The Well has many resources for new and established Directors of Youth Ministry. In this section, we’ve identified a few items that may be useful specifically for brand new Directors of Youth Ministry. Of course, the topics in this section include ideas and strategies that will also prove valuable to you no matter how long you’ve been in your current ministry role.
Looking for a Director of Youth Ministry? Helpful Interview Questions
Possible questions to ask during an interview for a Director of Youth Ministry
- What do you see as the goals of a parish youth ministry program?
- What are your personal priorities in youth ministry?
- What areas or talents do you see as your strong points?
- Do you have experience coordinating/training adult volunteers?
- Do you have experience with: retreats, planning liturgies and other prayer experiences, sports, and service projects?
- Are you familiar with the USCCB’s documents on Catholic Youth Ministry, Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry and Listen, Teach, Send?
- What is your understanding of the relationship between youth ministry and adolescent catechesis?
- How would you envision an ideal situation for a parish staff to work together?
- What is your preferred style of handling conflicts? (with staff, with parents, with youth?)
- What is your experience with younger adolescent ministry?
- Have you read and understood the job description?
- What is your operating procedure when dealing with a youth crisis? (give an example)
- Do you have any struggles with the teachings of the Catholic Church?
- Do you have any personal issues or problems of which we should be aware or would prevent you from fulfilling your responsibilities as Director of Youth Ministry? (This question might be asked privately by the pastor or hiring committee chair.)
Possible questions you, as the interviewer, should be ready to answer.
- What is the job description for the position and what elements are most important?
- What are the priorities for the parish youth ministry program? What is most important to accomplish?
- What is the recent history of your parish’s youth ministry program?
- To whom (and how) is the Director of Youth Ministry accountable? (Pastor, Parish council, etc…)
- What support system exists (office assistant, computer, budget, phone, staff, meetings, supervision, accessibility to Pastor, and other decision makers) for the person in this position?
- What will be the Director of Youth Ministry’s expected working relationship with parish staff, parish council, etc…?
- What are the salary and benefits? (Medical Insurance, mileage reimbursement, continuing education, retirement, etc…)
- Much of the job of a Director of Youth Ministry happens outside of the office and outside of the normal 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hours. What office hours are required?
- Does the parish have a mission statement or a strategic plan?
Sample Position Description for a Parish Director of Youth Ministry
The Director of Youth Ministry of the parish will serve those members of the parish who are in Junior/Senior High School (grades 7-12), will work in collaboration with the parish staff, and will be responsible to the Pastor.
The goals of Youth Ministry are defined as: (per Renewing the Vision, 1997)
- To empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
- To draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.
- To foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
Areas of Responsibility
- The Director of Youth Ministry should develop and coordinate a program which will provide social, educational, spiritual, and service opportunities for high-school aged students.
- To work with the D.R.E. and other related parish youth services to conduct less-formal activities and/or experiences which supplement the formal religious education program for junior-high aged students.
- The Director should recognize that effective youth ministry involves “family ministry” and should find creative methods of incorporating the young people of the parish and their families into all aspects and programs of the parish.
- The Director should work with parents to assist them in their role of being the main catechist to their children.
Parish Relationships
- The Director should be accountable directly to the Pastor for the Youth Ministry Program.
- As a member of the parish staff, the Director should participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings, Parish Council meetings, Youth Board meetings and be present at all “youth ministry” activities of the parish.
- The Director should act as the official liaison between the parish and the Arlington Diocesan Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries. He/She is responsible for keeping the policies of the Diocese in reference to youth ministry activities, and should make diocesan youth programs available to the parish. The Director should also be willing to work closely with the other directors of youth ministry in the deanery.
- The Director should inform parents about parish and diocesan youth activities.
Qualifications
- Candidates for the position of Director of Youth Ministry should have at least a Bachelor’s Degree in religious education, theology, or another field.
- Candidates should have some formal training in Youth Ministry and experience in working with youth in a parish setting.
- Candidates should have a sense of parish ministry and the ability to represent and give witness to the Catholic faith.
- Candidates should be willing to be a team member and have the ability to work with the parish staff, parents, and volunteers.
- Candidates should be willing to pursue a formal certification in youth ministry.
- It would be beneficial if candidates have computer skills.
Salary and Benefits
- The Director of Youth Ministry should be paid an annual salary in accord with professional experience and/or educational background.
- Health care, retirement, life insurance and disability are provided in accord with the Diocese of Arlington Employee Benefits Program.
- Salary increase will be considered annually and will be based upon the increase in the cost of living within the area, the overall quality and impact that the youth program is having within the parish, and any increased responsibilities that the Director may incur.
16 Steps to "Getting Started" as a Director of Youth Ministry
Congratulations! You’ve just accepted a Director of Youth Ministry (DYM) position! Maybe you’ve been a youth ministry volunteer for a few years, perhaps you remember having fun at youth ministry events in high school, or maybe you’ve studied theology or youth ministry at a Catholic college. There are many different paths you could have taken to get here, but whatever path you took, be forewarned: being a volunteer youth minister is very different than being a DYM.
When you accept the call to become a DYM, you agree to become a “jack of all trades”. You need to be someone with a wide range of skills, but who isn’t an expert in any particular area. In one day, a DYM might work on finances or budgeting, plan an event, create a flier, talk to a troubled teen or parent, sign twenty forms, make copies, respond to multiple e-mails, write and send several mass e-mails, play ping pong or Apples to Apples with teens, and if there is time, eat lunch (or dinner).
How do you get this all done you ask? The simple answer is Prayer. The biggest lesson a DYM can learn is that of humility. Remember that God does not call the equipped, He equips the called. Pray that the Lord will give you what you need and will put people in your path to help.
So to help you make the transition into youth ministry work, here is a list of tips to remember during your first year of ministry and to recall as you continue this important work:
1. Pray Daily: This is essential for the success of your ministry and your own personal relationship with God. A typical DYM workday can feel incredibly busy. There is never a shortage of things to do. But despite the hectic, busy schedule, it is imperative that you set aside time to pray. Be consistent. Find something you can do each day, whether that is going to Mass, praying a rosary, or going for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Pray at the beginning of your day and at the end. If you are not a person of prayer, your program will not be what God wants it to be and, in the end, will fail. DYMs who do not pray daily do not last long. You must take time to refill to be able to pour out. Develop a strong daily prayer routine and stick to it!
2. Know your Pastor: This may seem like a no-brainer, but an easy mistake that many new DYMs make is neglecting to get to know their boss. In your first month, go to lunch with your pastor, preferably offsite. Get a clear understanding of your pastor’s priorities for the youth ministry program and his expectations of you. Study these priorities and expectations regularly. You can then talk about goals and share ideas. Try to make lunch a regular occurrence, perhaps once per month but not less than once a semester. Keep him informed regularly – by whatever means he prefers (e-mail, text, phone call, in person) – of what is going on in the youth ministry program. Knowing how to communicate with him is crucial. Invite him and the other parish priests to meetings with young people often, at least once a month. It is important for the young people to get to know their priests, too.
