This is an in-depth program developed to provide deeper formation for the youth minister, including presentations that are practical, academic, theological, and spiritual. Believing that the most significant factor in the catechetical endeavor is the individual catechist passing on a lived faith, Franciscan University has committed itself to assisting in the preparation of men and women equal to the task of catechesis in a youth ministry context.
Certification Requirements
Certification Requirements are fulfilled over two consecutive years which include 24 workshops (16 residential summer workshops and 8 online) as well as 8 general sessions. Participants begin with Year I and move to Year II Curriculum. Sessions for both are offered every year at the conference. Participants pursuing the certificate training must attend 8 Youth Ministry Track Workshops and all four general sessions during the week, at each conference (as well as 4 online workshops that follow). Attendance will be monitored at all sessions, including general sessions. Each participant will complete and submit an assessed project or paper each year. In the last year of training, the candidates will complete a 6-page essay assignment.
2018 Youth Ministry Track Workshops
Year One
A Vision for Effective Youth Ministry
Engaging Youth Culture
Incarnational Ministry: Relational Ministry with Teens
Partnering with Families
The Church, the Body of Christ:
Working with Bishops, Pastors, Staff, and Parents
Effective Catechesis in Youth Ministry
Methods and Practical Skills for Youth Ministry
Year Two
Personal Spirituality and the Call to Holiness
Counseling and Pastoral Care with Teens
The Liturgical Nature and Sacramental Life of the Church
Our Life in Christ: The Basics of Catholic Morality
Mobilizing Teens for Service, Leadership, and Vocation
Theology of the Body: Teaching Catholic Sexuality to Teens
General Introduction to Adolescent Development
St. John Paul’s Understanding of the Family
Track Presenters