )
Family Doctor Phone ( )
B. Emergency Medical Treatment
In the event of an emergency, the undersigned hereby give(s) permission to transport the Participant to a hospital for emergency
medical or surgical treatment. The undersigned wish(es) to be advised prior to any further treatment by the hospital or doctor. In
the event of an emergency, if the undersigned cannot be reached at the above numbers, contact:
Name & relationship: Phone: ( )
VI. CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION (Leave blank if Consent not granted.)
The undersigned hereby consent to the release of photographs and name of the Participant to be used by the Diocese of Columbus
and (PARISH NAME) for future promotional programs
of the Diocese and Parish. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact (PARISH POINT
OF CONTACT) at (PHONE NUMBER).
VII. CODE OF BEHAVIOR
The Participant shall comply with the following:

1. The Participant must stay and participate in the entire event. The Participant may not leave the premises unless accompanied by an adult
leader, parent, or legal guardian.
2. The possession or use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or weapons of any kind is not permitted.
3. Foul language is not tolerated.
4. The Participant must comply with any and all directions of activity staff.
5. The Participant must respect the rights and property of others. Damage to or defacing of property will be the financial responsibility of
the Participant involved and the undersigned.
6. Failure to abide by this Code of Behavior may result in a request to the undersigned to transport the offending Participant from the
premises, and the undersigned shall immediately comply with the request.
VIII. SIGNATURES
THE UNDERSIGNED HAS READ, UNDERSTANDS AND HEREBY
AGREES TO AND ACCEPTS ALL PROVISIONS IN THIS AGREEMENT

Participant's Signature ___________________________________ Date

Parent Signature ________________________________________ Date

Parent Signature ________________________________________ Date

Legal Guardian Signature ________________________________ Date
Page 2 of 2

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 6.4.Guidelines for Adult Chaperones/Rules for Youth

Guidelines for Adult Chaperones

 Always have adequate adult supervision for youth events. The ratio of adults to
youth will vary by the type of event, but for activities away from the parish property,
1 adult for every 10 teens is required and 1 adult for every 6 teens for overnight
activities. ALWAYS have at least 2 adults for any event or trip.
 Collect and read the parental permission forms before each trip or overnight event.
 An adult should never provide alcohol, drugs, pornography, or tobacco to a young
person. Not only would it be immoral, but illegal as well and could result in
prosecution.
 Physical discipline is not permissible. If absolutely necessary, physical restraint should
be applied properly and without causing harm or injury.
 On trips, it is unacceptable for minors (under 18 years old) to drive other youths to an
event while under the supervision of the adult chaperones. Only approved adults
may act as drivers for youths (see the appropriate diocesan forms for further
clarification).
 When staying at hotels or places with semi‐private sleeping rooms, an adult should
not sleep in the same room with youths. An adult should not share a bed with a
youth. Adult rooms should be in close proximity to youth rooms for supervision
purposes. Dormitory‐style housing is acceptable for adults to occupy space with the
same gender youths.
 Males and females should have separate sleeping, changing, and restroom areas.
 On trips (such as amusement parks, malls, conferences, etc.), never allow a young
person to go off alone. Require young people to go in groups. Require regular check
in times with adults.
 Adults may not use alcohol use during youth events. Adults should model
appropriate behavior for the young people.
 Do not administer medication of any kind without checking the Parental Consent
Form.
 Chaperones should know where their youths are at all times. Before going off, a
youth should notify the chaperone as to where he/she is going, with whom, and
when he/she will return.
 On trips, adult leaders should assess any situation or environment and determine
how safe or unsafe an environment might be before making rules about the level of
supervision required to keep the youth safe. (For example, while it would be OK to
allow kids to go off in groups at a contained amusement park, it might not be
prudent to allow the same while participating in a work camp at some inner‐city,
high‐crime area.)
 Younger adolescents require more direct supervision than older adolescents.
 Enforce all rules fairly with all youths. Be consistent.
 Adult chaperone policies from the OYYAM Policy Manual must be adhered to, in
particular 200.30 and 200.41.

1

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 6.4.Guidelines for Adult Chaperones/Rules for Youth
Rules for Youth Participating in Youth Ministry Events

 The possession of alcohol, drugs, or weapons is clearly prohibited and is cause for
immediate dismissal from the event after notification of parent or guardian.
 Mixed (gender) company in sleeping areas is prohibited. To respect privacy, males
and females should not be in one another’s sleeping area at any time.
 Smoking or tobacco use by anyone under 18 is prohibited. According to state law,
tobacco use or possession is illegal for anyone under 18 years of age.
 Damage to facility by individuals or groups will be billed to those responsible. Parents
will be notified.
 Profanity is unacceptable by anyone attending the event.
 Violent acts or fighting will not be tolerated. Verbal abuse toward peers or adults in
charge will not be tolerated as well.
 Sexual behavior or acting out will not be tolerated.
 Dress should be appropriate for the occasion and always modest.
 Curfew and lights out will be enforced so that everyone will get proper rest.
 Any young person under 18 who drives to the event will not be permitted to use
his/her car during the event.
 No one may leave the facility property without adult permission and/or supervision.
 When traveling to an event in a bus, all bus company rules must be obeyed, including
no sitting in the aisles, no objects to be thrown from the bus or within the bus, and
arms and hands are not permitted to hang through the window openings.
 All young people are accountable to all adult chaperones and leaders.
 Youth will be held accountable to the signed code of conduct on the Parental
Consent and Release Form.

