Catechesis & Discipleship

LifeSavers is . . .

TO		Youth . . .	responding to youth's varied needs
WITH		Youth . . .	working with adults to fulfill their common responsibility for the Church's mission
BY		Youth . . .	exercising their own ministry to others: peers, community, world
FOR		Youth . . .	interpreting the needs of youth, especially in areas of injustice and acting on behalf of, or with youth for a change in the systems which create injustice

(From "Vision of Youth Ministry" USCC: 1976)

In 1996 the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) published Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (RTV). This document affirms a previous document drafted by the USCCB in the mid 1970's, A Vision for Youth Ministry. In RTV, the Bishops outline very clear goals and objectives which are to be a part of ANY Catholic youth ministry program, whether in a parish or in a Catholic school.

Our new high school youth program follows the guidance of the USCCB, and encompasses the two main objectives of youth ministry: catechesis and discipleship.

Catechesis

Catechesis is an important part of the Catholic faith life. We must continue to catechize our youth, even beyond the Sacrament of Confirmation, just as adults and Catholics of all ages must continue to learn and grow in the faith.

Discipleship

Jesus did not lead a sedentary life. He continued to teach and model His entire life on earth. As we learn from scripture, just as He has done for us, so we "should also do". Just as catechesis is important to understand the faith and continue to grow in it, so too, is discipleship important to keep us connected to one another, and to continue in the pursuit of Christ.

How it works . . .

Catechesis - Our traditional Sunday evening youth gatherings will be primarily about catechesis (with some wonderful grade-level bible study courses). There will also be a monthly field trip to go bowling, play putt-putt, play softball, etc.

Discipleship - Tuesday evenings will be focused on discipleship. The idea is that, on Sunday we learn about our faith and what God expects of us, and on Thursdays, we put what we've learned into action.

Youth who desire to participate in the discipleship aspect of the program must be enrolled and participating in the catechesis classes on Sunday (youth that are enrolled in Catholic schools may be exempted from the Sunday evening catechesis).

To learn more about LifeSavers, you may contact the Youth Director at ext.2228.