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Advocacy #5
We understand that effective ministry requires a team
Context
This approach involves a wide diversity of adult and youth leaders in a variety of roles necessary for comprehensive ministry. Ministry coordinators have a central role in facilitating the people, programming, and resources of the faith community on behalf of a comprehensive ministry effort with young people. Ministry coordinators alert the whole community to its responsibility for young people, draw forth the community's gifts and resources, and encourage and empower the community to minister with young people. Of special importance to effective ministry with young people is cooperation among the leaders, ministries, and programs in a faith community as they work together in a common effort to achieve the three goals of the Church's ministry with youth. (Renewing the Vision)
Goal
Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people calls for a collaborative, team approach for ministry where adult and youth leaders are to be valued and recognized for their leadership. Representatives from all areas of ministry in the parish serve on the team and the composition of the team should be reflective of the diversity of the parish. The skills and spirituality of adult and youth leaders are nurtured.
Suggested Implementation
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State the Vision: On an annual basis, the team, coordinator, and/or pastoral leadership should evaluate the direction that pastoral ministry with young people has been taking over the past year. Discuss this manual and the evaluation points on each page. Let the team help the coordinator “keep the vision” of ministry.
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The Role of a Coordinator: A coordinator of pastoral ministry with young people animates the vision and finds ways for the parish staff and leadership in the community to welcome young people into ministry. A coordinator who is not the “do-er” of ministry but the coordinator best serves a parish. This person should also be connected to diocesan groups like Network and AREA. A coordinator is committed to lifelong learning and takes intentional steps to nurture his/her spirituality.
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Training: Local and national resources should be utilized for training team members as well as for evaluating ministry.
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Commissioned: Team members should have an experience that their efforts are both recognized and affirmed by the parish community as well as part of the prayer life of the community.
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Recruitment: Recognize that recruitment for the team is not a season activity, but an on-going effort.
Methods for Evaluation
Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:
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Is pastoral ministry with young people considered a team effort within the parish?