As we explore adolescent catechesis it is important to touch base on how youth are doing in the parish, and how involved they are in relation to catechesis. The National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis (NIAC) named various vision points as “foundational and interdependently connected elements” in the process of adolescent catechesis. I have used these to share some insight as to the progress of my parish’s young people, as well as a tool for others to evaluate their own parish’s youth ministry efforts.

Empowered Parents and Faithful Families

We hear the same idea presented in various terms—home as domestic church; parents as primary catechists; whoever prays together, stays together. However, the reality of making these come alive is our responsibility. Helping parents better understand their faith so that they can share it with their teenagers is vital. Those young people who are most actively engaged in our parish have parents who know, understand, and live these axioms!

Vibrant, Youth Friendly Parishes

Being youth friendly has a variety of levels. Does the parish simply tolerate young people carrying the gifts up to the altar once a month? Or, are teens invited and engaged in all areas of liturgical ministry, serving on a regular basis? Our parish trains and schedules teenagers as extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, lectors, cantors, and ushers to serve at all weekly Masses. The young people are treated with respect, and encouraged to participate as much as they are able. This inviting environment encourages more actively engaged teenagers.

Fruitful Partnerships

Collaboration between various groups constantly needs renewal. It is very easy for me to sit in my office and plan events and activities for our youth, but then I am operating in isolation. When I connect with the volunteers in our parish or the youth minister at the parish in the next town, our ministry to young people is infinitely better. Sharing ideas and using each other’s resources is vital to building a sense of community amongst the youth. Who are people in your community who can be partners in your goals? What local organizations can support your efforts?

Intentional and Systematic Faith Formation

Our program is based on small groups which contributes to a sense of community and encourages teens to connect with both peers and mentors. There is deliberate formation and catechesis through planned sessions and presentations. The volunteers and catechists know it is a journey, and that sharing their own faith is a vital component of the journey. Each parish needs to find the format that works best for their youth, whether it is speakers and guest presenters, bible study groups, theme nights, large or small group gatherings. The goal is that we help our teenagers learn about their faith while also living their faith through service.

Inclusion, Trust, and Acceptance

I love working with teenagers and witnessing their growth in the Catholic faith. However, I know there are times when I am not open to trusting and accepting new ways of doing things because I think my experience is stronger, or my methods are better. But, I know that I need to continually look at our programming and evaluate if what we are doing is best serving the young people.

I know that I must always be cognizant of opportunities that allow the teens and their families to feel included and welcomed in our ministry. How has your parish allowed young people to give input to your activities? Are we reaching out to all aspects of our youth community, not just those who come when invited? Does our youth environment welcome all races, cultures, and ethnicities? This is a challenging aspect of ministry, but important to consider if we want to be the evangelizers Christ calls us to be.

I hope these reflections on the vision points are useful, and will assist others to find additional ways to improve adolescent catechesis in the parish. More information is available through the NIAC website.