3. Know the Parish Staff: Everyone has a certain role and job, and it’s important to know who does what. Ask to be introduced to each individual. Put a name to the face. It is vital for a DYM to know who is in charge of receipts or check requests, bulletin announcements, and room requests. Get to know staff and volunteers from other areas: school principal, DRE, Coordinator of OCIA, chairman of the finance council, director of maintenance, young adult ministry leaders, and other volunteer leaders in the parish.
4. Communicate: Clear, direct, and consistent communication with your pastor, parish staff, volunteers, parents, and teens is key! Personal invitations are great when recruiting volunteers or inviting teens to events.
5. Dress Code: Dress professionally whenever possible. How you dress makes a difference in how others view you. Youth ministry is a job that often requires casual dress. If you know you’ll be spending time with teens playing frisbee or laser tag, you can’t really be in your Sunday best. However, on days when you know it’ll just be straight office work, take the time to dress as you would working in any other office environment.
6. Hours: Put in as many “normal” hours as possible. So much of a DYM’s job is done in the evenings or on the weekends. It is important to let yourself be seen at your desk during the normal 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. business hours (or whatever those “core” hours are at your parish). If this means that perhaps 10-15 hours a week are worked outside this time, then the remaining 25-30 hours should be at times when the staff is also around so that they know you are serious about your job. This also makes relationship-building within the office and collaboration easier.
7. Know the Mission: Why does a parish youth ministry program exist? This should be simple, but many parish DYMs may not be able to articulate their simple core mission. Begin by identifying the ministry’s mission statement. Make it concise and easy to remember so that you can refer back to it as you progress in ministry. It should have something to do with helping young people encounter Christ. Review this mission statement annually. Do not be afraid to revise it as the program evolves, but do not do this more than once a year. Commit to it. An example mission statement could be: Helping young people encounter Christ and build a personal relationship with him, by empowering them to trust, love, and serve God through incorporating Church teaching and tradition.
8. Start Small and Avoid Making Changes: Most new DYMs have been exposed to youth ministry in some way, often as a volunteer or a young person that came from an established, vibrant, and fruitful ministry program. They often begin their career with an expectation that a similar large ministry can be achieved overnight. But you must be patient. Build the program slowly. Change also comes slowly for most people. Do not make any significant changes immediately. Let conversations with your pastor serve as your guide for making changes. Allow the parish community to get to know you and consider holding off on considerable changes you deem necessary until your second year of ministry at a parish. As a new person in the parish, you will be compared to whomever was in your position before you.
9. Put yourself out there: It is hard to become part of a new community. It is not going to happen right away. It takes time for people to get to know you; that is okay. Be patient and give people the time they need. Remember to do your part as well. Do not pass up opportunities to eat lunch with the staff, participate in the church festivals and events, or spend time getting to know parents and families of the teens you work with. Eventually, you will become part of the parish community.
10. Get to know your fellow DYMs: Youth ministry is a demanding profession, but you don’t have to serve in isolation. Reach out and get to know other DYMs in the diocese. Use them as resources and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Participate in the diocesan youth ministry events, trainings, workshops, in-services, and seminars. These gatherings are designed to support and rejuvenate the DYMs and are also good chances to network.
11. Build a Core Team: Youth ministry cannot be done alone. Remember, it is not about you. Start placing key volunteers around you soon after you arrive. The initial team does not have to be very big. As long as you have a few other people to rely on and for the young people to relate to, you will be in good shape. If you want a team who disciples well, they need to be disciples themselves. Choose people who are personally seeking a relationship with Christ, who are comfortable sharing the faith with young people, and who are good listeners. Set expectations early. Explain to them what the program goals are and ensure that they “buy-in” to the mission. It is wise to set up a standard “application” process through which all volunteers must pass to become part of the team. Don’t forget to run this by your pastor. It is important that both you and the volunteers continually recall that you are all working toward the same goal and the same mission. You’re there to help young people encounter Christ. Get to know your volunteers. Invite them to lunch or coffee to get to know them better. Learn their strengths and weaknesses so you can assign responsibilities accordingly. If there is already an established youth ministry team, learn why they are involved with youth ministry and ask for their input on the programs. Since they have helped before, they will have seen what works well and what does not. Listen to them and take their advice when planning programs. Lastly, if things are not working out with a volunteer, do not be afraid to let them go.
12. Solicit Feedback: Talk to those that have been around for a while (staff, volunteers). As mentioned in step 12, you may already have an established youth ministry team. Be sure to meet with them as soon as possible. They will have a wealth of knowledge about what has worked in the past, what has not… and why! But do not allow this feedback to limit you… allow it to inform you as you begin the program. Talk to them about the previous program and offer them a continued opportunity to “buy-in” to the program. And once you begin meeting with the young people, talk to them – they have great ideas, too!
13. Advertise: “Get the word out” in as many ways and in as many places as possible:
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- Pulpit announcements are a great way for people to put a face to the name.
- Greet the congregation outside after Mass to answer questions and collect contact information for potential volunteers. Greet young people and introduce yourself. Do this at every Mass two weekends in early Fall and follow-up a few times throughout the year, at least twice per semester.
- Posters around the parish work too.
- Online resources reach young people well. Build your email list. Safely use social media to support the program. Familiarize yourself with the Diocesan Website and Social Media Policy, which can be found in the Safe Environment section of The Well.
- To reach parents and adult parishioners, a weekly blurb in the bulletin is also a nice reminder about what you are doing or have just done. Ask for a full page in the bulletin to make all your announcements.
- With permission, visit the schools at your parish and around the Diocese. Participate in Cookie Ministry outings with your Deanery.
14. Get to know the Teens: Each time you meet a teen, make it a personal goal to know their name. Be aware of when new teens arrive and make an extra effort to bring them “into the fold” without singling them out. Utilize your volunteer team to create small groups as soon as it is practical. Employ the 1x3x5 Challenge (found in the Evangelization section of The Well) as a practical means to consistently touch base with them. Don’t force any relationships and don’t feel like you have to speak to every teen all at once. You have volunteers to help you. Be patient and allow conversations to happen naturally. You may want to seek out teens who seem influential among their peers. They can make great leaders and help others feel welcomed. Whatever teens God puts in front of you, be present to them. Use the time with the one or two teens that are drawn to you and get to know them well.
