High School and Middle School Youth Ministry Overview
Everything that happens for, with, and by young people in the Church is Youth Ministry!
The Archdiocese provides:
- Archdiocesan-wide events for middle and high school youth
- Training for our youth ministry and catechetical adult leaders of middle school and high school ministry through formation programs and individual guidance/support to pastors and parish leaders.
- Teen leadership formation and leadership role opportunities
- Resources including financial assistance for Catechetical resources and equipment for parishes middle school and high school ministry
Ministry with adolescents helps young people learn what it means to follow Jesus Christ and to live as his disciples today, empowering them to serve others and to work toward a world built on the vision and values of the reign of God. (USCB, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry)
Journeying with young people in the Catholic faith is one of the most exciting and rewarding ministry experiences for a leader. Our hope is that young people will encounter Christ in real and powerful ways. By promoting a culture of discipleship in Youth Ministry, we aim to inspire a lifelong practice of faith born from a profound appreciation of the gifts found within the Catholic Church.
Comprehensive ministry with adolescents incorporates the following eight components:
- Advocacy
- Catechesis
- Community Life
- Evangelization
- Justice and Service
- Leadership Development
- Pastoral Care
- Prayer and Worship
These components provide a framework for the Catholic community to respond to the needs of young people and to involve young people in sharing their unique gifts with the larger community. They provide a structure for the Church’s ministry with adolescents, while encouraging local creativity in developing programs, activities, and strategies for each component. From: USCCB, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry
Youth Spectacular
Youth Spectacular is our local Church’s major annual gathering for and with high school youth. Youth Spectacular is celebrated to evangelize, inspire, form, and ignite the youth to become true missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, impelled by the Holy Spirit. The ultimate purpose of the Youth Spectacular is to transform our young Catholics into the driving force of the New Evangelization in their homes, their schools, parishes and communities.
Youth Retreats in the Archdiocese
Retreats are a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to get away, pray and reflect on one’s faith and God working in their life. If you have a retreat for adolescents and you are open to young people participating from other parishes, use this form to send the information to us so we can include it on our calendar.
For a list of retreat venues, see the Resources page.
Questions or Comments?
Amy Rubio
Director for Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Phone: 210-734-1646
Email: amy.rubio@archsa.org
