This program is designed to enhance the ability of adults and/or young adult
youth ministry leaders who seek to foster the growth and nurture the
faith of African American youth and adolescents. It is a summer training
program, which awards continuing education units (CEU’s) to prospective
or current youth ministers and coordinators. The following persons
are encouraged to apply:
- Parish/school Youth Ministers.
- Coordinators of parish/school Youth Ministry.
- Directors/Coordinators of parish/school Religious Education.
- Confirmation Program Ministers and/or Coordinators.
The IBCS Youth Ministry Enrichment and Certification Program are designed
in such a way that students may participate for enrichment only, or they
may work toward certification. As an enrichment option, years 1 and 2 are
stand-alone years, and are not prerequisites of each other.
A certificate in youth ministry would be provided as an option for
those wanting to return a third year to complete the requirements as described
in Year 3.
Those returning must make their interest known with a letter of
intent. The IBCS must receive this letter before the end of the second summer.
Curriculum
In addition to the core courses (Black Approaches to Catholic Doctrine,
Scripture, and Liturgy, as well as Black Catholic History) taken
during first two summers, the Youth Ministry Program will enable participants
to:
- Explore the scriptural basis for Catholic Youth Ministry and how
it informs contemporary issues facing Black youth.
- Gain deeper insights into the psychology and sociology of Black
youth culture.
- Identify effective and holistic programming philosophies and strategies.
- Discern relevant literature, media resources, and national programs
for use in Black Catholic youth ministry programs.
- Explore the use of computers and other new technologies in youth
ministry.
- Examine the role of families, school, the church, neighborhood,
electronic media peers and world events as socialization agents
for Black youth.
- Design and implement a practicum that demonstrates the needed insight
and skills for effective Africentric youth ministry.
Year 1
Ministering with Youth from an African American Perspective
- Mission and Vision
of Youth Ministry
- The Adult Leader in Youth Ministry
- Psychological and Social Development of African American Youth
Year 2
Developing and Managing African American Youth Ministries
- Components
for Comprehensive Youth Ministry
- Prayer, Worship, and Justice Ministry with Youth
- Components of Program Management
Year 3
Practicum in Youth Ministry
The practicum is a final report that demonstrates the student’s understanding
of the principles/skills presented in the program. This practicum reports
the goals/objectives, rationale, theological foundation, description,
and evaluation of a project planned/facilitated in the student’s local
area. In addition, third year students are observed in planning, facilitating,
and incorporating course materials into two mornings of reflection
with New Orleans youth and one training session with adult youth ministers.
Students receive hands-on instruction on how computer technology enhances
youth ministry. They also examine adult learning principles, strategies for
recruiting/ retaining volunteers, long-range planning, budgets, promotion
and evaluation of programs.
Africentric
Catechesis Program - Youth
Ministry Program - Ministerial
Leadership in the Faith Community Program - Spiritual
Enrichment Programs - Directors
and Faculty
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