Common Tools for Youth Ministry
Serves those who serve the young Catholic Church. Advocates and supports youth ministry at the local, diocesan and national level.
A professional member-driven organization composed of ordained and lay ecclesial youth ministers.
Provides a blueprint by which to design, structure, and implement comprehesive youth ministry.
Training and resources for ministry and Catechesis.
A research project 'designed to enhance our understanding of the religious lives of American youth'.
Interactive website for Catholic teens
Technology Resources
In a culture where communication is nearly instantaneous through advances in technology, parish leaders and volunteers in faith formation, youth ministry, schools, and all ministries with young people need to be cognizant of both the value and limits of this technology. Using email, social networking sites, and websites are just a few media available to us to advance the Good News - however, we must also be aware of the limits and boundaries before us.
"Digital Discipleship" is a document written in collaboration with Lifelong Faith Formation, Youth and Youth Adult Ministry, Safe Environment, and Catholic Schools. Please read it thoroughly and pass it on to all catechists, teachers, youth ministers, etc. This is meant to be a tool to assist us all in establishing appropriate boundaries and modeling appropriate communication with young people.
This is a working document because technology is an ever growing field, therefore, your feedback and ideas for revision are welcome - please email Mary Beth Coates, Director, Lifelong Faith Formation.
Social Media Guidelines - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Please refer to these guidelines when designing and using social media in ministry.
Books for Parents and Families
Raising Happy, Healthy, and Holy Teenagers: A Primer for Parents by Robert J. McCarty; National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, 2009
Your Catholic Family:Simple Ways to Share Faith at Home by Jim Merha; St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2006
Raising Faith-Filled Kids: Ordinary Opportunities to Nurture Spirituality at Home by Tom McGrath; Loyola Press, 2000
52 Simple Ways to Talk with Your Kids About Faith by Jim Campbell; Loyola Press, 2007
Celebrating Faith: Year Round Activities for Catholic Families by Mary Cronk Farrell; St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2005