Participants feel more confident in their youth ministry role because they have integrated and applied the most recent and innovative theory and approaches into their own setting and responsibilities. The comprehensive sequence of courses provides a solid foundation of theory, theology and practical approaches, which can be applied in any parish or school youth ministry setting. This is a nationally recognized curriculum, offered in 26 sites and sponsored by over 50 dioceses, whose graduates are in parish, school and diocesan leadership positions all over the country. The Program The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies is a ministry education program for those in ministry with youth in both parish and school settings. It equips leaders with the knowledge, skills, practical tools and techniques needed for creative and comprehensive ministry with youth.
Individual weekends are also helpful for leaders who specialize in particular ministries.
For example, the Justice and Service course can serve leaders involved in social justice ministries. The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies program includes eight courses offered in a weekend format over two years or in a weeklong format over two summers. The primary aim of the program is to promote personal, spiritual, and ministerial growth. Courses in the first year cover youth ministry principles and practice, and leadership theory, processes, and skills. The second year focuses on fostering the faith growth of youth through evangelization and catechesis, prayer and worship, justice and service, and pastoral care.