Commentary
Youth ministry is effective when the community of faith responds to the needs and includes the gifts of young people. It is essential to keep in mind that we minister with individuals, not categories. To uncover the unique needs and concerns of youth, we must listen to their stories and experiences.
An assessment is important because in many parishes, the institutional church has not earned the right to be heard because it has not listened to young people.
To effectively minister with young people, adult leaders must:
- Build meaningful and appropriate relationships with young people.
- Help young people understand that life has a purpose.
- Introduce young people to adults who will listen to the needs of the youth.
- Provide a sacred, safe space for young people to gather.
- Provide an opportunity to serve and to reflect upon that service.
There are several recommended approaches for surveying interests and identifying issues of concern:
You can select one approach or use several of them together.
Conducting a Community Inventory
In addition to surveying interests and issues of youth and parents, you and/or your planning team need to identify the programs and resources in your broader community (community organizations, schools, libraries, other churches, etc.) and diocese. If you do not have access to this information you may want to gather it by conducting a community inventory. Your survey should include youth services and organizations, counseling resources, and family programs and services.
Too often we duplicate resources and programs already available to youth and families/parents in our community. Survey your community organizations and diocesan agencies for programs, services, and resources. Arrange meetings with leaders in each organization to introduce yourself and to gather information. Develop a binder of information on the programs and resources available in your community. Knowing what already exists will allow you to utilize the expertise and resources of these organizations, to advertise their programs, and to co-sponsor programs with them.
Related Policies
3.3 Regardless of the school a young person attends (parish, private, public, home schooling) and regardless of a young person’s involvement, or lack of involvement, in the parish Religious Education program, every effort should be made to invite, inform, welcome, and serve all young people in a parish community through that parish’s ministry to youth. 457
3.4 Every parish is encouraged to conduct an assessment of the needs and interests of the parish community at least once every four years.