YOUTH MINISTRY

Throughout this Pastoral Letter, I have made reference to some of the challenges that young people face with regard to their faith. During the Lenten Listening Sessions of 2006, in conjunction with the Diocesan Strategic Plan, it was expressed that structured youth ministry programming is an overwhelmingly urgent need in the Diocese of Greensburg. In response to this concern, the Office for Evangelization and Faith Formation will form a Catechetical Development Process for Parish Youth Ministry programs based on two USCCB documents.

The first document to be used as a guide is Doctrinal Elements of a Curriculum Framework for the Development of Catechetical Materials for Young People of High School Age. The framework is designed to guide catechetical instruction for those of high school age wherever and however it takes place. This approach has already been implemented in our Catholic high schools during the 2008-2009 academic year. The introduction of the framework states that the curriculum for young people of high school age should be focused on the person of Jesus Christ. It is that focus which is the core of instruction for our youth and which will lead to growth in their relationship with the Lord and in turn, with those around them.

The second USCCB document that the Catechetical Development Process for Parish Youth Ministry will use as a guide is Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry. This document outlines the eight components through which our young people can grow in their relationship with the Lord. These components are evangelization, community life, catechesis, prayer and worship, pastoral care, advocacy, leadership development, and justice and service.