2

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 6.5. Additional Transportation Policies

Additional Transportation Policies from the Diocese of Columbus

From Catholic Diocese of Columbus Financial Policy Manual, Policy 1504.0

 The use of fifteen (15) passenger vans to transport passengers is
prohibited.

 Drivers of vehicles used to transport others for Diocesan (parish)
purposes must be 25 years old or older.

1

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 6.6 Driver's Requirements
Catholic Diocese of Columbus

Self-Insurance Office
Cell Phone Policy

Accident statistics show that the use of cell phones while driving distracts a driver’s attention
from traffic conditions. To promote driver safety and to help reduce the possibility of vehicle
accidents in connection with cell phone use, the Catholic Diocese of Columbus has adopted the
following CELL PHONE POLICY applicable to all employees and volunteers:
 Cellular phone calls, both incoming and outgoing, are not permitted at any time while
driving a vehicle for diocesan business.
 Diocesan business includes travel between the employee’s work site and external meeting
locations, and between external meeting locations and the employee’s work site.
 Accidents occurring while a driver is using a cellular phone may be considered

preventable, and subject to disciplinary action.
 A cellular phone’s voicemail feature should be activated to store incoming calls while
driving.
 This policy applies to both hand-held and hands-free cell phones.
 All non-emergency calls should be made once the vehicle is safely parked.
I have read and understand the CELL PHONE POLICY of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus,
as outlined above.
Employee/Volunteer Signature Date
Revised February 2006

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 6.7 Social Media Guidelines
The policy outlined below should serve as a course of action when considering the use of
social networking tools on the Internet.
General Guidelines:
When posting, commenting, or replying to internet sites, it is prohibited to use obscene,

harassing, derogatory, defamatory or otherwise potentially scandalous comments, links, and/or
images which reflect, discredit, or cause embarrassment to the Catholic Church, Diocese of
Columbus, or any person or group of individuals.
Posts, comments, and/or replies must never contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church.
It is prohibited to divulge, without verifiable consent of a parent or guardian, any information

that would jeopardize the safety or well being of any person or group of individuals. This
includes but is not limited to pictures of any person younger than the age of 18. Also prohibited
is the posting of full names, home address, email address, telephone numbers or any information
that would allow someone to identify or contact a person younger than the age of 18. Verifiable
consent may take the form of a written permission from the parent or guardian. Record of
consent must be retained on file until the person turns 18 years of age or the consent is revoked
by the parent or guardian.
It is prohibited to disclose in, post, comment, or reply to information that is understood to be held
in confidence by the Diocese of Columbus.
Recognition and respect of intellectual property should be maintained at all times. Care must be
taken so as not to infringe upon the exclusive rights of others, musical, literary and or artistic
works. It is the responsibility of the individual to abide by all copyright laws of the United States
of America.
Enforcement
Failure to comply with any of the guidelines and provisions outlined here will be grounds for
disciplinary action up to and including termination. The Department for Education reserves the
right to change this policy at any time and at its discretion. The interpretation and administration
of this policy will be made by diocesan officials in light of changing circumstances and events.
Distinguishing between Ministry and Personal Websites:
A ministry website (MW) is a web presence created for the sole purpose of ministry for the
Department for Education. This includes but is not limited to class/course, athletic, and student
activity sites. Before these sites are created, permission must be obtained from the office
director or administrator. If the site involves the participation of students or children, and the
participation requires a username and password, the same access must be provided to child’s
parent or guardian. The Department for Education must be informed of the existence of any
related website and be provided a password that enables the office to view the site.
A personal website (PW) is a web presence created to share personal communication with
friends and associates. Granting access to these sites by (unrelated) children is prohibited.
Accessing personal websites during work hours is prohibited. The Department for Education
reserves the right to review an employee’s personal website if there are reasonable grounds for
believing the guidelines are being violated.
Web 2.0 Components

Second Life - Second Life is a massive multi-player universe (MMU) set in a 3D virtual world.
(MW) It is prohibited to create a second life environment within or as a standalone ministry

