Eventually it was gut-check time. While giving time and talent is great, that’s only 2/3 of what I’m called to do, and I’m either going to be 100% Catholic or not at all. There are no fractions when it comes to living out the Catholic faith, so I began to offer up my treasure as well. And now, I can safely say that my wife and I do the same. I know this is not an easy topic for those of us in ministry.
If you’re like the majority of Catholic youth minister’s out there, you’re a self-doubting bundle of hang ups, determined to believe that your ministry will never be good enough. It’s the life of the angst-ridden, misunderstood youth minister, right? Wait a minute, what’s that? You think you’re pretty good at Catholic youth ministry and actually like some of your accomplishments? Don’t worry, it’s just a blip. With these 5 tips you’ll soon be joining the rest of the Catholic youth ministry community in feeling anxious about your abilities and so-called “gifts.”
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Objective: The middle school youth will understand that God alone forgives sins, although we all are called to be reconciled with those who trespass against us, as well as those we trespass against. Overview: As Catholics, we have a great gift in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: Only God forgives sins. Since he is the Son of God, Jesus says of himself, “The Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins” and exercises this divine power:
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Objective: The middle school youth will understand how the moral law of God guides our decisions and actions. They also will understand how studying and following the example of Jesus can help us make better choices. Overview: “The moral law,” according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “is the work of divine Wisdom. Its biblical meaning can be defined as fatherly instruction…. It prescribes for man the ways, the rules of conduct that lead to the promised beatitude; it proscribes
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Objective: The middle school youth will understand the basis of Catholic social teaching, as well as the specific theme related to the option for the poor and vulnerable. Overview: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops explains that: Catholic social teaching is based on and inseparable from our understanding of human life and human dignity. Every human being is created in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus Christ, and therefore is invaluable and worthy of respect as a member of the human
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Objective: The middle school youth will understand our call to humility, as well as to respect the dignity of all humans. They also will understand the concept of social justice. Overview: We all know that Jesus came from modest beginnings. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that: Jesus was born in a humble stable, into a poor family. Simple shepherds were the first witnesses to this event. In this poverty heaven’s glory was made manifest. (525) As we emulate Jesus in our Christian
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Objective: The middle school youth will understand the concept of the Parousia, or Second Coming of Jesus Christ, as well as their obligation to continue building God’s Kingdom on earth in anticipation of His return. Overview: In the Nicene Creed, we proclaim that Jesus Christ “will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.” This second coming, or parousia, will accomplish God’s plan and assure the reign of Jesus as Lord of heaven and earth. As the Catechism of the Catholic
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Objective: The middle school youth will understand how God calls us to be in a special type of relationship in which He provides for all our needs and we depend fully on Him. They also will understand ways in which they can deal with their worries and offer them to God. Overview: The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the Father’s plans for his precious creation: God does not abandon his creatures to themselves. He not only gives them being and existence, but also, and at every moment,
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Objective: The middle school youth will understand what it means to love their neighbor, including their enemy. Overview: The Catechism of the Catholic Church points out that Jesus said to his disciples: “Love one another even as I have loved you.” The apostle St. Paul reminds us of this: “He who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. The commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed
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Objective: The middle school youth will understand their obligation to nourish and protect their faith, so that it continually grows and thrives. They also will understand their obligation to spread the message of Jesus and help others grow in their faith. Overview: As Christians, our faith in God is foundational. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Our moral life has its source in faith in God who reveals his love to us. St. Paul speaks of the “obedience of faith” as our