Discipleship

We empower young people to be disciples of Jesus Christ

Context

The challenge of discipleship—of following Jesus—is at the heart of the Church’s mission. All ministry efforts with young people must be directed toward presenting them with the Good News of Jesus Christ and inviting and challenging them to become his disciples. For this reason, catechesis is an essential component of pastoral ministry with young people and one that needs renewed emphasis. If we are to succeed, we must offer young people a spiritually challenging and world-shaping vision that meets their hunger for the chance to participate in a worthy adventure. (Renewing the Vision)

This is what is needed: a Church for young people, which will know how to speak to their heart and enkindle, comfort, and inspire enthusiasm in it with the joy of the Gospel and the strength of the Eucharist; a Church which will know how to invite and to welcome the person who seeks a purpose for which to commit his whole existence; a Church which is not afraid to require much, after having given much; which does not fear asking from young people the effort of a noble and authentic adventure, such as that of the following of the Gospel, (John Paul II, 1995 World Day of Prayer for Vocations)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people empowers them to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Young people’s postmodern belief can be passive—discipleship is not.

A disciple strives to become learned in the teachings of the One, takes a certain amount of pride in his/her study of the teaching of the One, and allows those teachings to guide his/her decisions, craft a lifestyle, set priorities, shape ambitions, inform one’s conscience, clarify identity, and locate one’s role in the world. Finally, disciples work hard at trying to pay attention and stay awake to Spirit and grace in their everyday lives, interactions, and experiences. They keep trying to have “eyes to see” and “ears to hear”. Mike Carotta

Suggested Implementation

Use Disciple Language: Make sure to engage young people by continually using language that reminds them of their own relationship with Jesus Christ and/or their own call towards discipleship.
Engage the Vision: Invite young people to reflect upon how their faith has been integrated into a spiritually challenging and world-shaping vision that meets their hunger for the chance to participate in a worthy adventure. Because of their faith, what is different about how they operate in the world today, what is different regarding their own prospects for the future?
Identify Benchmarks for Growing Disciples: Recognizing that young people are still maturing in faith, as a leadership or core team, identify some of the benchmarks of “growing discipleship” that you aspire to nurture in the lives of the young people you serve.

Methods for Evaluation

Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:

Are any young people bold enough to claim themselves as disciples of Jesus Christ?
Have young people found it easier to share their faith with their peers?
How has our parish been challenged by our efforts?

We place evangelization and catechesis at the heart of our ministry to, with, and for young people

Context

Do not be afraid to go and to bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem farthest away, most indifferent. (Pope Francis, July 28, 2013, World Youth Day Mass)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people each encourages that all faith formation is to be intentional and presented in a wide variety of formats. Those that present the Good News are to be formed for their ministry. The Good News is to always be presented as relevant and authentic.

Suggested Implementation

Advocacy: How does our ministry advocating with and on behalf of young people invite them to a relationship with Jesus as well as inform them of the essentials needed for such a relationship?
Community Life: How does our offering of experience of Christian community invite young people to a relationship with Jesus as well as informs them of the essentials needed for such a relationship?
Justice and Service: How does our ministry of seeking God’s justice in the world through our service in the Lord’s name invite young people to a relationship with Jesus as well as inform them of the essentials needed for such a relationship?
Leadership Development: How does our ministry of equipping and empowering young people and others to leadership invite them to a relationship with Jesus as well as inform them of the essentials needed for such a relationship?
Pastoral Care: How does our ministry of serving the pastoral needs of young people invite them to a relationship with Jesus as well as inform them of the essentials needed for such a relationship?
Prayer and Worship: How does our ministry of prayer and worship invite young people to a relationship with Jesus as well as inform them of the essentials needed for such a relationship?
Vocational Discernment: How does our ministry engaging young people into discerning their role in the world both invite them to a relationship with Jesus as well as informs them of the essentials needed for such a relationship?
Thinks Asymmetrical Outreach, Not Programmatically: The answers won’t come from programming. Finding where teens are and having intentional outreach in those places simply must be a part of our evangelistic efforts. Waiting for teens to come to us just does not cut it anymore (in fact, it never really did).

Methods for Evaluation

Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:

In all that we do, are young people invited into a relationship with Jesus?
Are young people given the essentials needed for such a relationship?