website without prior permission of the Department for Education.
(PW) Creation and/or participation in second life sites must follow the general guidelines listed
above and be consistent with the tenants of the Catholic Church.
Wikis -
 A wiki invites all users to edit any page or to create new pages within the wiki web site,
using only a (general) web browser… 1
 A wiki seeks to involve the invited user in an ongoing process of creation and
collaboration that constantly changes the Web site landscape. 1
1
Ward Cunningham and co-author Bo Leuf, in their book The Wiki Way: Quick
Collaboration on the Web
(MW) The creation of wikis should be limited to those situations which encourages dynamic
participation and collaboration in the creation of a site that addresses a specific and pre-
defined purpose. All wikis should be closed to the general public and serve only a pre-
defined group.
(PW) Creation and/or participation in wikis must follow the general guidelines listed above and
be consistent with the tenants outlined in diocesan safe environment policies.
Photo (Video) Sharing - Photo sharing is the publishing or transfer of a user's digital photos
online, thus enabling the user to share them with others (whether publicly or privately). This
functionality is provided through both websites and applications that facilitate the upload and
display of images. The term can also be loosely applied to the use of online photo galleries that
are set up and managed by individual users, including photoblogs and Youtube.
(MW) Photo sharing should be limited to those images that are directly associated with the
purpose of the ministry, i.e. field trip photos, facility photos, etc. Photos of individuals or
small groups of individuals should be uploaded or displayed only with verifiable consent.
(PW) Creation and/or participation in photo (video) sharing sites must follow the general
guidelines listed above and be consistent with the tenants outlined in diocesan safe
environment policies. Any images deemed inappropriate, independent of when they were
made, must be removed. Sharing images on a personal site that were created for a
ministry website is prohibited. All available privacy settings should be enabled.
Blogs: A blog is a website where entries are written in chronological order and commonly
displayed in reverse chronological order.
(MW) Blogs are permitted as long as they are kept current and maintained on a regular basis.
They are to be used as a means of sharing information (not opinions). The allowing of
comments is permitted only if they are reviewed and approved by the moderator before
they are posted. Comment moderation can be very time consuming and requires
forethought by the individuals and their administrators impacted by this decision.
(PW) Creation and/or participation blog sites must follow the general guidelines listed above
and be consistent with the tenets outlined in diocesan safe environment policies. If
comments are permitted, the user must review the site daily so as to not allow violation of
the guidelines by others. The employee is required to put the following notice in a
reasonably prominent place on the site:
“The views expressed on this website are mine alone and do

not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.”
Podcast: A podcast is a digital media file, or a series of such files, that is distributed over the
internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players, and personal computers.
A podcast is a specific type of webcast which, like “radio,” can mean either the content itself or
the method by which it is syndicated; the latter is also termed podcasting.
(MW) Podcasts are permitted when they are in compliance with the general guidelines
established by the Diocese of Columbus.
(PW) Creation of podcasts must follow the general guidelines listed above and be consistent
with the tenants outlined in diocesan safe environment policies.
Social Networking – refers to a website(s) in which users can add individuals as “friends” and
send them messages and update their profiles to notify “friends” about themselves. Additionally,
users can join networks organized by workplace, school, or college. Facebook allows anyone
who declares themselves to be aged 13 or older to become a member of the website.
Social networking websites allow users to create and customize their own profiles with photos,
videos, and information about themselves. “Friends” can browse the profiles of other friends and
write messages on their pages.
As is the case with Facebook, the profile has a "wall" where friends can post comments.
Because the wall is viewable by all the user's friends, wall postings are basically a public
conversation. Therefore, it is usually best not to write personal messages on your friends' walls.
Instead, you can send a person a private message, which will show up in his or her private inbox,
similar to an e-mail message.
Facebook provides an easy way for friends to keep in touch and for individuals to have a
presence on the Web without needing to build a website. Facebook allows each user to set
privacy settings.
It is incumbent upon employees of the diocese who consider using this type of web presence to
learn of the limitations and security risks inherent in this type of site. Recent concerns of
Facebook include but are not limited to:
1. Personal information is being shared with third parties;

2. Privacy settings revert to a less safe default mode after each redesign;
3. Facebook ads may contain malware;
4. An individual’s friends unknowingly make you vulnerable;
5. Scammers are creating fake profiles.
(MW) Prior to the development of a social networking page, written approval must be obtained
from the administrator or office director, whichever is appropriate. Final approval must
be given from the Episcopal Moderator for Education. The Episcopal Moderator for
Education must be informed of the existence of any Ministry Website and provided a
password that enables her office to view the site.
So as to provide timely response and adequate management of the posts, comments, and
replies there should be two adult non-related employees appointed to moderate the site.
Note: Before social networking sites are employed, the time required for maintenance
must be considered since social networking sites are blocked in schools and the
Department for Education. Maintenance needs to be accomplished off-site.
(PW) The Diocese expects its employees to exercise due diligence before entering into a social
network. Text, images and/or video may be misconstrued when taken out of context. All
of the general guidelines of this policy must be adhered to on personal websites. It
should be noted that when dealing with youth as a profession, it is not uncommon for
unintentional consequences to arise from what is thought to be harmless and comical
actions. Employees are cautioned to evaluate their postings carefully and never consider
them to be exclusive to their closed group of friends. Should material that was meant to
be confidential become public by any means, the employee is still subject to the
enforcement cited in this document.
------------------------------------------------
Note: Twitter –falls under a different category…It is designed as a means of communicating to a group
of people quickly. A “tweet” does not facilitate nor expect a response. If school personnel wishes to use
twitter, they may only send messages that pertain to adults or currently registered students.


7. Training
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 7.1.Diocesan Certification

Diocesan Youth Ministry Certification Process

In the Diocese of Columbus, youth ministry is the responsibility of parishes and schools in collaboration with
the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and other diocesan offices and agencies. The goal of this
certification process, in conjunction with other opportunities for continuous improvement, is to foster the total
formation of the coordinator of youth ministry. The objectives of this process are based upon the National
Competencies for Lay Ecclesial Youth Ministers, developed by the National Federation for Catholic Youth
Ministry (with the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership and National Association for Lay Ministry)
and approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission on Certification and
Accreditation.
The certification of lay ecclesial youth ministers yields many compelling benefits, including providing
coordinators of youth ministry with a meaningful credential. While this process is designed for parish
coordinators of youth ministry and high school campus ministers, the process would also be beneficial for
DREs/CREs, youth ministry team members, pastoral ministers and others who work with adolescents in the
Catholic Diocese of Columbus.