15. Get to know the Parents: Relationships with the young people’s families are as important to develop as those with the young people themselves! Remember this as you build the program: the parents are the primary catechists in the young peoples’ lives, not you. If the young people miraculously find the time to come to a few hours of ministry events each week but their parents are telling them that “it is just an activity, something for the résumé”, you may soon lose the young person. But remember that the parents are not your enemy! Work with them by informing them about what topic you will be talking about. Empower parents by providing them with follow-up discussion questions for the dinner table (email is great for this; if you meet on Sunday night, send this follow-up email on Monday morning). Engage them by setting up parent-specific meetings and events. Remember that the parents are not only your partner in ministry, one to which you are playing a supplemental role, but they can also be a valuable source for knowledge, volunteers, and parish support.
16. Peter-Barnabas-Timothy: St. Paul had three important “earthly” relationships… all of which were essential to him continuing and succeeding in his ministry. After God, Paul had his spiritual advisor in Peter, his colleague/friend/confidant/buddy in Barnabas, and his student in Timothy. Youth workers would benefit by following this model set for us by Paul. Finding a “Timothy” is simple; he can be found in every one of the young people in the parish ministry program. But you must also ensure that you are consistently and continually working on your own spiritual growth by identifying and prioritizing your relationship with a spiritual director, your “Peter”. Lastly, it would also serve you well to identify your “Barnabas”, another DYM (preferably one in your local diocese/deanery) that you can get together with regularly and share experiences with. This relationship will assist you and them as you continue your walk and grow in ministry together.
Tips and Tricks for First Year Directors of Youth Ministry
In no particular order:
- Subscribe to anything that will help keep you on top of the current youth culture, always keeping child safety at the forefront of your mind. Do magazines still exist?
- Join in on fellowship opportunities with other youth workers’ in your area. The Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries has numerous opportunities for fellowship. Take advantage of them.
- Avoid making promises you can’t keep. You are not Superman.
- Prepare a schedule for yourself and stick to it as much as possible. Adjust as needed.
- If there is an event coming up and your group is small, ask another parish if you can join them or ask them to join you. Pool your resources together and share costs. Do not be afraid to invite more than one parish. Work with your deanery on events you can do together.
- Always deal with problems as they come up. Do not expect them to go away on their own. They won’t. Remember to communicate.
- Set up a “phone chain” to help spread the word regarding upcoming events. If you have five teens who will call five other teens, you can personally contact 50 teens in one evening. Personal contact is always the most effective.
- Always arrive at the church early enough to greet teens and their parents as they arrive. Stay late for the same reason.
- Develop programs/youth groupings that reflect the needs, interests, and energy level of the young people in your group/parish, not the adults who work with them.
- Preview everything. Never use a video you have not seen or schedule a speaker you have not heard. Your teens should not be treated like guinea pigs and you do not want to have to answer for a big “whoops.”
- Avoid creating an environment where your teens or your programs are “siloed.” Get the teens involved in the life of the church, not just your gatherings. They can serve in many capacities. As readers, ushers, or altar servers at Mass or as leaders within your own gatherings.
- Lighten up and let teens be teens. They are not adults, so do not expect them to act like adults (entirely).
- Communicate your availability. Do not give your teens the impression that you are too busy for them. That is why you are here. People first, then programs.
- When teens help you with a game in front of the group, do not make fun of them. Use activities to build them up. Make heroes out of them, not punchlines.
- Do not do everything yourself, even though you think can do it better. Learn to delegate.
- Occasionally invite the Pastor to a youth activity to observe the teens and the program. It also gives teens a chance to see the Pastor as a real person.
- Keep parents informed. Lack of communication with parents can seriously limit or harm your ministry.
- Develop good job descriptions for your volunteer leaders. Make sure they know exactly what is expected of them and what is not expected of them. Provide them with good resources for the job you have asked them to do.
- Make sure every meeting or activity is well organized. It lets teens know they are important and reduces discipline problems.
- Do not worry about numbers. Size does not equal success.
- Avoid all double standard rules for leaders and students. Whatever goes for the teens goes for you and your staff.
- Always serve refreshments and snacks at meetings and activities. It is a relatively easy thing to do and everyone loves it. It also keeps them around a little longer for personal contact.
- Make learning the names of all the teens a top priority.
- Avoid disciplining teens in front of their peers. It is best to handle discipline problems privately and one-on-one always following child safety guidelines.
- Learn to say “no.” Make time for your family and friends, your outside interests, and your personal growth.
- Do not attempt to be “one of the teens.” If you are an adult, be an adult. Just be an adult who loves young people.
The ABC's for Every Director of Youth Ministry
Act with humility and respect. Be quiet when you need to listen, think before you speak, and find ways to work together even when opinions differ from yours.
Be patient with yourself and with others.
Communication is key. Communicate with your pastor, staff, volunteers, parents, and teens.
Develop a list of ideas for possible youth groupings.
Empower your volunteers, your teens, and their parents. Don’t just tell them what to do.
Find time to attend as many of your teen’s events as possible.
Get to know the parish staff and the processes and procedures of your parish.
Have the courage to try something else if what you’re doing isn’t working.
Include your volunteers and some teens in your planning process.
Just do your best. No one is perfect, no program is perfect.
Keep learning. You don’t know everything. Attend as many trainings as possible, even if you already have a degree. We could all use a refresher.
Listen to you what your teens are saying and what they are not saying.
Model discipleship.
Need help? Don’t hesitate to ask.
Own your mistakes because you will make plenty of them. Admit to them and learn from them.
Pray! Pray! Pray! Without prayer, your ministry will fail. With prayer, your ministry will thrive. Remember, this is God’s ministry, not yours.
Quit………………..complaining. Work with what you have. The Lord will bless your efforts.
Retreat. Take time away to pray, discern what is next for you and your ministry, and be reenergized to continue doing the work God has called you to.
Share your projects and ideas with other DYMs and ask others to share their ideas with you.
Take lots of pictures. This will help you to promote your ministry on social media and for the parish to see the great ministry that is happening around them.
Understand that every teen learns differently and is interested in different things. That is why it’s important to develop and create other groupings for them to be involved in.
Volunteers are essential. Get out there and meet your parishioners. Recruit and train.
What does your pastor want? Find out what his vision for youth ministry is and meet regularly to make sure you are meeting that vision.
Xpect the unexpected. There is no way to plan for it, so always be prepared.
You are not alone. Get to know your deanery, find a seasoned mentor, and make friends with other DYMs.
Zero in on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Find others that have the strengths you don’t so you can have a dynamic team.
Five Common Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
1. Becoming a lone ranger.
2. Not working with your pastor
3. Not working with parish staff.
4. Ignoring appropriate boundaries.
5. Not collaborating with parents.
Five Attitudes to Imitate
1. Act like a Disciple.
2. Work with the whole parish.
3. Love the Church and what you do.
4. Always speak about the positive.
5. Learn from your mistakes.
How to Stay in Your Position for a Long Time
It has been said that the average span of a Director of Youth Ministry (DYM) at a parish is eighteen months. Parishes that experience such transition find it difficult to build any sort of foundation or momentum within their youth ministry program. Likewise, the first year that a DYM is at a parish is certainly the most challenging. The second and third years, though getting easier, can certainly continue to be a great challenge. However, those DYMs who have been able to make it to their fourth year will begin to experience far less challenges in their ministry. Unfortunately, the stress of the first year has such an impact that many leave the ministry before ever reaching their third or fourth year.