We ensure that confirmation preparation is just one of many catechetical opportunities for young people

We extend catechesis with young people beyond the classroom, Mass, and sacramental preparation

We view everything young people are a part of through the lens of evangelization

Context

You, teenagers and young people, play a special role: you are called to speak about Jesus to your peers, not only within the parish community or your association, but most of all beyond it. This is a commitment especially reserved to you, because with your courage, your enthusiasm, spontaneity and ease of getting together, you are more easily able to reach the mind and heart of those who have distanced themselves from the Lord. So many teenagers and young people your age have an immense need of someone who through their own life tells them that Jesus knows us, that Jesus loves us, that Jesus forgives us, shares our difficulties with us and supports us with his grace. (Pope Francis to German Altar Servers August 5, 2014)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people reminds us Evangelization is the energizing core of all ministry with young people. All of the relationships, ministry components, and programs of comprehensive ministry with young people must proclaim the Good News. They must invite young people into a deeper relationship with the Lord Jesus and empower them to live as his disciples. (Renewing the Vision)

Suggested Implementation

Witness: All programming should consciously ensure that leaders are serving as witnesses to our faith in Jesus Christ, that they are offering themselves and the community of faith as living models of the Christian faith in practice. But we have to challenge our young people to share their story too. We have to create the expectation that, with guidance, young people will be so comfortable with their story of faith, they will look for opportunities to share it.
Relevance: There is obviously a place for programs, but we are worried about catechesis while people are asking other questions. What is the Church’s understanding of science and faith? Why do people suffer? Is it okay that I have doubts? Catechesis is incredibly important, but it must follow evangelization, not be a substitute for it. Engaging people in the real questions of life can be a vital part of evangelization.
Outreach: Teens are in schools, parishes, families, and communities. So why isn’t our ministry? A community that welcomes and that is dedicated to honestly seeking answers to the biggest questions in life is a place where teens are engaged – and where they will stay engaged.
Proclamation: All programming should consciously choose to ensure that Jesus Christ is at the core of all programming. He offers a message that is a response to their hungers and proposes a way to live.
Invitation: All programming should consciously choose to ensure that invitation is extended into the life and mission of the Catholic community so that others might experience the support, nurture, and care necessary to live as Christians.
Conversion and Discipleship: All programming should consciously choose to ensure that the challenge is continuously extended, that one might conform their own life and life choices towards that of the Master and commit themselves into discipleship with Jesus Christ.

Methods for Evaluation

Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:

How has the lens of evangelization changed our approach to pastoral ministry with young people in the parish?

We value the importance of retreats for all young people, not just those in confirmation

Context

The importance of a sacred time apart is reflected in the Scriptures. The Old Testament prophets were often led to the desert solitude to prepare for their prophetic task. Jesus invited his disciples to come apart for a time, a time of both refreshment and renewal. Jesus himself gave the example of withdrawing for prayer and solitude before beginning his public ministry. The Gospels refer to his going apart for prayer and then returning to continue his ministry of teaching and healing. The scriptural model is clear in its portrayal of retreat as a time of preparation for renewed ministry. It was a time of rest and revitalization that energized the retreatant to return and continue the given mission. Today’s youth retreats are not solely for the rest and sense of community experienced by the participants. It is empowering for youth to live discipleship and to enable them to more own their identity in Christ. It is a time of strengthening for the continuing task of living as witnesses to Christ within their schools, parishes, and families, and retreats are most effective when participants freely choose to take part. [Num. 23:3-4, Ex. 19:17, 1 Sam 3:4, and Is 51:2]

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people has retreats offered to young people, as well as extended trips, so that young people can grow spiritually and in community.

Suggested Implementation

Discern Different Lengths and Locations for Retreat Programming: Retreats can last over a few hours, an overnight, and/or a series of days. Develop a listing of potential retreat locations from camp settings to your own as well as neighboring parish facilities.
Seasonal Retreats: Develop a schedule of retreats by season that address the Liturgical calendar: Advent (preparing for Christmas), Lent (preparing for Triduum/Easter), Pentecost, Ordinary Time.
Activity Based Retreats: Design retreats for athletes before or in season, for student leaders, for musicians… Build upon the student’s extra-curricular activities.
Family Retreats: Build retreat experiences for families to share in activities and prayer.
Days of Silence/Unplugging: Build opportunities for young people to unplug from their e-connections (including phone/text) and/or to experience a silent retreat.

Methods for Evaluation

Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:

How have we increased retreat opportunities for our young people?
Do we involve young people in the planning and implementation of our retreats? Do our parents play a role?

We offer pilgrimages and service opportunities to young people so they can grow spiritually and in community

Context

Our life is made of time and time is God’s gift, and it is therefore important to make use of it by performing good and fruitful actions. (Perhaps many teenagers and young people waste too much time in futile activities: chatting on the Internet or on mobile phones, watching “soap operas” on TV technological progress should simplify and improve the quality of life, but sometimes distract you from what is really important.) Among the many things to do in our daily routine, one of the priorities should be reminding ourselves of our Creator who allows us to live, who loves us, who accompanies us on our journey. (Pope Francis to German Altar Servers August 5, 2014)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people calls for young people to have experiences, which are to include the opportunity to serve others, and then reflect theologically about these opportunities.