The Diocese of Columbus offers four Youth Ministry Certificates
 Introductory Certificate in Youth Ministry‐‐Completion of YML Course 1 and one additional YML
Course (either 2, 3, or 4) and Introductory Catechist Certification
 Basic Certificate in Youth Ministry‐‐Completion of YML Courses 1‐4, Basic Catechist Certification, and
12 monthly mentor meetings
 Advanced Certificate in Youth Ministry‐‐Completion of YML Courses 1‐4 and 4.1.1‐4.1.8, Advanced
Catechist Certification, 12 monthly mentor meetings, and three Core Competencies Courses.
 Certificate in Pastoral Juvenil Hispana‐‐Completion of PJH Courses 4.2.1‐4.2.11.

National Certification as a Youth Ministry Leader
The Diocesan Certificates in Youth Ministry and the certification courses offered by the Diocese are based on
the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers serving as Youth Ministry Leaders, incl. Pastoral
Juvenil Hispana, created by the Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers and approved by the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission on Certification and Accreditation. By completing
the requirements for the Diocesan Advanced Certificate in Youth Ministry through the courses offered by the
Diocese, or other approved courses, one will have all the core and specialized competencies required to apply
for National Certification. The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry would be happy to assist anyone
working toward National Certification, and has laid out a Diocesan Certification Process to help people in these
efforts.

Diocesan Certification Courses
Each of the courses listed below are offered as a two‐week online course and do not need to be taken in any
particular order.
 YML Course 1.0: Introduction to Catholic Youth Ministry
 YML Course 2.0: Adolescent Development and Youth Culture
 YML Course 3.0: Application and Methodology
 YML Course 4.0: Planning, Implementation, and Evangelization

 YML Course 4.1.1&4.1.3: Catechesis and Evangelization
 YML Course 4.1.2&4.1.6: Prayer and Community
 YML Course 4.1.4&4.1.5: Catholic Social Teaching and Pastoral Care
 YML Course 4.1.7&4.1.8: Advocacy and Youth Leadership

 PJH Course 4.2.1‐4.2.5: Unity in Communion
 PJH Course 4.2.6‐4.2.11: Culture and Tradition

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 7.1.Diocesan Certification

 Core Competencies Course 1.0: Human
 Core Competencies Course 2.0: Spiritual
 Core Competencies Course 4.0: Pastoral

For a complete copy of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Certification Process Handbook, you can link to the web
address below:

http://www.cdeducation.org/YouthYoungAdult/YouthMinistry/Training/YouthMinistryCertification/Certificati
onHandbook.aspx
For a printable copy of the Diocesan Catechist Certification Requirements, you can link to the web address
below:

http://www.cdeducation.org/portals/3/dre/docs/cert/updated%20requirements%207.13.pdf
For a complete copy of the National Certification Standards, you can link to the web address below:

http://www.lemcertification.org/docs/ACLEM_Final_Standards_20111115.pdf
For a complete copy of the National Certification Process and Procedures, you can link to the web address
below:

http://www.lemcertification.org/docs/ACLEM_Final_Procedures_03‐2012.pdf

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 7.2.Parish Youth Ministry Training and Support
Parish Youth Ministry Training and Support

Parish team training:
Training is essential for anyone in ministry. Parish groups of adult youth ministers who learn
the ministry together have a better chance of “staying on the same page” as they prepare
and implement the ministry. Periodically the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
sponsors training workshop on a variety of topics. Check monthly our Youth Ministry
Training and Resource Constant Contact group e‐mail for upcoming trainings and youth
ministry network meetings. To get on the Constant Contact monthly mailings e‐mail Sean
Robinson at [email protected]. We also will visit on‐site at a parish to conduct
training for youth ministry teams. This needs to be arranged in advance and typically there is
no charge to the parish for this service.
Parish consultation:
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry is always available to help parish youth
ministry coordinators troubleshoot problems and generate ideas for their ministry. You can
call the office anytime to ask questions or schedule a consultation in person.
Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry: 614.241.2565
Mike Hall, Director, Extension 1310, [email protected]
Sean Robinson, Program Coordinator, Extension 1311, [email protected]
1


8. Retreats
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 8.1.Youth Retreats Defined

Youth Retreats Defined

In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and
there he prayed. Mark 1:35
What is a youth retreat?
A youth retreat is a time when adolescents withdraw from their normal activities, to reflect
upon their lives and on their identity in Christ, Jesus.
 Reflect on the movement of God in their lives.
 Encounter Christ alive among us.
 Experience community.
 Respond to the call to discipleship.

Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; he spent the night in prayer to
God.
Luke 6:12

Retreats are opportunities for…
 Moments of conversion.
 Sharing the Catholic faith, breadth of Tradition, Scripture.
 Personal growth.
 Deepening of our relationship with God through prayer, worship, and time.
 Building Christian community and strengthening relationships.

