CERTIFICATION IN YOUTH MINISTRY STUDIES

A Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry is a five week course introducing students to the vision and principles for developing a comprehensive framework for youth ministry. Students will explore the historical development as well as contemporary models of the Catholic Church's efforts to reach out to young people and their families. Finally, students will be introduced to a leadership system for creating a stable, vibrant, and lasting ministry within their ministry setting.

As central to the life of the Christian person, liturgy engages the heart, body and soul in praise, thanks and worship of God as Trinity. In this course, participants will study the ritual and symbolic meaning of liturgy, its structural elements and its importance to Christian worship and life.

This course provides an introduction to the stage theories of human development and spiritual growth. Participants will explore the maturation of human beings from a holistic perspective. The works of Fowler, Erikson, Kohlberg, Gilligan, Piaget and others will provide the foundation for examining the psychological, physical, and spiritual growth over the course of a human's lifetime. Particular attention will also be given to family systems theory to provide the wider context shaping the faith development of human persons. Finally, these theories will be applied to the particular age cohort of the student in effort to promote self-understanding.

This course provides an introduction to relational ministry with youth. Participants will examine a mindset for relational ministry and its place relative to the Vision of Youth Ministry in the U.S Catholic Church. Specific attention will be given to theological reflection on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ as the staring point for building relationships with youth.

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of prayer and worship, and will explore practical methods and techniques for leading prayer and worship with young people. There will be a special emphasis on the value of a multi-cultural perspective in all opportunities for engaging young people in prayer.

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