Suggested Implementation

Pilgrimage: Invite young people to participate in the Bishop’s Annual Youth Pilgrimage which occurs each “Palm Saturday”.
All Trips are Pilgrimages/Pilgrimage at Home: A pilgrimage is a journey of religious significance. Always encourage travelers to pack simply and to maintain a humble spirit for their travels, remaining open to the presence of God along the way. Tour your own church recognizing the history that is there as well as spiritual artwork.
Conferences as Pilgrimages: Treat conferences as a pilgrimage, an opportunity to grow in knowledge and faith. Invite young people to journal their experiences, “debrief” their days in small groups, and seek where the Lord might have spoken to them throughout the day.
Seek Holy Spaces: Design travel to places of religious significance and history. Both learn more about the church’s role in the world and engage in prayer in the spirit of those who have gone before you.
Service Opportunity Listing: Develop a list of potential service opportunities within the region. Take note of potential volunteer roles as well as potential age restrictions. List a contact person, phone number, e-mail address, and local address.
Service During “Off” Times: Schedule service opportunities during school breaks and vacation days, including the summer.

Methods for Evaluation

Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:

Has our parish offered opportunities for young people to live out their faith?
Has our parish provided many experiences upon which to build faith?

We encourage young people to look at the ways in which God may be calling them to serve His Church

We invite young people into opportunities to serve others and invite them to reflect theologically about these opportunities

Context

We are confident that young people will commit themselves totally to Jesus Christ, who will ask everything from them and give everything in return. We need to provide concrete ways by which the demands, excitement, and adventure of being a disciple of Jesus Christ can be personally experienced by young people—where they tax and test their resources and where they stretch their present capacities and skills to the limits. Young people need to have a true opportunity for exploring what discipleship ultimately involves. (Renewing the Vision)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people invites young people into opportunities to serve others and invite them to reflect theologically about these opportunities.

Suggested Implementation

Training and Engagement in Liturgical Ministry: Invite young people into service in liturgical ministries. This is the most public witness of the parish being an opportunity for engagement by young people.
Multi-Generational Service Programming: Engage young people in ministry as SIGN (Service in God’s Name), especially encouraging them to engage with adults who model lifestyles of service.
Catechetical Ministries: Young people can offer service as catechists and/or aides in catechetical ministries. This is especially true during Vacation Bible School.
Parish Groupings, Ministries, Committees: Survey various adult groups to discern openness to young people’s participation and involvement.
Journal: Invite young people, while engaged in service, to reflect upon their experience with attention to how God may have been working through or around them as well as where they felt God calling them after the experience.
Post-participation Interview: Invite young people, following their service or ministry, to reflect upon their experience with attention to how God may have been working through or around them as well as where they felt God calling them after the experience.

Methods for Evaluation

Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:

Are young people engaging in service or ministry for “higher purposes” than collecting service hours?
What service opportunities (e.g., Pitcher and Basin) are available to our young people?

We offer opportunities for young people to participate in the sacrament of reconciliation on a regular basis

Context

When confessing our sins then, we confess to the priest who represents not only God but also the community of the Church that accompanies us on the path of conversion. Though this Sacrament is a great treasure, we may be tempted to dismiss it, perhaps due to laziness or embarrassment, or because of a diminishing sense of sin and its effects. Too often, we see ourselves as the center and measure of all things, and our lives can go adrift. The Sacrament of Reconciliation calls us back to God, and embraces us with his infinite mercy and joy. May we allow his love to renew us as his children and to reconcile us with him, with ourselves, and with one another. (Pope Francis, Angelus, February 19, 2014)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people understands that When teenagers participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, they come face to face with the mystery of God’s love. This sacrament helps them experience God’s forgiveness firsthand. Hopefully, they will come to experience Jesus’ “look of love”. (USCCB)

Suggested Implementation

“Second Reconciliations”: Recognizing that many/some young people receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation might be receiving their “Second Reconciliation” having not received the sacrament again since their First Reconciliation” Continued formation related to the sacrament might be useful and appreciated.
- Examination of Conscience: Consider making available a youth friendly examination of conscience to help them prepare for the sacrament.
- Aid: Provide them with a worship aid/template to assist them in reception of the Sacrament.
- Penance: In collaboration with the confessors, provide a resource that might be helpful in prayer or action in addressed potential penances.
Retreats/Away Programs: Consider offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation while on retreats and/or while “away” at conferences or service opportunities.
Confirmation Preparation: Was the Sacrament of Reconciliation available as part of immediate preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Seasonal: Make youth friendly invitations to the Sacrament of Reconciliation when offered locally / regionally during liturgical seasons.

Methods for Evaluation

Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:

Where was the Sacrament of Reconciliation offered to young people this year?
Was this an increase over previous years?
What lessons have been learned regarding future offerings to young people for the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

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