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and
went up on the mountain to pray. Luke 9:28

Retreats are sacred time.
Retreats help us step away from the ‘every day’ – to make room for the divine encounter; to
pause and reflect on our life in God and God in our life.

From “Youth Retreats: Forming Faith, Transforming Lives”, Center for Ministry Development workshop series.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 8.2.Leading a Small Group

Leading a Small Group
 Set accepted rules for small group interaction:
o everyone gets opportunity to share
o no one is forced to share
o confidentiality
o no put downs on what someone says
o respect opinions of others even if you disagree
o other mutually agreed rules as needed
 Make sure the conversation stays on topic. If the group strays from the topic, bring
them back.
 Encourage everyone to share but do not exert undue pressure on participants to
share things they are uncomfortable sharing.
 If the group begins slowly try a few of the following techniques:
o Break into smaller groups – pairs, trios, etc.
o Say, “Let’s begin with the person with the longest last name…, the person
with the most recent birthday…, the person with the most jewelry on…”
o Share something yourself that is on a deeper level or personal. This will help
set a tone that will hopefully encourage them to open up a little.
 While you may need to set the tone for sharing in the beginning, as the participants
begin opening up, allow them to talk more and you talk less. The small group leader
or facilitator should be a good listener.
 Avoid moralizing and trying to solve problems or answering every question.
Concentrate on listening and allowing participants to express themselves.
 Ask open‐ended questions: “How do you feel about that?” “What do you think?”
“How does that relate to your life?” Avoid questions that can be answered with a
“yes,” “no,” or “I don’t know.”
 Thank participants for their responses and ideas.
 Prevent any one participant from dominating conversation, distracting the group, or
sidetracking the topic. Confront gently at first, but employ more assertive techniques
if needed. If necessary, confront the distracting participant one‐on‐one at a break and
seek to get his/her cooperation.
 Learn to become comfortable with silence. Occasional periods of silence are OK.
Some people need to process things before speaking. Don’t rush to fill the silence. Be
patient. Give them the opportunity to respond.

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 8.3 Retreat Guidelines

Retreat Guidelines
Professional Boundaries

Follow school and diocesan policies for safe environment and programs:
 Every adult working on a youth retreat in the Diocese of Columbus must be in
compliance with diocesan policies established for creating a safe environment for
children and teens.
 Guest presenters or retreat leaders from outside the diocese must prove compliance
with their diocesan standards.
 The school or parish is responsible for providing the proper ratio of adult supervision
and chaperoning.

Guest speakers or retreat leaders must be pre‐approved by the Catholic High School Principal or
pastor for parish youth retreats.

All physical contact with students must be appropriate, respecting personal and emotional
space.

Retreat models that have copyrighted status must be respected and used appropriately.
 Most retreat models sold in books are free and open to modification and probably
should be modified to fit your situation.
 National or international models like Kairos, TEC, Search and others, generally have a
set manual and should be used as written. The integrity of the model must be
respected. Any major changes in the model should be approved by the national
office if one exists.

Parents should have prior information about the theme of the retreat and some basic program
content information on what their child will be doing.

Students should receive a list of rules and expectations before the retreat begins and should
understand the consequences for disregarding the rules.

1

Emotional Boundaries

All interactions must be based on honesty and respect.

Retreat leaders must not attempt to manipulate, confuse, or intimidate a young person.
 Any display of emotion or faith expression must be authentic and not coerced.
 A young person should not be left to feel “outside the experience” or “odd” because
he or she is not experiencing the retreat in the same way as others or expressing
himself or herself in the same ways.
 A retreat is not successful just because everyone cries or has a dynamic outward
spiritual experience. Any expression of emotion should be authentic and not
manipulated.
 No one should feel compelled to share if he or she doesn’t want to and should not
feel compelled to share anything they are not comfortable sharing.
 Confidentiality about what is shared is important to stress. But let the teens know in
advance that confidentiality is waived if the person sharing is at risk for self‐ harm,
harm by someone else, or harming another.

The retreat leaders need to have a protocol ready in the event a young person discloses a
serious risk behavior or demonstrates the need for professional counseling or spiritual help.
 Steps to respond to a crisis situation should be prepared in advance.
 A list of referral agencies or counselors should be available.

Retreats should be constructed and presented in such a way that the entire experience isn’t
emotionally charged and draining.
 The retreat schedule should have a mix of fun, games, serious presentations, sharing,
prayer—communal and individual, interaction, breaks, silence, worship, and other
balanced activities.
 The retreat schedule should allow for proper rest and should never deprive
participants of needed sleep. Typical sleep time is eight hours.

2

Competency boundaries:

Adult retreat leaders must be spiritually and emotionally healthy persons who have
demonstrated competency in leading youth retreats. They must understand the basic
principles of ministry with young people and adolescent development.

Adult retreat leaders must keep teaching and discussion within the official teaching of the
Church.

Adults must know their limits in terms of dealing with crisis issues and refer when a situation is
beyond their levels of training and expertise.

Presentations and witness talks should be appropriate to the retreat experience:
 The assigned theme or outline should be covered.
 Witness talks can share a personal story but any stories of loss, loneliness, broken
relationships, or distance from God need to show how the speaker got through the
darkness and found a sense of hope, or is working to do that. If the speaker didn’t
get past the darkness, then the talk is probably not appropriate. Talks should give
hope and not leave the listeners with a feeling of hopelessness.
 Not all witness talks should be focused on a bad experience or sad experience.