The top three reasons that seem to contribute to a short-lived youth ministry are:
1. First year burnout
2. Lack of support from parents, parish leaders, and/or pastor
3. Financial reasons
First Year Burnout
Most professions are fairly well defined and provide a structure in terms of goals, objectives, working hours, and concrete ways to perform the tasks. Youth ministry can be performed in a variety of ways and lacks such definition. When entering into a new assignment, it is absolutely essential that the DYM set realistic goals, to include the pastor’s vision and goals and a plan for how to accomplish them.
One of the first priorities should be to create a “year-at-a-glance” schedule that displays all the meetings, trips, planning sessions, retreats, fundraisers, workcamp(s), and even office hours that the DYM intends to keep. Creating a “master plan” will contribute to a vision within an organizational system. Some DYMs may have the impulse to “find out what the teens want” or to “poll the parents.” Polling the parents and teens about what the youth ministry program will look like is a big step towards disaster. The DYM has arrived at the parish to bring solutions and to set into place a program that will excite and draw in teens and parents. With that said, there are healthy ways to allow input from teens and parents.
For example, the “master plan” states that there will be a monthly trip from September through July which will include one laser tag, the Diocesan Kings Dominion Day outing, Diocesan Youth RALLY, and Christmas caroling in December. However, the DYM could seek input on what to do the other months. Another example would be that the “master plan” states that two major fundraisers are needed (one in fall and one in spring). However, the DYM could seek input from key volunteers and parents as to what type of fundraiser to run. The “master plan” could also state that there will be three different youth groupings of various activities for both male and female teens that will meet every other month. The DYM could seek the input from key volunteers and parents as to what types of groupings these could be. The integration of a “master plan” mixed with input is a set-up for success. Also, be sure the pastor is on board with the “master plan”. Then, when speaking at the pulpit, holding a meeting of parents, or gathering volunteers, the “master plan” can be often referred to. Volunteers, parents, and teens will be more likely to jump on board when they perceive the DYM really knows what he/she is doing. With that said, if a solid “master plan” already exists, then the key work will be to adopt and integrate it. On the other hand, if a parish has not had a solid youth ministry program, a “master plan” will need to be created.
Another top priority is to identify at least four or five families who will become actively involved in the ministry. It is these key families that need to tell their friends about the new youth ministry program and drum up excitement. An investment of time on the phone and in person needs to be made to communicate the vision of the program. When the excitement catches amongst parishioners, it will quickly spread. In addition, key volunteers among the young adults of the parish need to be identified. Within a month, there should be a network of parents, volunteers, and teens spreading the word about the ministry. Finally, one of the most important things a DYM can do to prevent burnout is to protect themselves.
Here are the top ways to protect from burnout:
1. Prayer life needs to be consistent and uncompromised.
2. A day off must be taken every week, completely free of ministry.
3. Be willing to say “no” if a possible ministry opportunity arises that on the surface is good, but will in the end require more than time and energy will allow.
The late Fr. Stewart Culkin, a great supporter of youth ministry, often counseled his DYMs that it is better to do fewer things and not burn out than it is to do too many things and burn out. This wisdom is immense and must be heeded. Sometimes the heart will desire to say “yes” to a great thing, but the mind must sometimes step in and recognize when it is essential to say “no” in order to preserve the longevity of the DYM.
One last point: it is essential that a DYM have a community of friends that are also involved in youth ministry, have a solid prayer life, and with whom open sharing can take place. A support system will greatly reduce the risk of burnout as others can offer advice and support through more difficult times. The diocesan Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries and the Deaneries are great places to gather with peers for this type of support. Usually the DYMs who do not take the time to reach out to other co-workers in the vineyard are the ones who become too consumed by their own ministries and experience burnout. Be sure to take advantage of training days, retreats, and gatherings with other DYMS as one important way to help avoid burnout!
Lack of Support from Parents, Parish Leaders, and/or Pastor
In order for a DYM to survive, they must have support from the Pastor. In order for the Pastor to give support, the DYM needs to clearly and consistently communicate the “master plan” and be sure they see eye to eye with the Pastor. If a volunteer or a parent has a problem with the DYMs vision or plan, then the Pastor can step in and offer his support. The Pastor and the DYM need to be on the same page. The DYM is an arm of the Pastor and needs to be in line with the vision of the Pastor. When interviewing, a DYM needs to be sure he/she is selecting a parish where there will be no conflict of vision with the Pastor.
With that said, there could be conflict with parents and parish leaders. Some parish leaders who are not familiar with youth ministry may feel it is a waste of parish resources. It will be important to gain their trust and support early on by communicating the “master plan” and the rationale behind it. “Selling the ministry” to key voices in the parish and parent community will pay tremendous dividends. If these key parishioners feel that the ministry is a waste, then they will make getting anything accomplished very difficult. However, if the parents and parish leaders value the vision and plan, then they will find ways to offer their support and help prevent burnout.
Financial Reasons
Nobody enters youth ministry because it is the place to get rich. Hopefully, each person who enters into this field does so because of a strong calling from God. Youth ministry can be performed effectively by someone in their early 20s as well as someone in their 60s. A single person will certainly find it easier to live on youth ministry wages than a married person with children. Financial stress and responsibility grow tremendously when a person enters into marriage and family. Unfortunately, it is at that time that many DYMs stop working for the Church and find a different profession. Before allowing this to happen, it’s important to truly discern and trust the direction that God is calling you. It may be that He has a plan for longevity but only desires the DYM to better trust Him with material needs. Though it may seem an impossible task to raise a family and be a DYM, there are plenty of examples where it is taking place.
Here are some things that should be attempted in trying to overcome the financial problems:
1. Live simply and be careful of all the extra expenses that add up (e.g. McDonald’s for lunch, Starbucks, and expensive cell phone plans)
2. Communicate with the Pastor about changing family needs. If a DYM is having children, it is important to give the Pastor the opportunity to increase his/her salary to help better compensate the higher expenses. The DYM should also stress the desire to continue in the position and the value that stability brings to the ministry. If the pastor is willing to invest more of the parish resources in the DYM and other pastoral staff, then turn-over is lessened and the ministries can grow stronger over the years.
3. Be creative in terms of ways to earn a little extra income. Here are some suggestions:
a. play music at a weekly Mass for a regular stipend
b. become a sub once or twice a week at the local schools
c. teach part-time at the Catholic school on-site or a Catholic high school
d. tutor on the side or give music lessons
e. work at a summer camp or create your own
To overcome the financial difficulties that a life in ministry brings, it’s important to seek support, be creative, and trust in God’s provision.
