Ignite Canada sees the following points as important guidelines in the work of building effective ministries in our parishes served by the Redemptorists and support and train leaders in ministries for young people throughout Canada.
Goals for Effective Youth Ministry in Canada[1]
- Effective youth ministry calls the Catholic faith community to continually renew its affective and effective option for young people.
- Effective youth ministry fosters the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
- Effective youth ministry invites and empowers young people to live as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
- Effective youth ministry draws young people to participate responsibly in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community.
Elements of a Well-Balanced Ministry with Young People[2]
- Evangelization
- Catechesis
- Intentional Relationships
- Advocacy
- Justice and Service
- Community Life
- Leadership Development
- Pastoral Care
- Prayer and Worship
- Discernment and Vocation[3]
Where does Effective Ministry to Young People happen?[4]
- Among Youth
- In Families
- At School, College and University
- Parish
- Social Media
- The Wider Community
A Well-Balanced, Integral Ministry for and with Young People incorporates the following Qualities. [5]
- Reaches out to young people (both in our churches and on the peripheries)
- Is convinced that young people are called to be evangelizers
- Advocates for the inclusion of young people in all aspects of Church life
- Requires preparation, education and formation of the entire parish or faith community
- Requires intentional recruitment, training and support of volunteers
- Fosters collaborative relationships with the wider community
- Fosters intentional relationships with families
- Is sustained in a team and collaborative model
- Is needs-based and addresses real needs, promoting the holistic development of the person
- Takes time to grow
- Demands appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures for vulnerable people
- Is empowered and sustained through financial support
- Requires a level of training and expertise made available to Redemptorists and Lay Partners in Mission
- It contributes to openness to ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue, especially regarding the care of our common home.
[1] “You Give Them Something To Eat”, CCCB Publications, pp. 12-16
[2] “You Give Them Something To Eat”, CCCB Publications, pp. 18-28.
[3] “General Guidelines of Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry”, Redemptorists, pp. 15-17.
[4] “You Give Them Something To Eat”, CCCB Publications, pp. 1-9.
[5] “General Guidelines of Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry”, Redemptorists, p. 17. and “You Give Them Something To Eat”, CCCB Publications, pp. 30-37.