Peer leadership (teen leaders) is a valuable asset for youth retreats with the following
recommendations:
 Witness talks given by teens should be previewed by an adult leader.
 Teens are never given responsibilities reserved for chaperones.
 Teen leaders must be mentored and prepared for their retreat roles by the adult
leaders.
 Teens can be very effective as small group co‐leaders when paired with a capable
adult.

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9. Resources

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 9.1.Teen Hotlines and Websites

Teen Hotlines and Websites

Referrals
The National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Center: 800‐784‐6776
Twenty fours a day, seven days a week http://www.addictioncareoptions.com

Start Talking: Building a drug‐free future from Ohio.gov http://www.starttalking.ohio.gov/

The Center for Family Safety and Healing: Help for Victims of Family Violence
http://familysafetyandhealing.org/ or get confidential answers and advice by calling (844)234‐
LINE or texting 87028

Partnership for Drug‐Free Kids: http://www.drugfree.org/ or helpline: 1‐855‐DRUGFREE

Al‐Anon/Alateen: 800‐425‐2666 Referral for local chapters offering support for family
members affected by addiction in the home. www.al‐anon.alateen.org (Website in Spanish
also)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800‐273‐TALK (8255)
Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
For Spanish speaking, call 888‐628‐9454

American Psychiatric Association: Mental Health and Faith Community Partnership, with
guide and quick reference for leaders https://psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/cultural‐
competency/faith‐community‐partnership

National Hopeline Network: For teens in crisis, call 877‐968‐8454, for Spanish speaking call
800‐784‐2432 Twenty four hours a day/ seven days a week crisis calling.

Homeless and Runaways—Boys Town National Hotline—serving all at‐risk teens and
children: 800‐448‐3000
Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week http://www.girlsandboystown.org/hotline/

Covenant House Nine‐line for Teens: 800‐999‐9999—Crisis counselors to talk about anything,
free and confidential. www.nineline.org

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 9.1.Teen Hotlines and Websites

National Mental Health Association: 800‐273‐TALK—Information on all types of mental
health issues and referrals. www.nmha.org (Website available in Spanish by clicking Google
Translate at bottom of home page.)

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: 847‐831‐3438— Help,
support, and information for eating disorders. www.anad.org

S.A.F.E. Alternatives/Self Injury Hotline: 800‐366‐8288—Information, treatment, and
referrals for self injury. www.selfinjury.com

Department of Health and Human Services on Bullying: www.Stopbullying.org

DrugRehab: Information on teen drug abuse https://www.drugrehab.com/teens/ and a
substance abuse guide for parents https://www.drugrehab.com/guides/parents/

LOCAL REFERRALS
Spirit of Peace Clinical Counseling: Serving children, adolescents, adults, families, couples,
and groups. www.spiritofpeaceclinicalcounseling.com
1170 Old Henderson Road, Suite 100, Columbus OH 43220 (other sites as well) 614.442.7650

Arbor Counseling: (formerly known as Sawmill Family Counseling).
www.arborcounseling.org 2690 Billingsley Rd., Columbus OH 43235 614.766.0161 with other
locations in Grove City and Marysville. Respects the healing potential of each person’s faith
and spirituality. Contact Sarah Cordonnier, MA, LPC for clients seeking a Catholic counselor:
614.766.0161, ext. 81.

Catholic Social Services, Diocese of Columbus: Individual and family counseling 614‐221‐5891

Nationwide Children’s Hospital: 614‐722‐6200

Southeast Mental Health: 614‐225‐0990

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 9.2 Youth Ministry Resources

Youth Ministry Resources

Youth Ministry Access www.cmdnet.org (Center for Ministry Development)
 Designed especially for Catholic youth ministry leaders in parishes, schools, retreat
centers, camps—wherever young people gather in community as young disciples.
 For middle school youth ministry and high school youth ministry
 Based on Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (USCCB, 1997)
 Provides more than 70 new gathered programs and non‐gathered strategies each
year
 Includes catechetical sessions for high school youth, correlated to the U.S. Bishops'
document, Adaptation of Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the
Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age.

Features of Youth Ministry Access
Downloadable Gathered Youth Nights (based on the eight components of youth ministry),
Extended Events (retreats, service projects, community life events), non‐gathered strategies
(Seasonal Connections), connections to the liturgical and civic calendar (Seasonal Ideas),
and Journal Articles are provided seasonally to help you develop a comprehensive ministry
with middle school and/or high school young people.
$$$

Living and Loving Our Catholic Faith, www.nfcym.org (National Federation for Catholic
Youth Ministry)
A once‐a‐year published resource centered on topical themes for parish youth ministers to
use for youth catechesis, retreats, prayer, and community building. Back issues can be
purchased.
$

The HELP Series for Ministry with Young Teens, www.smp.org (St. Mary’s Press)
There are 7 books in the series aimed at helping the parish youth minister provide upbeat
strategies for the ministry with middle school teens. The books can be bought separately.
The seven titles are:
“Community‐building Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens”
“Family Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens”
“Holiday and Seasonal Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens”
“Justice and Service Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens”
“Prayer Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens”
“Retreat Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens”
“Hands‐on Ideas for Ministry with Young Teens”
$$$