The Apologist's Bookshelf
Catechetical Resources recommended by “Catholic Answers”
This is not an exhaustive list of resources. It is constantly changing and growing and we encourage you to read articles/books, listen to digital media, and continue to grow your knowledge of the faith.
Statement from Catholic Answers: Not every author on this list is Catholic; some of them are Protestants who defend fundamental doctrines of the Faith like the existence of God. As a result, inclusion on this list does not mean we agree with everything an author has ever said or even everything he/she says in the works listed here. We find these authors’ works to be helpful overall in equipping the faithful.
GENERAL
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed. (USCCB, 2019)
- Catholic Almanac (Our Sunday Visitor, annual)
- Companion to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Ignatius Press, 1994)
- The Everlasting Man – G.K. Chesterton (Ignatius Press, 2008)
- Handbook of Christian Apologetics – Peter Kreeft & Ronald Tacelli (IVP Academic, 2023)
- Upon This Rock – Stephen K. Ray (Ignatius Press, 1999)
- Catholicism – Robert Barron (Image, 2011)
- The Case for Catholicism – Trent Horn (Ignatius Press, 2017)
- Why We’re Catholic – Trent Horn (Catholic Answers Press, 2017)
- A Daily Defense – Jimmy Akin (Catholic Answers Press, 2016)
JESUS
- The Imitation of Christ – Thomas à Kempis (TAN Books, 2010)
- Life of Christ – Fulton J. Sheen (Image, 2008)
- The Lord – Romano Guardini (Gateway Editions, 2012)
- The Seven Last Words – Fulton J. Sheen (Ave Maria Press, 2017)
- Jesus and the Eyewitnesses – Richard Bauckham (Eerdmans, 2017)
- Jesus of Nazareth Trilogy – Benedict XVI (2007-2012)
- The Case for Jesus – Brant Pitre (Image, 2016)
- The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus – Gary Habermas & Michael Licona (Kregel, 2004)
- Investigating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Andrew Loke (Routledge, 2020)
- The Jesus Legend – Paul Rhodes Eddy & Gregory Boyd (Baker Academic, 2007)
MARY & THE SAINTS
- Any Friend of God’s Is a Friend of Mine – Patrick Madrid (Sophia Institute Press, 2010)
- Butler’s Lives of the Saints, Revised Edition (Liturgical Press, 1995-1999)
- Mary: The Second Eve – John Henry Newman (TAN Books, 2010)
- Mystical Rose – John Henry Newman (Scepter, 1996)
- Refuting the Attack on Mary – Fr. Mateo (Catholic Answers Press, 2001)
- Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary – Brant Pitre (Image, 2018)
- Hail, Holy Queen – Scott Hahn (Image, 2001)
- Purgatory Is for Real – Karlo Broussard (Catholic Answers Press, 2017)
- Behold Your Mother – Tim Staples (Catholic Answers Press, 2014)
- The Drama of Salvation – Jimmy Akin (Catholic Answers Press, 2015)
- Salvation: What Every Catholic Should Know – Michael Barber (Augustine Institute, 2019)
SCRIPTURE, TRADITION & AUTHORITY
- Ancient Israel: Its Life and Institutions – Roland de Vaux (Eerdmans, 1997)
- The Catholic Church and the Bible – Peter Stravinskas (Ignatius Press, 2014)
- Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament – Bergsma & Pitre (Ignatius Press, 2018)
- Catholic Introduction to the Bible: New Testament – Barber & Pitre (Ignatius Press, 2023)
- The Bible Is a Catholic Book – Jimmy Akin (Catholic Answers Press, 2019)
- Hard Sayings – Trent Horn (Catholic Answers Press, 2021)
- The Historical Reliability of the Gospels – Craig Blomberg (IVP Academic, 2007)
- The Historical Reliability of John’s Gospel – Craig Blomberg (IVP Academic, 2015)
- On the Reliability of the Old Testament – K.A. Kitchen (Eerdmans, 2006)
- Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – Mitch & Hahn (Ignatius Press, ongoing)
- The Meaning of Tradition – Yves Congar (Ignatius Press, 2004)
- Why Catholic Bibles Are Bigger – Gary Michuta (Grotto Press, 2007)
- Teaching with Authority – Jimmy Akin (Catholic Answers Press, 2018)
- Not by Scripture Alone – ed. Robert Sungenis (Queenship, 1997)
THE PAPACY
- The Papacy: What the Pope Does and Why It Matters – Steve Ray & Dennis Walters (Ignatius Press, 2018)
- Pope Peter – Joe Heschmeyer (Catholic Answers Press, 2020)
- Pope Fiction – Patrick Madrid (Basilica Press, 1999)
- The Papacy: Revisiting the Debate Between Catholics and Orthodox – Erick Ybarra (Emmaus Academic, 2022)
- True or False Pope – John Salza & Robert Siscoe (St. Augustine Press, 2015)
THE SACRAMENTS
- Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals – Ann Ball (OSV, 1997)
- The Hidden Manna – James T. O’Connor (Ignatius Press, 2014)
- Mass Confusion – Jimmy Akin (Catholic Answers Press, 2010)
- 100 Answers to Your Questions About Annulments – Edward Peters (OSV, 2004)
- The Sacraments and Their Celebration – Nicholas Halligan (Alba House, 1986)
- This Is My Body – Mark Shea (Ignatius Press, 2018)
- The Eucharist – Lawrence Feingold (Emmaus Academic, 2018)
- Signs of Life – Scott Hahn (Image, 2009)
- Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist – Brant Pitre (Image, 2011)
- The Biblical Roots of the Mass – Tom Nash (Sophia Institute Press, 2018)
SPIRITUALITY
- The Art of Praying – Romano Guardini (Sophia Institute Press, 1995)
- Peace of Soul – Fulton Sheen (Image, 1996)
- The Soul of the Apostolate – Jean-Baptiste Chautard (TAN Books, 2012)
- The Fulfillment of All Desire – Ralph Martin (Emmaus Road, 2006)
- Time for God – Fr. Jacques Philippe (Scepter, 2008)
- Searching for and Maintaining Peace – Fr. Jacques Philippe (Scepter, 2002)
CHURCH FATHERS
- Early Christian Writings – Maxwell Staniforth, ed. (Penguin Classics, 1987)
- Faith of the Early Fathers (3 vols.) – William A. Jurgens (Liturgical Press, 1970-1979)
- The Fathers of the Church – Mike Aquilina (OSV, 2013)
- The History of the Church – Eusebius (Penguin Classics, 1990)
- When the Church Was Young – Marcellino D’Ambrosio (Image, 2014)
- The Mass of the Early Christians – Mike Aquilina (Our Sunday Visitor, 2014)
- The Fathers Know Best – Jimmy Akin (Catholic Answers Press, 2010)
CHURCH DOCUMENTS
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed. (USCCB, 2019)
- The Christian Faith in the Doctrinal Documents of the Catholic Church – Neuner & Dupuis (Ignatius Press, 2001)
- Code of Canon Law – Canon Law Society of America (2020)
- Vatican II: Conciliar and Postconciliar Documents – ed. Austin Flannery (Ignatius Press, 2012)
- Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (Vatican, 2005)
- YouCat – Youth Catechism (Ignatius Press, 2011)
CHURCH HISTORY
- A History of Christendom (6 vols.) – Warren Carroll (Christendom Press, 1985-2005)
- Encyclopedia of Catholic History – Matthew Bunson (OSV, 2004)
- Orthodoxy – G.K. Chesterton (Ignatius Press, 2006)
- The Rhine Flows Into the Tiber – Ralph Wiltgen (TAN Books, 2014)
- Triumph: The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church – H.W. Crocker III (Random House, 2001)
- The Real Story of Catholic History – Steve Weidenkopf (Catholic Answers Press, 2017)
- Timeless: A History of the Catholic Church – Steve Weidenkopf (Our Sunday Visitor, 2018)
- The Early Church Was the Catholic Church – Joe Heschmeyer (Catholic Answers Press, 2021)
THEOLOGY
- Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma – Ludwig Ott (TAN Books, 2018)
- Theology and Sanity – Frank Sheed (Ignatius Press, 1993)
- Theology for Beginners – Frank Sheed (Ignatius Press, 1981)
- What Catholics Really Believe – Karl Keating (Ignatius Press, 2001)
- Faith Comes from What Is Heard – Joseph Ratzinger (Ignatius Press, 2012)
- Introduction to Christianity – Joseph Ratzinger (Ignatius Press, 2004)
- The Light of Christ – Lawrence Feingold (Emmaus Academic, 2017)
- Salvation: What Every Catholic Should Know – Michael Barber (Augustine Institute, 2019)
CONVERSIONS
- Confessions – St. Augustine (Oxford World’s Classics, 2008)
- Surprised by Truth – Patrick Madrid (Sophia Institute Press, 2019)
- Rome Sweet Home – Scott & Kimberly Hahn (Ignatius Press, 2002)
- Surprised by Life – Patrick Madrid (Sophia Institute Press, 2017)
- From Fire by Water – Sohrab Ahmari (Ignatius Press, 2019)
NON-CATHOLIC BELIEF SYSTEMS
- Handbook of Denominations – Frank Mead (Abingdon Press, 2021)
- When Mormons Call – Isaiah Bennett (Catholic Answers Press, 2002)
- Catholics and the New Age – Mitch Pacwa (Servant Books, 1992)
- Reincarnation: Illusion or Reality? – Edmond Robillard (Alba House, 1982)
- Answering Islam – Norman Geisler & Abdul Saleeb (Baker Academic, 2002)
- The Qur’an and the Bible – William Campbell (Middle East Resources, 2002)
- Counterfeit Christs – Trent Horn (Catholic Answers Press, 2019)
- The Protestant’s Dilemma – Devin Rose (Catholic Answers Press, 2014)
- Meeting the Protestant Challenge – Karlo Broussard (Catholic Answers Press, 2019)
- Answering Atheism – Trent Horn (Catholic Answers Press, 2013)
- Five Proofs of the Existence of God – Edward Feser (Ignatius Press, 2017)
- One Less God Than You – John DeRosa (Catholic Answers Press, 2020)
- A Fortunate Universe – Geraint Lewis & Luke Barnes (Cambridge University Press, 2016)
- God and Cosmos – David Baggett & Jerry Walls (Oxford University Press, 2016)
- How Reason Can Lead to God – Joshua Rasmussen (IVP Academic, 2019)
- Reasonable Faith – William Lane Craig (Crossway, 2008)
- Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion – Brian Davies (Oxford University Press, 2004)
MORAL ISSUES
- Evangelium Vitae – Pope John Paul II (Vatican/USCCB, 1995)
- The Truth About Homosexuality – John Harvey (Ignatius Press, 1996)
- The Unaborted Socrates – Peter Kreeft (IVP, 1983)
- Why Humanae Vitae Was Right – Janet Smith, ed. (Ignatius Press, 1993)
- The Ethics of Abortion – Christopher Kaczor (Routledge, 2014)
- The Catholic Guide to Depression – Kheriaty & Cihak (Sophia Institute Press, 2012)
- Made This Way – Leila Miller & Trent Horn (Catholic Answers Press, 2018)
- The Porn Myth – Matt Fradd (Ignatius Press, 2017)
- Persuasive Pro-Life – Trent Horn (Catholic Answers Press, 2014)
- Start With What – Stephanie Gray Connors (OSV, 2022)
- Conceived by Science – Stephanie Gray Connors (St. Paul Center, 2022)
- Catholic Bioethics and the Gift of Human Life – William E. May (Our Sunday Visitor, 2008)
- Truth Overruled – Ryan Anderson (Regnery, 2015)
- Living the Truth in Love – Janet Smith & Fr. Paul Check (Ignatius Press, 2015)
- Catholic Sexual Ethics – William E. May (Our Sunday Visitor, 2011)
- When Harry Became Sally – Ryan Anderson (Encounter Books, 2018)
- Irreversible Damage – Abigail Shrier (Regnery, 2020)
- One Body – Alexander Pruss (University of Notre Dame Press, 2012)
- The Bible and Homosexual Practice – Robert Gagnon (Abingdon Press, 2001)
SCIENCE & FAITH
- Apes, Angels, and Men – Stanley Jaki (Open Court, 1989)
- Darwin’s Black Box – Michael Behe (Free Press, 2006)
- God and the Cosmologists – Stanley Jaki (Gateway Editions, 1991)
- In the Beginning – Joseph Ratzinger (Eerdmans, 1995)
- The Savior of Science – Stanley Jaki (Eerdmans, 2000)
- The Language of God – Francis Collins (Free Press, 2006)
- The Genesis of Science – James Hannam (Regnery, 2011)
- A Catholic Introduction to Science – Andrew Seeley (2020)
- The Believing Scientist – Stephen Barr (Eerdmans, 2016)
Other Youth Ministry Resources
Other Youth Ministry Resources
This is not a comprehensive list. If you have come across a resource that you think will benefit
those working in Youth Ministry, please let us know and we will include it on this list.
