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Resources for Youth Ministry Formation
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Programs and Platforms
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In addition to in-person events hosted by the Youth Office, below is a list of helpful resources for difference levels of formation in Youth Ministry. If you have any questions or seek closer mentorship, please reach out to Lydia Whitten at lwhitten@victoriadiocese.org.
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Franciscan at Home-This is a free, online program offered by Franciscan University of Steubenville's Catechetical Institute. According to their website:
"This track, designed in cooperation with Life Teen, offers an efficient and in-depth two-part series of workshops to provide formation for youth ministers. It includes presentations that are practical, academic, theological, and spiritual, all while stressing that the most important factor in successfully evangelizing and discipling adolescents is the human one: the authentic witness and genuine love of those willing to invest in the spiritual growth of younger souls. This track also helps youth ministers support families, who primarily bear the formative responsibility for children." -
NFCYM-National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry-"It's the largest youth ministry organization in the United States, and a leading resource for the Catholic Church's ministry with high school and junior high youth." Their resource page is particularly helpful. They offer a special program specifically for new Youth Ministers called First Things in Youth Ministry. "It's a six-session online formation program for anyone new to youth ministry. Whether volunteer or paid, this training provides direction for the first six months of taking on a new leadership role. Think of it as Basic Training in Comprehensive Youth Ministry. The cost is $150 per participant which includes a one-year Associate Membership to NFCYM (a $75 value). As a member you have access to:
- Professional training, resourcing, and support
- Network of peers in youth ministry and youth-serving agencies
- Special rates to NFCYM events
- Full access to resource library and webinars
- and more!"
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EQSaints-Offers a "fully-online cohorts for EQSaints' Certificate Program in Youth Ministry Studies! This new format makes it more convenient than ever for individual youth ministers to equip themselves for ministry, while benefitting from the same proven course content as students in our in-person, diocese-sponsored sessions."
"Confidence
Participants gain greater confidence in their capabilities by successfully applying current theory and integrating innovative approaches into their ongoing work with young people.Competence
A comprehensive sequence of courses provides a solid foundation of theory, theology, and practical approaches, which can be applied in any parish or school youth ministry setting.Credibility
This nationally-recognized curriculum has been offered in 25 sites and sponsored by over 50 dioceses, whose graduates are in parish, school, and diocesan leadership positions all over the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and Scotland."
The cost is $225 per person per course; with a total of 8 courses available. Books purchased by the student (additional cost).
There is potential to take a class a-la-cart. Please contact Lydia Whitten at lwhitten@victoriadiocese.org for more details. -
Pastoral Institute- The Diocese of Victoria's Catechetical Office offers several classes both online and in person through out the year on Scripture, Sacraments, Liturgy, Prayer and Spirituality, Morality, Trinity, and Ecclesiology (Church). English and Spanish available for some courses. In-person, synchronous, and asynchronous learning available. More information on these adult formation classes can be found here.
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Retreats and Conferences
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Life Teen Empower Training Retreat-"Empower Core Member Trainings are an opportunity to equip youth minister and core members with the tools and techniques that their ministry needs not just to survive, but to thrive. Our goal remains simple: to help parishes lead teens closer to Christ. Join us at one of our trainings happening at parishes around the country!
Designed to set you up for success, Empower Core Member Trainings offer practical training, team building, and fresh content that is hyper-relevant to the current youth ministry landscape." Visit their website to see their schedule for the upcoming year.
NYFCYM Exchange- "NFCYM’s Exchange is a national gathering bringing ministry leaders, volunteers, supporters, and organizations working with young people together.Exchange is an opportunity to create and deepen your connections, expand your knowledge and skills, and find personal and professional support through powerful prayer experiences and moments of joy."