Since 2008, the Catholic Diocese of Arlington has been partnering with Franciscan University of Steubenville to offer a Certificate in Youth Ministry. Believing that the most significant factor in the catechetical endeavor is the individual catechist passing on a lived faith, Franciscan University has committed itself to assisting in the preparation of men and women equal to the task of catechesis in a youth ministry context.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Certificate in Youth Ministry Program is an in-depth program designed to provide formation for the Director of Youth Ministry (DYM), through presentations that are practical, academic, theological, and spiritual. Upon completion you will receive a Certificate in Youth Ministry that is given in the name of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and Franciscan University of Steubenville.
REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for completing this program include:
• Registration
• Entrance Interview (for full-time DYMs only)
• Attend 22 sessions
• Participate in the Annual Meeting ($200.00)
• Develop a Youth Ministry Resource
• Exit interview (for full-time DYMs only)
These requirements can be completed in two years. Even if you are not able to attend every session in a given year, you can work towards the certificate over several years. You also have the flexibility to make up two sessions if you are unable to make the training in person.
FEES
The Certificate in Youth Ministry Program is free to any DYM or volunteer within the Diocese of Arlington.
There is a fee of $25.00 per session for anyone participating in the program that is not a DYM or volunteer within the Diocese of Arlington. In total, the program fee would be $675.00-$700.00. This would include one free session (initial session), 19-20 sessions, and the Annual Meeting, which includes one-two sessions.
DEADLINES
The Certificate in Youth Ministry is awarded at the Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries Appreciation Mass and Dinner. In the fall, if you have attended all 22 sessions it is possible to receive the Certificate at that year’s dinner. The final two steps are developing a youth ministry resource and completing an exit interview. The exit interview is only for Directors of Youth Ministry. As soon as you have submitted your youth ministry resource proposal, please contact Kevin to set up your exit interview. The proposal deadline is two months before the Appreciation Dinner. The deadline for the resource and exit interview is one month before the Appreciation Dinner.
REGISTRATION & QUESTIONS
Contact the Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries at 703-841-2559 or by email at [email protected].
INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Program Brochure: 2024-2025
Session Descriptions
Requirements Checklist
Resource Instructions and Proposal Form
