Youth Ministry Essentials

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Formally known as Basic Training in Catholic Youth Ministry, the Youth Ministry Essentials courses are designed for those who work with youth, in order to:  

• introduce adult leaders to the field and study of comprehensive youth ministry,
• equip adults with the necessary theological, pastoral and leadership skills to serve and minister to the adolescent community and
• empower adults who are beginning their ministry to adolescents
   

Vision of Youth Ministry | October 16  | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m
This course will cover the history, background, and church documents that guide Catholic youth ministry. You will learn about the components to comprehensive youth ministry and why discipleship, as well as evangelization to and advocacy for youth, are so important.

Social Mission and Retreat Formation | October 16 | 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This course will discuss the importance that Catholic social teaching is present in many forms in a comprehensive youth ministry program, such as service, education and advocacy. The basics of youth retreats are also covered in this course. We'll discuss the value of adolescent retreat experiences, safety issues, and retreat planning.

Basics of Planning and Programming | October 23 | 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
This course will cover the who, what, when and where of parish youth ministry. Topics to be covered include structuring a youth ministry program, roles and responsibilities of the youth minister and others are the parish, social media guidelines, outreach to young people in crisis and working with volunteers.

Prayer and Worship with Adolescents | October 23 | 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This course will cover different aspects of prayer and worship with youth, including Eucharistic adoration, prayer with adolescents and youth or contemporary Masses.

These classes will be held on Wednesday October 16 and Wednesday October 23.  The fee for each course is $25, or pay a total of $90 when you sign up for all four courses. Textbooks for each class are available for pre-order at an additonal cost, or you may purchase them on your own.   

All classes will be held at the Pastoral Center, with an option to attend via GoogleHangout (ideal for those outside of Austin)

Course registration fees can be paid by check, made payable to  Diocese of Austin  and mailed to the following address: