Young Apostles Formation

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Young Apostles Formation

• Diocese of Phoenix
• June 27, 2009

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Ecclesia in America

• The formation process for young people must be
  constant and active, capable of helping them to
  find their place in the Church and in the world.
  Consequently, youth ministry must be one of the
  primary concerns of Pastors and communities.
• John Paul II, Ecclesia in America (EA) 47.

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Purpose

• To respond to the restored order of the
  Sacraments of Initiation
• To provide parishes a game-plan that helps teens
  develop the tools for life-long conversion in
  Christ.

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Goals To help Teens

• Respond to the invitation to follow Jesus Christ,
  no matter where they are at in their faith
• Develop an understanding of their baptismal
  dignity
• Grow in their Catholic identity, especially
  through the Sunday Eucharist and involvement in
  their parish

Continued
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Goals To help Teens

• Develop catechetical roots to their faith through
  Scripture, doctrine, apologetics and philosophy
• Develop a diocesan and universal sense of the
  Church
• Respond to Gods vocational call in their lives.

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This process

• Is not a new program
• Works with any existing parish youth ministry
  model
• Helps parishes fill in the gaps to continually
  provide opportunities for teens to deepen their
  faith.

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Modeled on the Catechumenate (GDC 90)

• Evangelization
• Pre-Evangelization Preparation for the Good News
• Evangelization Conversion to Christ through the
  Church
• Catechesis Providing roots through doctrine
• Purification and Enlightenment Spiritual Life
• Mystagogia Stewardship and Service through
  Sacramental grace.

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Pre-Evangelization

• No Formal Doctrine
• Adult Core Team
• Social Events
• Informal Gatherings.

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Evangelization

• Jr. High Faith Formation
• The Sunday Liturgy
• Youth Group Meetings
• Weekend Retreats
• Rallies, Special Events, and other Encounters.

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Preparation for Catechesis

• Identification of teens based on signs of
  readiness (not age)
• Consistent and regular participation at Sunday
  Liturgy
• Consistent and Regular participation in parish
  youth activities
• Ability to articulate who Jesus is and why the
  Catholic Church is important to them
• Desire to know the Faith of the Church more
  deeply.
• Mentor
• Blessing 1.

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Catechesis

• Variation of formats and themes
• Participation by Mentor
• Blessing 2 in Junior or Senior Years.

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Purification and Enlightenment

• Lenten prayer formation
• Participation by Mentor
• Participation in Triduum at Parish.

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Mystagogia

• Pentecost Commissioning Mass with Bishop
• Bible Study on Acts
• Catechesis on Sacraments, stewardship and
  service
• Seminar for Catholic Freshmen

Continued
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Mystagogia

• Intro Theology Course
• Pilgrimage to Rome/International Mission Trip
• Vocations Retreat
• Service at home parish

Continued
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Mystagogia

• Corporal Works of Mercy
• Testimonies at the Sunday Masses
• Events during Freshman year of college.

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Youth Minister Training

• Basic Youth Ministry Methodology
• Advanced Training Certification
• Ongoing Catechetical Formation.

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Conclusion

• Want teens to display apostolic characteristics
• Entire process can be used for teens completing
  their Sacraments of Initiation
• Living document that will develop as we grow.