faith_formation

DEPARTMENT OF FAITH & MINISTRY FORMATION

TELEPHONE: (702) 735-6044 FAX: (702) 697-5917

Office of Catechetical Ministry

Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry

Diocesan Conference

Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting

National Certificate Program in
Youth Ministry Studies

The Program

The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies is a ministry education program for those in ministry with youth, ages 11-19, 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.

The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies program includes eight courses offered in a weekend format over a two-year period. The aim of the program is to promote personal, spiritual and ministerial growth. The first year courses cover youth ministry principles and practices, leadership theory, processes, and skills. Courses in the second year focus on fostering the faith growth of youth through pastoral care, justice and service, prayer and worship, and evangelization and catechesis.

Participants

This program has been designed for persons involved professionally or as volunteers with younger (11-14) or older (14-19) adolescents in a parish or school setting. The program is geared toward: Coordinators of Youth Ministry, Coordinators of Confirmation, Directors of Religious Education, Youth Ministry Volunteer Leaders, Junior High Leaders, High School Campus Ministers and Teachers, and Clergy.

Certification

A Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies is awarded by the Diocese of Las Vegas to students who:

participate in all eight courses;

complete the Certificate Assignments and Learning Journal for each course;

submit their assignments and Learning Journal as directed following completion of their final course.

Up to six units of undergraduate credit are available through RegisUniversity for completed programs (3 units per year); fees per unit also apply.

2008-2009 Course Dates

October 4-5,2008: Principles of Youth Ministry, Tom East
January 10-11, 2009: Practices of Youth Ministry, Christina Semmel
March 7-8, 2009: Foundations for Ministry Leadership, Vikki Shepp
May 9-10, 2009: Skills for Christian Leadership, Ann Marie Eckert

Location & Schedule

All classes will be held at RegisUniversity, Henderson Campus located at 1401 N. Green Valley Parkway, Suite 100, Henderson, NV 89052.

Hours for the two-day weekend course are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

For more information, please contact Dr. Marc González at dr.gonzalez@dioceseoflasvegas.org
or (702)735-6044.

Fees

Individual Rate: $ 175.00 per weekend course, per person (includes books, handouts, materials & hospitality)

Group Rate: $ 125.00 per weekend course, per person (includes workshop for whole team and one set of books and materials) for up to four participants per team.

Courses may be taken toward certification, or may be taken individually for in-service.

Catholic Youth

click on icon for a printable brochure/registration form

Housing & Meals

Housing information to come …

Morning & afternoon hospitality will be provided. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. There are limited eating opportunities around the area.

First Year Courses

October 4-5, 2008

Principles of Youth Ministry

Presenter: Tom East

Principles of Youth Ministry presents the foundational understandings and principles for developing an effective, comprehensive ministry with young and older adolescents. It examines the dynamics of promoting healthy adolescent development and faith growth. It presents the vision and principles for comprehensive youth ministry and a model for developing comprehensive youth ministry which incorporates developmentally appropriate youth programming, strengthens family life, involves young people as integral members of the faith community, and collaborates with civic organizations in a common effort to promote positive youth development.

January 10-11, 2009

Practices of Youth Ministry

Presenter: Christina Semmel

Practices of Youth Ministry explores the development of comprehensive youth ministry through the collaborative sharing of the resources in the community. Rooted in a theological and pastoral vision of community life, this course develops foundational understandings that will assist leaders in setting and implementing a vision for dynamic ministry with youth. This will include skills for advocacy, planning and organizing youth ministry efforts. Methods for collaborative leadership among ministries and within ministry teams will also be developed.

March 7-8, 2009

Foundations for Ministry Leadership

Presenter: Vikki Shepp

Foundations for Ministry Leadership explores the theology, principles, and practices of effective leadership in Christian ministry. Participants will explore current leadership concepts and approaches, as well as Christian perspectives on leadership. Participants will also learn how to empower individuals and teams of leaders for ministry with youth. The course combines theory presentation with experiential learning as participants explore (a) leadership theory and an assessment of styles for effective leadership; (b) theological and pastoral foundations for understanding leadership and empowerment; and (c) processes and tools for inviting, preparing and nurturing adult and youth leaders in ministry.

May 9-10, 2009

Skills for Christian Leadership

Presenter: Ann Marie Eckert

Skills for Christian Leadership addresses the theories and skills needed for principle-centered leadership in ministry. Participants will develop a practical, working understanding of leadership process and skills and the experiential ability to use the skills. The course stresses the application of leadership skills to various ministry settings, problems, and issues.

Second Year Courses

Evangelization & Catechesis
Prayer & Worship
Justice & Service
Pastoral Care