CERTIFICATION IN YOUTH MINISTRY STUDIES

Program Overview

Successful Certification in Youth Ministry Studies includes 10 courses - nine are online, and one is in service.

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All online courses are five week modules, unless otherwise stated. Seminar studies (3 week modules) will be counted as 0.5 credits (exclusive of Basic Catechesis Formation Seminars).

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Year One - Beginning August 29, 2021

Year Two - Beginning Fall 2022

Year 1 Students

A Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry

A Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry is a five week course introducing students to the vision and principles for developing a comprehensive framework for youth ministry. Students will explore the historical development as well as contemporary models of the Catholic Church's efforts to reach out to young people and their families. Finally, students will be introduced to a leadership system for creating a stable, vibrant, and lasting ministry within their ministry setting.



Vocation to Ministry

The Vocation to Ministry course provides participants an opportunity to develop a deeper comprehension of ministry and to reflect on their own ministry. In the Catholic Church the role of the minister is central to the Church's s mission to evangelize and make disciples. Once almost exclusively the province of the clergy and the vowed members of religious communities, a sense of vocation has been experienced by many lay people in the last half century and great numbers are engaged in ecclesial ministry. This course provides participants an opportunity to review the impact of the Second Vatican Council on the Church's appreciation of the ministry done by lay people vis-í -vis the ministry of those who are ordained. The course also reviews the Church's theology of the Holy Trinity, and the Liturgy as a source for understanding the ministerial relationships that are being lived out in the Church today.



Faith and Human Development

This course provides an introduction to the stage theories of human development and spiritual growth. Participants will explore the maturation of human beings from a holistic perspective. The works of Fowler, Erikson, Kohlberg, Gilligan, Piaget and others will provide the foundation for examining the psychological, physical, and spiritual growth over the course of a human's lifetime. Particular attention will also be given to family systems theory to provide the wider context shaping the faith development of human persons. Finally, these theories will be applied to the particular age cohort of the student in effort to promote self-understanding.



Relational Ministry with Youth

This course provides an introduction to relational ministry with youth. Participants will examine a mindset for relational ministry and its place relative to the Vision of Youth Ministry in the U.S Catholic Church. Specific attention will be given to theological reflection on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ as the staring point for building relationships with youth.



Elective of Your Choice

Please click here for a total list of courses offered.



Year 2 Students

Mental Health First Aid (In-Service)

Please note there is an additional registration fee. Can be completed in Year 1.



Basic Catechesis Formation Seminars (2)

Understanding the significance of catechesis for both nurturing an encounter with Jesus Christ within those we catechize and appreciating one’s sense of vocation as a catechist.



Introduction to Liturgy

As central to the life of the Christian person, liturgy engages the heart, body and soul in praise, thanks and worship of God as Trinity. In this course, participants will study the ritual and symbolic meaning of liturgy, its structural elements and its importance to Christian worship and life.



Prayer and Worship with Adolescents

This course will provide an introduction to the theology of prayer and worship, and will explore practical methods and techniques for leading prayer and worship with young people. There will be a special emphasis on the value of a multi-cultural perspective in all opportunities for engaging young people in prayer.



Elective of Your Choice

Please click here for a total list of courses offered.



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