By Tom R. (not verified) on Wednesday, April 15, 2009
There is no doubt in my mind that the Catholic Church needs to further invest in better youth ministry. I have had the pleasure of working with some outstanding youth ministers, and see some new ones coming in off the horizon who give me considerable hope, but generally do not see the US Catholic Church commiting its time and resources to Youth Ministry (or a Family Ministry that provides a strong backdrop). [My Diocese just cut the Youth Ministry position in its most recent budget cuts.] The NYSR's study's proposal of a therapeutic deism as an operative spirituality scares me even deeper. In our documents, we have some great verbage devoted to the richness and benefits of good youth ministry, but words are not enough. Action and investment is called for!
By Mike Betting (not verified) on Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I think each point is right spot on!
Studies have shown for years that parents are the most influential on youth. What I am concerned about is the thought of rethinking. Do we need to rethink, or just do a better job (last paragraph below...).
I apologize for any negativity, but I wonder if our ideals are good, but we haven't yet shifted the paradigm (as noted in the surprise of parents being the influence - every time I tell people!) to parental responsibility.
We (our parish) began a Generations model 6 years ago and are struggling with a demand by some for weekly classes without parents. To Teach more. We also struggle with parents not feeling confident in KNOWLEDGE rather than - being confident in their FAITH.
Sean mentioned his own family's integrity of living faith, which became, "don't fake it". What if families don't fake, but rather don't believe in their own faith enough. Maybe because we've spent generations teaching that knowledge of Church is the path?
Meanwhile, some Protestants teach that memorizing the Bible is the path. I wonder if both paths lead to difficulties for many people because those paths depend on being able to sound knowledgeable ... dare I say, instead of Faithful?
The Goals of youth ministry and the Vision Statement are such a wonderful foundation, but we don't often 'do' youth ministry with families. Most often, just with the kids and a few volunteers. And most parishes I know of don't yet have youth ministry. Unfortunately, many that do have professional youth ministry, it is untrained people who love kids - yet minister in one dimension only. [Any failures lessen parish investment. Yet pay or benefits that lack incentive for investment in training for those that do minister leads to untrained ministers.] It is my belief that it isn’t the vision that needs rethinking, but a way for Catholics as a whole to embrace a vision that might need rethinking. Instilling confidence in what families already DO as Catholics might be a start?
Sean Reynolds 5 Questions
By Tom R. (not verified) on Wednesday, April 15, 2009There is no doubt in my mind that the Catholic Church needs to further invest in better youth ministry. I have had the pleasure of working with some outstanding youth ministers, and see some new ones coming in off the horizon who give me considerable hope, but generally do not see the US Catholic Church commiting its time and resources to Youth Ministry (or a Family Ministry that provides a strong backdrop). [My Diocese just cut the Youth Ministry position in its most recent budget cuts.] The NYSR's study's proposal of a therapeutic deism as an operative spirituality scares me even deeper. In our documents, we have some great verbage devoted to the richness and benefits of good youth ministry, but words are not enough. Action and investment is called for!
Sean Reynolds 5 ques.
By Mike Betting (not verified) on Tuesday, April 14, 2009I think each point is right spot on!
Studies have shown for years that parents are the most influential on youth. What I am concerned about is the thought of rethinking. Do we need to rethink, or just do a better job (last paragraph below...).
I apologize for any negativity, but I wonder if our ideals are good, but we haven't yet shifted the paradigm (as noted in the surprise of parents being the influence - every time I tell people!) to parental responsibility.
We (our parish) began a Generations model 6 years ago and are struggling with a demand by some for weekly classes without parents. To Teach more. We also struggle with parents not feeling confident in KNOWLEDGE rather than - being confident in their FAITH.
Sean mentioned his own family's integrity of living faith, which became, "don't fake it". What if families don't fake, but rather don't believe in their own faith enough. Maybe because we've spent generations teaching that knowledge of Church is the path?
Meanwhile, some Protestants teach that memorizing the Bible is the path. I wonder if both paths lead to difficulties for many people because those paths depend on being able to sound knowledgeable ... dare I say, instead of Faithful?
The Goals of youth ministry and the Vision Statement are such a wonderful foundation, but we don't often 'do' youth ministry with families. Most often, just with the kids and a few volunteers. And most parishes I know of don't yet have youth ministry. Unfortunately, many that do have professional youth ministry, it is untrained people who love kids - yet minister in one dimension only. [Any failures lessen parish investment. Yet pay or benefits that lack incentive for investment in training for those that do minister leads to untrained ministers.] It is my belief that it isn’t the vision that needs rethinking, but a way for Catholics as a whole to embrace a vision that might need rethinking. Instilling confidence in what families already DO as Catholics might be a start?
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