Youth Ministry Skills
Core / Catholic
-
- Renewing the Vision — USCCB
- Listen, Teach, Send – USCCB
- Christus Vivit — Pope Francis (2019)
- A Vision for Catholic Youth Ministry — NFCYM
- Effective Practices for Dynamic Youth Ministry — NFCYM
- Forming Intentional Disciples — Sherry Weddell
- Engaging a New Generation — Frank Mercadante
Leadership / Practical Ministry
-
- Sustainable Youth Ministry — Mark DeVries
- Adoptive Youth Ministry — Chap Clark
- Purpose Driven Youth Ministry — Doug Fields
- The Leadership Challenge — Kouzes & Posner
- Lead Like It Matters — Craig Groeschel
Pastoral Care / Development
-
- Hurt 2.0 — Chap Clark
- The Anxious Generation — Jonathan Haidt
- Growing Young — Kara Powell
Ideas for Youth Ministry Meetings and Activities
Catholic
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- Journey to Emmaus – Catholic Diocese of Arlington
- Youth Ministry Access (online platform)
- Life Teen & Edge Resources
- Ascension Press Youth Ministry resources
Activities / Engagement
-
- Simply Youth Ministry resources
- Games with a Purpose — Youth Specialties
- Sticky Faith Guide for Your Ministry — Kara Powell
Service & Justice
-
- Catholic Social Teaching for Youth Ministry — NFCYM
- The Justice Project — Brian McLaren
Spirituality of the Youth Worker
Catholic Classics
-
- The Soul of the Apostolate — Dom Chautard
- The Holy Longing — Ronald Rolheiser
- The Art of Praying — Romano Guardini
- Peace of Soul – Fulton J. Sheen
- The Fulfillment of All Desire – Ralph Martin
Modern Spiritual Formation
-
- Searching for and Maintaining Peace — Fr. Jacques Philippe
- Be Healed — Dr. Bob Schuchts
- To Save a Thousand Souls — Fr. Brett Brannen
- The Mindful Catholic – Dr. Gregory Bottaro
Ecumenical / Widely Used
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- Emotionally Healthy Spirituality — Peter Scazzero
- The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — John Mark Comer
- Practicing the Way — John Mark Comer
- The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry – Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster
Multicultural Ministry
Catholic
-
- Building Intercultural Competence for Ministers — CLI
- Encountering Christ in the Margins — CST resources
- Hispanic Ministry in Catholic Parishes — Hosffman Ospino
Updated Ministry Frameworks
-
- NFCYM Intercultural Ministry resources
- USCCB pastoral plans for Hispanic/Latino ministry
Textbooks for Working with Teens in Youth Ministry
Core Catholic
-
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church
- YouCat
- Didache Series
- Great Adventure Catholic Bible
Scripture & Theology
-
- The Bible in a Year Companion — Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist — Brant Pitre
- Why We’re Catholic — Trent Horn
- Encountering Jesus in the New Testament – Michael Pennock
Apologetics / Formation
-
- Decision Point — Dynamic Catholic
- Chosen — Ascension
- Alpha Youth Series
- Basic Spiritual Workout: A Guide to Christian Growth for Catholic Youth – Bob Rice
- Your Life in Christ: Foundations of Catholic Morality – Michael Pennock
Books to Recommend to Parents
Catholic
-
- Parenting with Grace — Popcak
- Raising Chaste Catholic Men & Women — Jason Evert
- Messy Family Project resources
- Forming Character in Adolescents – Rudolf Allers, M.D., Ph.D.
- The Mindful Catholic – Dr. Gregory Bottaro
General Christian / Practical
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- The Tech-Wise Family — Andy Crouch
- Parenting Beyond Your Capacity — Joiner & Nieuwhof
- The Anxious Generation — Jonathan Haidt
- Fat Is a Family Affair: How Food Obsessions Affect Relationships – Judi Hollins, Ph.D.
Resources to Recommend to Young People
Mental Health
General / Anxiety / Depression
-
-
- You Are Enough — Danielle Bean
- The Self-Driven Child — Stixrud & Johnson
- Hope Always — Fr. Chris Alar
- The Mindful Catholic – Dr. Gregory Bottaro
-
Catholic Support Resources
-
-
- CatholicTherapists.com
- Hallow App (guided prayer & meditation)
-
Identity / Relationships / Sexuality
Catholic
-
-
- Theology of the Body for Teens — Ascension
- If You Really Loved Me — Jason Evert
- Chastity Project resources
- How Long Does it Hurt? – Cynthia Mather
- Fat Is a Family Affair: How Food Obsessions Affect Relationships – Judi Hollins, Ph.D.
-
General Christian
-
-
- Love, Sex, and the Whole Person — Christopher West
-
Practical Teen Life
-
-
- Teen’s Guide to Social Media — Jonathan McKee
- Own Your Past, Change Your Future — John Delony
- How to Adult — Ascension / Word on Fire youth content
-
College / Young Adult Transition
-
- Newman Connection
- Busted Halo
- FOCUS resources
- Seek Conference talks
Media & Digital Platforms
Catholic
-
- Ascension Presents
- Word on Fire
- Hallow App
- FORMED
- Catholic Podcasts
Ecumenical / General Christian
-
- The Bible Project
- Alpha Youth
- RightNow Media
- Practicing the Way
Sample Parish Budget
Sample Large Parish Budget for Youth Ministry
When first hiring a Director of Youth Ministry, the parish will have some up front expenses to decide upon:
- Tech needs
- Office space and furniture
- Youth Room/Space (an area to meet regularly where youth will feel comfortable and welcomed)
Directors of Youth Ministry should be provided with an annual budget to allow them to plan programs and activities for an entire year. Young people should not be expected to pay to come to regular weekly activities, and should only have to fundraise to go to larger events. If the parish does not provide a budget, then the Director will have to dedicate a large amount of time to fundraising (which takes many, many hours away from ministry).
Below is an approximate budget that should be modified to meet your parish expectations. It can also be reduced if some of the items are covered within the overall parish budget.
