The Basic Certificate in Youth Min  istry Formation is a ministry-training program for those in leadership with youth. It equips youth ministers with the entry-level skills and understanding needed for creative and comprehensive ministry with early adolescents (11-13) or older adolescents (14-18). All sessions offer sacred moments to nourish the spirituality of the minister.
A two to three page reflection paper is required after each session due at the following session. One newly created project on any topic presented in the program due one month after the final session.
Under Archdiocesan policy all Youth Ministry Leaders must complete the Basic Certificate Program before or during the first year of ministry with the Archdiocese.
Registration
The program is open to all youth leaders, core team members, volunteers who want to learn more about the skills for youth ministry.
2012-2013 Registration Form & Requirements and Dates
Audit Option
Volunteers and parents involved in parish youth ministry may audit the Basic Certificate in Youth Ministry sessions without having to complete all requirements. Please refer to the registration form for the cost of auditing the nine-session series. The fee will include the nine sessions, handouts, and worksheets. The books that accompany the program will be optional and individually available for an additional fee.
Certification
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 an application and interview application process. Please contact the Office of Youth Ministry to begin this process.
For more information regarding Basic Formation in Youth Ministry, please contact
Norma Torok, Associate Director
Email Norma
713.74.8723
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