OUR CATHOLIC VISION FOR YOUTH MINISTRY

The following information is taken from NFCYM's summary of the 1997 document "Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry."
To view the entire summary, click HERE.
The National Conference of Catholic Bishops, identified three goals which provide direction for this ministry.

GOAL 1 – EMPOWERMENT - 

The first goal of youth ministry is “to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.” (RTV 9). Young people are “searching for a noble adventure”, a compelling and challenging vision of life, and a cause worth their commitment. They hunger to hear the Good News that finds response in discipleship. As their companions on this spiritual journey, some of the ways the Church fulfills this first goal of youth ministry is by …

• Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus through witness and word to young people.
• Enabling young people to live as disciples through their involvement in service, ministry, and leadership opportunities.
• Providing young people the faith skills for discipleship.

 

GOAL 2 – PARTICIPATION

The second goal is “to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.” (RTV 11). Young people have a hunger for connection, to be in relationship, and to belong. Family, peers, school, youth serving organizations, and church are primary connections for young people. Some of the ways the church fulfills this second goal of youth ministry is by …

• Being a ‘youth friendly’ community that welcomes young people, values their participation, and calls forth their gifts.
• Integrating young people into the liturgical, pastoral, and ministerial life of the parish community.
• Creating opportunities for young people to enter into healthy relationships of trust and respect with their peers and with adults.
• Promoting Catholic identity and religious literacy through programs of adolescent catechesis.

GOAL 3 – GROWTH

The third goal of youth ministry is “to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.” (RTV 15). Adolescence is an important time for mental, spiritual, social, and physical growth. Their experiences and relationships greatly influence their healthy and positive development. The Church strives to surround young people with the best possible external scaffolds—networks of caring relationships of family, school, peers, and other adults—while young people are developing their internal psychological and spiritual backbone—their values, life skills, commitments, and moral compass. The church fulfills this third goal of youth ministry by…

• Enabling young people to develop a personal relationship with Jesus.
• Actively supporting positive youth development and fostering healthy values and life skills.
• Supporting families of young people by providing resources, programs, and services.
• Providing opportunities to experience and express caring, service, and compassion for others.

The Eight Components of Youth Ministry identified in this document were as follows ...
1.   The Ministry of Advocacy
2.  The Ministry of Catechesis
3.  The Ministry of Community Life
4.  The Ministry of Evangelization
5.  The Ministry of Justice and Service
6.  The Ministry of Leadership       Development
7.  The Ministry of Pastoral Care
8.  The Ministry of Prayer and Worship

Click Here for his Video.

Hello everyone! My name is Tyler Davis and I am blessed to be serving as the new Pastoral Associate here at the Southeast Rochester Catholic Community! In my role I will be primarily facilitating and growing the youth and young adult ministry we have here at the SERCC but will also assist with baptismal preparation and confirmation programs. (See more below.)

I am a recent graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College where I completed my Bachelors in Non-Profit Management last May. During my time at Roberts I was blessed to serve in various ministries both in and out of the church that address social issues such as homelessness and ministry focuses such as young adult fellowships and fundraisers. I currently live in Mumford NY with my family and several animals including dogs, cats, and a 7 year old sibling named Nehemiah. When I am not working, I enjoy working out, hanging out with my friends, and spending time with my girlfriend, Laura.

Before my position at the SERCC I served actively at St.Pius X in Chili within their Knights of Columbus, Young Adult Ministry, RCIA, and as a Lector, Choir Member, and Hospitality Minister. Additionally, I worked at St.Charles Borromeo as their Youth Minister & Social Media Communications Assistant. 

Having begun my journey to the Catholic faith in 2019, I bring a converts zeal for the faith rooted in years of previous ministry experience. I have a profound passion for our Catholic faith and I look forward to sharing that with you all! 

I will be attending all masses this upcoming weekend of April 17th and 18th, so I look forward to meeting and interacting with all of you!

If you ever want to chat or have questions, please feel free to email me at Tyler.davis@dor.org

I look forward to serving you!