Lay persons who devote
themselves permanently or temporarily to some special service of
the church are obliged to acquire the appropriate formation
which is required to fulfill their functions properly and to
carry it out conscientiously, zealously, and diligently.
--from Canon 231
The formation of
parish youth ministry leadership is major priority of the Archdiocesan
Office of Youth Ministry. Whether full-time or part-time paid or
volunteer, the formation of individuals who work with youth, in
particular early and older adolescents is a critical component in the
development of successful parish programs and safe places for young
people to gather and feel welcomed.
Participants will develop an understanding of the Code of Ethics for Professional Youth Ministry Leaders affirmed by NFCYM. Many of the skills needed to minister in an inclusive, multicultural church and diocese will be enhanced by participating in the practicum process and networking with other youth ministry and catechetical leaders of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. You will also benefit from 60 hours of undergraduate level theological study covering the areas recommended in Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord. This two year formation process will allow you to achieve the competencies necessary to function as a Parish Youth Ministry Leader.
In November of 2005, the Office of Youth Ministry received approval from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Commission on Certification and Accreditation (USCCB/CCA), located at 3211 South Lake Drive, Suite 317, St. Francis, WI 53235-3702; 414-496-0139, www.usccbcca.org ; to grant national certification to those Parish Youth Ministry Leaders who have completed the Basic Certificate in Youth Ministry Program (BCYM), Formation Toward Christian Ministry (FTCM) and the Youth Ministry Leadership Institute (YMLI). This is done through and application and interview application process. Please contact the Office of Youth Ministry to begin this process.