Income / Funding Sources
Parish Subsidy: $50,000
Fundraising Events: $50,000
Participant Fees – Retreats: $7,000
Participant Fees – Mission Trips: $10,000
Participant Fees – Conferences: $8,000
Donations & Sponsorships: $8,000
Grants: $5,000
Special Appeals: $6,000
Total Income: $144,000
Staffing (All Full-Time)
Director of Youth Ministry: $75,000
Assistant Director: $60,000
Administrative Assistant: $50,000
Payroll Taxes & Benefits: $37,000
Subtotal: $222,000
Staff Professional Development & Retreat
Staff Retreat (annual): $3,000
Spiritual Direction / Formation: $1,000
Professional Conferences (NFCYM, diocesan, etc.): $2,000
Continuing Education / Certifications: $1,500
Travel & Lodging for Formation: $1,500
Subtotal: $9,000
Program & Weekly Gatherings
Curriculum & Resources: $1,800
Supplies: $1,800
Hospitality: $5,000
Audio/Visual: $2,500
Worship Supplies: $800
Subtotal: $11,900
Retreats
Venues & Lodging: $7,000
Confirmation Retreats: $5,000
Speakers: $3,000
Transportation: $4,000
Food: $3,500
Scholarships: $3,500
Subtotal: $26,000
Mission Trips
Travel: $6,000
Lodging & Fees: $3,500
Meals: $2,500
Supplies: $1,500
Scholarships: $3,500
Subtotal: $17,000
Conferences
NCYC: $6,000
Diocesan Events: $4,000
Travel & Lodging: $5,500
Scholarships: $3,500
Subtotal: $19,000
Community & Fellowship
Social Events: $3,500
Service Projects: $1,800
Parish Events: $1,800
Seasonal Celebrations: $1,200
Subtotal: $8,300
Leadership & Formation
Volunteer Training: $1,800
Youth Leadership: $1,500
Conferences: $2,000
Safe Environment: $1,000
Subtotal: $6,300
Administration & Communication
Marketing: $1,500
Office Supplies: $800
Software: $1,200
Website: $900
Subtotal: $4,400
Total Summary
Total Income: $87,000
Total Expenses: $323,900
Net Balance: -$179,900
Sample Program Schedule
Fundraising Ideas for Youth Ministry
KTATCA: Key To All Those Crazy Acronyms
KTATCA (Key To All Those Crazy Acronyms) and Glossary
CCC: Catechism of the Catholic Church
CCL: Couple to Couple League: National organization that is best known for teaching Natural Family Planning (NFP) to married couples.
CMD: Center for Ministry Development: A national organization that produces resources and training courses for Youth Ministry.
CRS: Catholic Relief Services: The Official International relief and development agency of the US Catholic Church. They serve the poor in 94 countries overseas.
CYO: Catholic Youth Organization: The old model from the 1930’s of providing a social group for young Catholics who were attending public school.
DCCOSC: Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting and Campfire.
DRB: Douay-Rheims Bible: It is of the Latin Vulgate (St. Jerome’s translation), uses archaic English, and is used more by traditionalists and those with historical interest.
DRE: Director of Religious Education: The paid parish staff member that oversees the parish religious education program up to and including Confirmation (ideally).
DYM: Director of Youth Ministry: This title should be used by the paid church staff that oversees the youth ministry program to clarify that they are not the “youth minister”. Their job is to direct all the other adults and volunteers who act as youth ministers.
JB/NJB: Jerusalem Bible/New Jerusalem Bible: It has strong scholarly notes, translated to English from French, and is more literary and elegant in language. The NJB is a bit more modern and has inclusive language and is used more in personal study.
KOC: Knights of Columbus: A national organization of Catholic men that are well known for their service to parishes and strong respect for life and patriotism.
Legion of Mary: A global association of Catholic laity who participate in the life of the parish through visitation to families or to the sick.
Life Teen: An international Catholic youth ministry organization that serves the Church by providing resources and training. https://lifeteen.com/
LiVG: Life is VERY Good: Diocese of Arlington’s events to pray for the success of the National March for Life in changing our hearts and those of others in this country. This has prepared many youth and young adults to take to the streets of Washington D.C. to make their voices heard as they proclaim the gospel of life. www.arlingtondiocese.org/youth-ministry/life-is-very-good/
LTS: Listen, Teach, Send: The United States Bishops’ guide for families and pastoral ministers in the accompaniment and evangelization of youth and young adults in their journey to and with Jesus Christ. www.usccb.org/listen-teach-send
MYF: Mission Youth & Family: Formerly known as YTM: Youth for the Third Millenium, is a program sponsored by Regnum Christi and Legionnaires of Christ to engage young people, adults and families in spreading Christ’s love through local missions and abroad serving communities in their specific needs. www.regnumchristi.com/en/mission-youth/, https://regnumchristidc.org/missionyouthandfamily/
NAB/NABRE: New American Bible / New American Bible Revised Edition. This is the official Bible for Mass readings in the U.S. It is more modern with readable English.
NCCYM: National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry: NFCYM sponsors this conference for youth ministers in the Fall of the even numbered years.
NCCGSCF: National Catholic Council on Girl Scouts and Campfire.
NCYC: National Catholic Youth Conference: NFCYM sponsors this national conference for young people in the Fall of the odd numbered years.
NCYAMA: National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association.
NFCYM: National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry: A National organization that Dioceses can become a member of (by paying dues). This organization then works to promote Catholic youth ministry in the country by supporting the Diocesan Youth Ministry offices. The country is split up into 14 regions, and we are in region IV along with Baltimore, Richmond, Washington, Wheeling-Charleston, Wilmington, and the Military Archdiocese (every military base in the world!).
NFP: Natural Family Planning: The Church approved method of teaching couples how to monitor the times of the month when they are most likely to conceive a child.
NVJCYO: Northern Virginia Junior Catholic Youth Organization: The organization that runs the sports leagues for kids in 4th-8th grades in the Diocese of Arlington parishes. www.nvjcyo.org.
RSV-CE / RSV-2CE: Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (Bible). The 2nd edition has slightly updated language. Use more by study groups and theologians. It is more traditional in language with literary English.
RTV: Renewing the Vision: The 1997 Bishops document on Catholic Youth Ministry. www.usccb.org/topics/youth-and-young-adult-ministries/renewing-vision
USCCB: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
WC: WorkCamp: Arlington Diocese WorkCamp is an annual youth ministry program culminating in a week-long overnight camp providing the teens of the Diocese with an opportunity to encounter Christ through service, faith, and fellowship. This program is administered by the Office of Youth, Campus, & Young Adult Ministries. www.arlingtondiocese.org/youth-ministry/workcamp/
WYD: World Youth Day.
WoYA: Women Youth Apostles: A community of single, married, and consecrated women, who share a common vision of working with young people to bring them closer to Christ. They are a sister community to the Youth Apostles Institute (see YA below). https://womenyouthapostles.org/
Youth Apostles Institute: A community of single, married, and consecrated men (including priests), who share a common vision of working with young people to bring them closer to Christ. The community was canonically approved in the Diocese of Arlington in 1979 and now has members in youth ministry and teaching positions throughout the Diocese and across the country. They helped to found a sister community for women seeking the same vision (see WoYA above). www.youthapostles.org
Ten Tips for the First Year Director of Youth Ministry
The ABCs for First Year Directors of Youth Ministry
Survivors’ Guide for New Youth Ministers
Longevity in Youth Ministry
KTATCA (Key to all those crazy acronyms) and Glossary
Sample Parish Budget
Sample Position Description for Parish Director of Youth Ministry
Possible Questions to ask during an Interview for a Director of Youth Ministry
Fundraising Ideas for Youth Ministry
Apologist’s Bookshelf
Combined Resource List
12 Steps to “Get Started”
A Sample Program
