Abstract
Catholic youth and young adult ministries have evolved vastly since they began in the 1930s. Throughout this ministry’s history, a story of change is told. This article will explore three questions. First, what does the history of this ministry tell us about the future? This will include an examination of the past twenty years of research and trends on youth and young adult ministry and the ministry leaders serving them. Second, what are the current realities informing our new directions? Third, what are the new directions being called for regarding the Catholic Church’s ministry to youth and young adults, and those that serve this ministry? Undoubtedly, Christus Vivit has shaped this conversation, and a large part of this direction includes a call for evangelization and accompaniment. Regardless, the key to moving in a new direction is understanding both the framework or characteristics for the pastoral ministry and the evolved role responsibilities of youth and young adult ministry leaders.
Highlights
Pope Francis’ Christus Vivit, the first apostolic exhortation focused on pastoral ministry with youth and young adults, could have an influential role to play in the new directions for this ministry if it is properly analyzed and contextualized for our local settings
The purpose of this research has been to describe youth and young adult ministry leaders, including who they are, what they do, and how are they connected to the Church they serve17
The research concluded that, “While there is great hope with a surge of Millennials entering the field, their concerns about salary and benefits may prevent them from choosing ministry as a lifelong endeavor.25 ” The impact of the lack of resources given to youth and young adult ministry both for staff and ministry efforts is a critical issue that is well-documented by research
Summary
Canales with regard to jurisdictional claims in Catholic youth and young adult ministries have evolved vastly since they began in the 1930s Throughout this ministry’s history, a story of change is told, which continues today. As each local church tries to interpret and apply it to their setting, what the ministry looks like is still uncertain and warrants reflection by each community. Those involved in this ministry know that a large part of this direction is a call for new, more, and unique ways to evangelize and accompany youth, young adults, and their families. The term “Church” with a capital “C” is used throughout this article to designate the Roman Catholic Church
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