1

One Day Retreats for Junior High
One Day Retreats for Senior High, www.smp.org (St. Mary’s Press)
These two books that can be bought separately offer a broad selection of retreat themes
with fully developed schedules, activities, prayer experiences, and suggestions.
$

Scripture‐based Retreats for Teens Ages 10‐19, www.smp.org (St. Mary’s Press)
This resource has six different style retreats based on scripture: complete models with
schedules (overnight, day‐long, and half day options), activities, prayer, and community
builders.
$

Opening Doors of Truth and Love: 20 Teen Prayer Services,
www.twentythirdpublications.com (23rd Publications)
This resource offers twenty complete teen prayer services on different topics and themes.
$

22 Ready Made Prayer Services, www.smp.org (St. Mary’s Press)
This resource has twenty two complete prayer services written by Maryann Hakowski also
known for her books, “Vine and Branches Retreat Series” and “Pathways to Praying with
Teens.
$

Best Ever Games (for youth ministry), www.group.com (GROUP Publishing)
$

Creative Crowdbreakers and Games, www.smp.org (St. Mary’s Press)
$

No Supplies Required: Crowdbreakers and Games, www.group.com (GROUP Publishing)
$

Food Fast, www.catholicrelief.org (Catholic Relief Services)
CRS is the organization that provides humanitarian aid and social programs to foreign
countries. They have excellent FREE resources like Food Fast (A 24 hour fast and teaching
tool for teens) for helping groups explore justice issues.

Total Catechesis Series (Christian Prayer; the Creed; Liturgy and the Sacraments; Christian
Morality—each a separate book) www.smp.org (St. Mary’s Press)
This is a fully developed catechetical series that you can use in youth ministry and PSR
settings.
$$

2

Total Youth Ministry Series (Youth Leadership Development; Pastoral Care; Prayer and
Worship; Evangelization; Justice and Service; Community Life—each a separate book)
www.smp.org (St. Mary’s Press)
This is comprehensive youth ministry resource filled with program and even ideas.
$$

Faith Works for Senior High; Scripture and Tradition‐based Sessions for Faith Formation
This supplemental resource offers 12 sessions for youth nights on various topics.
$

Ministry Ideas for Celebrating Advent and Christmas with Teens, Families, and Parishes
This is a great supplemental resource for Advent and Lent.
$

The Resource Center at the Saint Mary’s Press web page. This page has a lot of articles and
free program activities to consider. http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/
FREE

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Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 9.3.Additional Safe Environment Resources
Diocese of Columbus
Additional Safe Environment Resources
The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry offers many resources and links on its website:
www.cdeducation.org/oym. Click on “Safe Environment” to access the following:
For Parents & Families
Links:
Internet Safety: I-Safe America, Netsmartz, WiredSafety
Stranger Danger: Safe Side
National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center
The Center for Child and Family Advocacy
Ohio Jobs & Family Services Department
Prevent Child Abuse Ohio
Information on all diocesan county child protection agencies
Practical Advice for Parents Handout
Calming the Storm of Family Violence Information
For Parish/Diocesan Staff
Safe Environment Policies

Assorted Informational Brochures, FAQ Sheet, Volunteer Guidelines
Complaint Form for Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor
Self-Audit Forms
Various Diocesan Policies/Forms:
Volunteer Driver, Auto Insurance, 15-passenger Vans, Cell Phone Policy,
Volunteer Application Form w/Code of Conduct
Resources for Volunteer Managers
Best Practices for Screening Volunteers
Youth & Young Adult Ministry Policy Manual
Parental Permission/Registration Form
General Information & Foundational Documents
Child Protection Decree

Standards of Clergy Conduct
Diocesan Review Board
Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People
Essential Norms for Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons
Restoring Trust: Resources for a Pastoral Response to Sexual Abuse
Address of Pope John Paul II to the U.S. Cardinals
John Jay College Research Team Study
Report on Charter Implementation
-Page 1 of 2-
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 9.3.Additional Safe Environment Resources
If you suspect abuse, you should contact your If you are unable to reach child protective
county’s child protection agency: services, contact your county sheriff:
County Child Protection Hotlines County Sheriff Offices

Coshocton County: (740) 622-1020 Coshocton County: (740) 622-2411
Delaware County: (740) 833-2300 Delaware County: (740) 833-2810
Fairfield County: (740) 653-4060 Fairfield County: (740) 653-5223
Fayette County: (740) 335-0350 Fayette County: (740) 335-6170
Franklin County: (614) 229-7000 Franklin County: (614) 525-3360
Hardin County: (419) 675-1130 Hardin County: (419) 673-1268
Hocking County: (740) 385-4168 Hocking County: (740) 385-2131
Holmes County: (330) 674-1111 Holmes County: (330) 674-1936
Jackson County: (740) 286-4181 Jackson County: (740) 286-6464
Knox County: (740) 392-5437 Knox County: (740) 397-3333
Licking County: (740) 670-8860 Licking County: (740) 670-5500
Madison County: (740) 852-4770 Madison County: (740) 852-1332
Marion County: (740) 389-2317 Marion County: (740) 382-8244
Morrow County: (419) 947-9111 Morrow County: (419) 946-4444
Muskingum County: (740) 455-6710 Muskingum County: (740) 452-3637
Perry County: (740) 342-3836 Perry County: (740) 342-4123
Pickaway County: (740) 474-3105 Pickaway County: (740) 477-6000
Pike County: (740) 947-5080 Pike County: (740) 947-2111
Ross County: (740) 702-4453 Ross County: (740) 773-1185
Scioto County: (740) 456-4164 Scioto County: (740) 354-8261
Tuscarawas County: (330) 339-7791 Tuscarawas County: (330) 339-7743
Union County: (937) 644-1010 Union County: (937) 644-4000
Vinton County: (740) 596-2571 Vinton County: (740) 596-5242
How to report suspected abuse: Diocese of Columbus
If you suspect a child is being abused or Safe Environment Consultant:

