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YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY"The most effective catechetical programs for adolescents are integrated into a comprehensive program of pastoral ministry for youth that includes catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, prayer and worship. Such programs aim to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community, and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person."National Directory for Catechesis-USCCB-2005 The diocesan department of youth and young adult ministry is responsible for implementing the church documents relating to youth grades 7-12, and young adult ages 19-35. Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry-USCCB, 1997- The U.S. Bishops? pastoral is a blueprint for youth ministry, describing the goals, principles and components of Catholic youth ministry in the United States Sons and Daughters of the Light-A Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults- USCCB- 2002- The U.S. Bishops? pastoral is a blueprint for ministering to young adults, ages 19-35. The document describes who are young adult, the vision for this ministry, goals and objectives, and suggestions for implementation. Major Goals for Youth MinistryParish/Area coordinator for Youth Ministry All parishes or groups of parishes are to have a Coordinator for Youth Ministry that is certified by the Diocese of Saginaw, or in the process of certification. Those who minister to youth as catechist are to be certified according to Diocesan and National Certification standards. The diocesan department of youth ministry, gathers coordinators for youth ministry on a regular basis for training, sharing, planning and collaboration. Effective Faith Formation for Adolescents Effective programs of adolescent faith formation happens in faith communities with: 
Adolescent Catechesis"The ministry of catechesis engages adolescents in the learning process by incorporating a variety of learning methods and activities through which adolescents can explore and learn important religious concepts of the Scriptures and Catholic faith. A variety of learning approaches keeps interest alive among adolescents and responds to their different learning styles... Catechesis incorporates a variety of program approaches including parish(area) and school programs; small group programs; home-based programs; activities, and resources; one-on-one and mentoring programs; and independent or self-directed programs or activities." Renewing the Vision-USCCB-1997 Renewing the Vision recognizes that catechesis within the context of comprehensive youth ministry allows for the development of programs and strategies that adapt to diverse youth and families in our Catholic faith communities. In the Diocese of Saginaw meeting the needs of adolescents may require that area parishes work together in the geographical area so that there can enough youth for a variety of programs, experiences and activities that will allow for a response of genuine faith of the total person, heart (trusting), mind (knowing and believing) and will (doing). To meet the varied needs of adolescents a variety of innovative strategies and programs can be offered by a group of parishes collaboratively together that will allow for flexibility and adaptation as the needs, interests and faith of youth and their families change and grow in a geographical area. "The definitive aim of catechesis is to put people not only in touch but in communion and intimacy with Jesus Christ: only he can lead us to the love of the Father in the Spirit and make us share in the life of the Trinity" (The National Directory for Catechesis, USCCB 2005). It states that catechesis must be situated in the context of evangelization and that the catechesis of children and youth should be orientated toward catechesis of adults. Youth leaders should evaluate all their catechetical efforts to determine if they are not only passing on information about Jesus, but deepening young people's relationship with Jesus. An adolescent catechesis needs to:
Adolescent CurriculumThe curriculum for students in grades 9 through 12 can be found in the Diocese of Saginaw ?Religion Curriculum. The Diocesan curriculum must be followed by using approved Catholic resources. Other resources for youth ministryGrowing Teen Disciples-Strategies for Really Effective Youth Ministry - Frank Mercandante, Ave Maria Press 1998- Provides practical strategies for implementing Renewing the Vision in a parish faith community, including team development, pastoral planning and formats for various evangelizing and faith formation gatherings. Young Adult Ministry A ministry to young adults, ages 19-35 will include implementing the following document: Sons and Daughters of the Light - A Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults - USCCB-2002 "The inspiration for catechesis for young adults is Christ's proposal to the young man: 'Come, follow me'. Many young adults welcome Christ's invitation. They are looking for opportunities to grow in knowledge of their faith and in their ability to make good moral decisions. They need a non-threatening place where they can freely express their questions, doubts, and even disagreements with the Church and where the teachings of the Church can be clearly articulated and related to their experience." National Directory for Catechesis- NCCB-2005
Sons and Daughters of the Light involve the following goals and aspects:
Goal 1: Connecting young adults with Jesus Christ. The bishops challenge church leaders "to foster the personal and communal growth and education of young adults toward a relationship with Jesus Christ leading to Christian maturity" This will involve:
The bishops' goal is "to make contact with young adults and invite and welcome them to participate in the life and mission of the Christian community, which proclaims Jesus Christ by preaching the Gospel". This will involve:
This will involve:
Finally, the bishops ask us "to help young adults develop relationships with peers who share similar values and beliefs which nurture and strengthen their faith, thereby creating communities of support." This will involve:
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