The Veritatis Splendor Institute has developed a comprehensive Youth Ministry Certification track to meet the unique needs of those who minister to middle school and high school youth. This track will help youth ministers to flourish within the various dimensions of parish life that youth ministry entails, and will help them to have an important impact on families, who primarily bear the formative responsibility for their children. The track now runs on VSI Saturdays immediately following Mass & Lunch for an afternoon series of presentations.
This track is now open to an adult who is involved in Youth Ministry in the Diocese!
2022-2023 Dates
Foundational Certification
Foundational certification is a 1 year program covering the following topics:
A Catholic Vision for Youth Ministry
These presentations will cover the history and vision for youth ministry given to us in various ecclesial documents. We will consider all the aspects a parish should consider in developing a comprehensive youth ministry. This includes putting down on paper a vision and a long-term content plan that can be referenced and communicated to team members, families, and students. Also covered in these sessions will be an overview of methods of evaluating current activities in light of the planned vision.
An Incarnational Youth Ministry
These presentations will cover the important aspects to consider in understanding the current youth culture, an understanding of the importance of culture in general, and a plan for creating a Catholic culture as a part of a comprehensive ministry vision. Additionally covered in these sessions would be the importance of relational ministry and best practices within a regular gathering and also outside of parish scheduled events.
There is no “I” in TEAM
These presentations will cover the important topics of recruiting, equipping, forming, and encouraging volunteers to help in bringing teens closer to Christ. Some additional points include preparing the team for difficult topics, nurturing the spiritual life of your volunteers, and working to create positive interactions with the wide range of groups which a youth ministry normally impacts in the parish setting (ie. Pastor, parents, liturgist, maintenance, parish administrator, pastoral councils, etc.)
The Art of Forming Young Disciples
These presentations will cover the foundational principles and best practices required to effectively run small group and large group events in a youth ministry setting. The flow of events and how to intentionally train and include key volunteers into various youth ministry models will be considered in these presentations.
Advanced Certification
Advanced Certification Advanced certification is an additional 2 year program covering the following topics:
Prayer and spirituality for youth ministers, communicating the Deposit of Faith, retreating with youth, liturgy and sacramental catechesis for youth ministers, family dynamics and youth ministry, creating a culture of vocations, teaching theology of the body and sexual morality to youth, and topics of pastoral care of teens.
