Commentary
In these days, when recourse to courts to settle differences is common, youth ministers avoid an awareness of and compliance with the law at their own peril. Much more than that, however, their responsibility to youth and to their parents, conservators, and guardians is paramount. Youth ministry demands that church personnel, paid or volunteer, clearly communicate at all times with youth and their parents/guardians regarding programming; that they carefully screen those volunteers who minister in the program; that they appropriately supervise all activities; and that they implement Diocesan policies regarding the proper maintenance of facilities in order to prevent accidental injury. Youth ministers must strive to model their leadership on that of Jesus, and, as He was, be committed to care in every way for those young people in Catholic parishes: The following guidelines and Diocesan policies are presented to help the Coordinator of Youth Ministries and others involved with ministry to youth.