Why Do We Do Youth Ministry?
In designing the youth ministry at St. Mary's, we began with the end in mind. After being raised in our Christian community, worshipping, serving, and playing, we hope that these young people will be better equipped to fully live into their Baptismal Covenants. Upon reflection, the Covenant is all about relationships, so we created goals that were all about relationships.
Relationship with themselves
The ultimate goals are for youth to: feel comfortable in their relationship with themselves;degree of comfort in solitude;critically on actions; have a rhythm of personal prayer; have a spiritual understanding of their bodies and their sexuality;independently; have strong and healthy egos along with a sense of pride in the expression of the unique gifts God has given them. Most importantly we hope they know that God loves them and will never leave them.
Relationship with Community
The ultimate goals are for youth to:an air of humility and hospitality toward others; have an understanding of and appreciation for other religions andcultures;hearts bent toward service those less fortunate than themselves; have a generous spirit in sharing their time and treasure; have tested leadership skills; discern and develop the particular gifts God has given them for the healing of the world; and develop skills to assess situations ethically.
Relationships to the church
The ultimate goals are for youth to: be surrounded by adults who know their names and miss them when they are absent;like they are an active contributing part of St Mary's community; be able to articulate the basic Christian story and know their Baptismal Covenant; be able to with scripture and prayer and the mysteries of love and sacrament; expect ambiguity and complexity within other people, themselves, and their church; and yes,commit to life in a Christian community that brings them lifelong joy.
Overall, hopeful and joyful, playful and compassionate, grateful and generous young adults is our desire.
For a more detailed vision for youth ministry at St. Mary's, please visit our 6 Year Map for Youth Ministry.