neglected, please report it! It is not your job to Regina E. Quinn
investigate or have overwhelming proof before 614-241-2565
reporting. Leave the investigation up to the [email protected]
professionals. Please contact your county child
protection agency and provide as much Victim’s Assistance Coordinator:
information as possible such as: Rev. Msgr. Stephan Moloney
1-866-448-0217
 Name & address of the child victim [email protected]
 Age of the child
 Names & addresses of the child’s parents or
caregivers Always Remember:
 Description of the alleged abuse or neglect
 Name & address of the alleged perpetrator, if Protecting children means never minding
known. your own business. No matter how
uncomfortable it may feel, YOU could be
Reports made to Children’s Services are
confidential and referral sources’ names or the only voice that child has. Please speak
locations are not shared. Reports can also be up.
made anonymously. Revised 12/29/08
-Page 2 of 2-
Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry 9.4.Important Web Page Links
Important Web Page Links

Policies for the Diocese of Columbus for Youth Ministry Programs:
http://www.cdeducation.org/YouthYoungAdult/AdminandPolicies/Polices.aspx
Link to Diocese of Columbus Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry web
page: YOUTH MINISTRY
www.cdeducation.org/YouthYoungAdult/YouthMinistry.aspx
Link to Diocese of Columbus Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry web
page: YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY
www.cdeducation.org/YouthYoungAdultMinistry/YoungAdultMinistry.aspx
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What is the purpose of youth ministry according to the document?

What is the purpose of youth ministry according to the document?

What are some components of an effective parish youth ministry program?

What are some components of an effective parish youth ministry program?

Parish Resource Manual

for Youth Ministry

1. What is Youth Ministry?

“Renewing the Vision”

Turning Youth Ministry Components into Action

Becoming a Curator of Content in a Digital Age

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry

How to Start a Youth Program

Youth Interest Survey

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry

3. Youth Ministry Parish Structure

Parish Youth Ministry Program Structure—One Example

Parish Youth Ministry Committee Structure—One Example

Youth Ministry Coordinator

Hiring a Parish Youth Ministry Coordinator

Parish Youth Ministry Budget (Sample)

Parish Resource Manual for Youth Ministry

A Typical Youth Gathering

Youth Ministry Program: A One Year Sample

ADAPTED CORE CURRICULUM……………………………………………………………5

I. The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture………………………………………5

II. Who is Jesus Christ?................................................................................................5

III. The Mission of Jesus Christ (The Paschal Mystery)……………………………...7

IV. Jesus Christ’s Mission Continues in the Church………………………………….8

V. Sacraments as Privileged Encounters with Jesus Christ…………………………..8

VI. Life in Jesus Christ……………………………………………………………….13

I. The Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture

1. Human beings have a longing for God

B. God revealed in many ways

1. Natural Revelation as attested to in Sacred Scripture (CCC, 32-38; 46-47)

2. Divine Revelation (CCC, 50-53, 68-69; 230)

3. The transmission of Divine Revelation (CCC, 74-95)

4. Sacred Scripture, God’s inspired word (CCC, 105-137)

II. Who is Jesus Christ?

A. Revelation is God’s gift of himself (CCC, 50-73, 230-231)

1. The divine plan of salvation is disclosed in salvation history

1. Grace enables faith (CCC, 143, 179)

C. Jesus Christ’s Revelation about God

1. The Mystery of the Incarnation

2. The revelation of Jesus about God (Jn 14:9)

D. Jesus Christ teaches us about ourselves

3. Jesus Christ reveals the Father to us (CCC, 2798)

4. Jesus Christ teaches us to pray (CCC, 2680, 2774-2776, 2798-2900, 2857)

5. Jesus Christ tells us of the goal of this life

1. Understanding literary forms in Scripture (CCC, 289)

1. The fall of the angels (CCC, 391-395)

3. Consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin (CCC, 399-409, 416-419)

1. God’s covenants of the Old Testament (CCC, 121-123)

2. The promise fulfilled in Jesus (CCC, 422-455, 592)

A. The Origin, Foundation and Manifestation of the Church (CCC, 777-779)

1. The Catholic Church instituted by Christ (CCC, 748-766)

3. Mission of the Apostles (CCC, 857, 860, 935)

4. Images of the Church (CCC, 804-810)

5. Marks of the Church (CCC, 813-870, 960, 1208-1209)

1. The Church’s mission (CCC, 760, 849-852)