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Statement on Youth Evangelization
Diocese of Gary Diocesan Youth Council ·  January, 2007 

 -Youth Ministry-

Youth ministry is where we encounter God. When we discussed why those who participate in youth ministry (youth groups, etc.) do so, almost all of us listed a welcoming, structured environment in which we feel like we belong, like a family. The best youth ministry programs have a welcoming, energetic, and structured environment, one in which we feel comfortable opening up, expressing our beliefs and thoughts, and to share the struggles and issues we face. We agree that youth ministry should be part of a faith-filled community, all working toward a common goal. We also feel that youth should be involved in the planning of the ministry, that leaders should not be afraid to “go deep” in dealing with spirituality, and should be willing to adapt to changing situations.

Notes & Suggestions...

∙ The best programs create strong bonds and community.
∙ Programs should combine large group and small group activities.
∙ Programs must be energetic, positive, and joyful!
∙ We like the thought of having our own place to gather: youth room, etc.
∙ Advice for youth ministers: be yourself!
∙ Have a vision of what you’re working toward.

-Family-

We believe that youth involvement in church begins at home: that youth with parents and families that aren’t afraid to express their church beliefs are more likely to get involved. Religious beliefs are instilled from parents first, before priests, religious education, youth ministry, etc. If our parents want us involved in church, we should see them involved too, not just at mass, but also involved in other programs. The church should promote family unity, and praying as a family should be encouraged.

Notes & Suggestions...

∙ There should be more programs that involve the entire family.
∙ We should reach out to families who don’t participate.
∙ Perhaps the church could offer counseling for parents on raising faithful teens, or in dealing with teens facing difficult issues, etc.

-Leadership-

For youth evangelization to happen there must be a commitment from both youth and adult leaders in the parish. Youth and adults must be able to trust one another, communicate effectively and be working toward common goals (see Youth Ministry).  Adult leaders in the church should adopt an “open door policy” toward youth, recognizing that we have unique qualities, which shows an openness to the Holy Spirit. We need our adult leaders to be our advocates, coming from a great spirit of passion for Jesus Christ. Youth leaders also have a responsibility to minister to their peers, by setting an example of a strong faith for others.

Notes & Suggestions...

∙ Youth leaders can provide emotional support and prayers for their peers.
∙ We identified these characteristics that define effective Christian leaders: kindness, creativity, willingness to share unique gifts, passionate, motivational, enthusiastic, interested, effective communication skills, commitment, compassion, moral, integrity, prayerful.
∙ Both adult and youth leaders owe it to one another to not pre-judge, and should get to know each other on a personal level.
∙ Adults should support youth in non-church activities.
∙ Effective leaders are always trying out new ideas, should use a variety of approaches to reach youth.
∙ Adults should allow youth to lead, including coming up with new ideas.
∙ Parishes should offer formation/training in Christian leadership skills.
∙ Youth involvement should not be perceived as a “requirement” (e.g. Confirmation preparation, etc.).
∙ Adults should believe in us.

-Parish Life-

We believe that young people generally know that the church is concerned about our spiritual formation, and that adults are there to help us, but we also need to know why. Youth need to know they are needed and wanted in the community, and that they have a part. Capture our hearts and don’t force it.  We want to feel that we’re all in this together, and we, too want a better parish community.

Notes & Suggestions...

∙ We identified these characteristics that define better liturgies: welcoming, positive, upbeat, encouraging, engaging, good music, convenient, joyful, addresses issues facing young people.
∙ Sometimes it’s hard to see church as relevant. Help “personalize” it for us, showing how to apply the readings, teachings, etc. in our lives and the issues facing us today.
∙ We are open to things like Scripture study, helping us to relate Christ to today (see above).
∙ We embrace opportunities to serve others, and service projects should be offered beyond Confirmation.
∙ Parishes should not “give up” after Confirmation; many of us want to get more involved but there is not much offered.
∙ Sometimes when teens do not participate in church activities, it’s not because they don’t want to; adult leaders should understand that youth have other responsibilities and activities outside of church (schoolwork, extracurricular activities, jobs, etc.).
∙ We feel support when we see other youth get involved in other areas besides youth ministry, like Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, and Parish Pastoral Council leaders.
∙ We want to feel that priests support us and care about us.
∙ We want to feel that the church needs us.