Category: Youth Ministry

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Episode 155: A New Formation Model for Youth Ministry

In this episode, Chris shares how we managed to keep 80% of his pre-COVID young people involved in his parish youth ministry by being innovative. He walks through his process of focusing on evangelization and outreach, while developing a new subscription based model of formation that invites young people to engage in small groups throughout the year.

Specifically, Chris shares in detail what his “subscription box” looks like that he gives to all families engaged in youth ministry.

SUBSCRIPTION KITS INCLUDE:

  • Something fun (e.g., candy, youth ministry gear)
  • Sacramentals (e.g., rosary, prayer rocks)
  • Journal & Pen
  • Content for reflection and discipleship
  • Something seasonal

In this episode, we refer back to the following resources:

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Episode 131: Belonging: Reconnecting America’s Loneliest Generation

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Josh Packard, Executive Director of the SPringtide Research Institute as we discuss the reality of loneliness in 13 to 25-year-olds and how parishes and ministries can respond to this trend.

For more information on this study, please visit:

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Episode 121: A Vision for Confirmation in Light of Comprehensive Youth Ministry

“Good youth ministry leads to readiness for Confirmation. Confirmation does not lead to involvement in youth ministry.”

In this episode, Chris and John explore the intersection of youth ministry and the sacrament of Confirmation, and how effective comprehensive youth ministry prepares young people well for Confirmation.

In this episode, we refer to these previous podcast episodes:

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Episode 106: An Introduction to Theology of the Body

In this episode, special guest Klarissa Chichioco shares about Theology of the Body. She delves into what it is and how to implement it into your ministry.

To learn more about Klarissa and her ministry, visit Echoes of Worth.

For more information about Theology of the Body, visit the Theology of the Body Institute.

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Episode 93: Voice + Vision: Evaluating the Dialogue

In this episode, Chris shares his experience at the 1st annual Voice and Vision Dialogue: A National Summit for Ministries with Youth and Young Adults. This event was inspired by Pope Francis’ post synod document called “Christ is Alive” (Christus Vivit).

Chris shares what went well, what went flat, and shares his excitement and energy for the future of this event and others like it.

Resources:

In this episode, we refer to quite a few previous episodes as well as a Pre-Conference document that was developed for the dialogue. All those links can be found below:

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Episode 76: Christ Is Alive – A Review of Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Exhortation to Young People and to the Entire People of God

Pope Francis, Pope, Christus Vivit, Synod, Youth

In response to the 2018 synod on Young People, Faith, and Discernment, Pope Francis released a document on March 25, 2019, called “Christus Vivit” (Christ is Alive).

In this episode, Chris and John break down the main themes of the document and talk about the practical applications this document has for those of us in church leadership.

To find the document in its entirety, click here.
We also reference Episode 54 on this podcast, when we interviewed Paul Jarzembowski and Katie Prejean McGrady as they were part of the synod conversations in Rome. Check it out here.

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Episode 73: A Pastoral Response to Teens Dealing with Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

We are joined by pastoral leader and counselor Roy Petitfils as we talk about how pastoral leaders in the Church can respond to young people who are hurting. In this episode, we explore how 1 in 4 young people have anxiety and share practical ways that pastoral ministers can support youth as they experience trauma.

Find out more about Roy Petitfels at https://roypetitfils.com/ and take a look at his latest book, Helping Teens With Stress, Anxiety, and Depression: A Field Guide for Catholic Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders.

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Episode 54: Synod on Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment

In today’s episode, Chris and John are joined by Paul Jarzembowski and Katie Prejean McGrady to discuss their experience and involvement in the October 2018 Synod on Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment. Join us as we explore what the Synod means for us as Church and how we, as leaders in ministry, can begin to implement some of the ideas put forth.

You can find a link to the Synod document HERE.

Find out more about Paul and Katie by visiting them on Twitter:

@PJarzembowski

@KatiePrejean


Click here to learn more about Ave Explores.

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Episode 49: Hiring the Next Gen Minister

Hiring ministry leaders is not something we necessarily do too often. When we do have the opportunity to hire another leader in our parish, we should do so with intention and vision.

In this episode, Chris walks through the process he uses when he coaches pastor and parish administrators on how to go about hiring your next youth ministry or children’s ministry leader.

Check out Episode #9 of The Church Podcast for more helpful tips and resources on hiring in ministry.
Visit Marathon Youth Ministry to learn more about Chris’ coaching tools and resources.

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Episode 15: Engaging Young Adults in the Life of Faith

engaging-young-adults-in-faith

Young adults are mysterious. They sometimes come to church and sometimes they don’t. They have reasons. They don’t have reasons. As church, we need an intentional strategy for engaging them in the life of faith.
In this episode, we define what we mean by “young adults” and share some ideas for connecting with them in ministry, church, and faith.

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