Youth Ministry, in the Archdiocese of Detroit, exists to provide direction and leadership in ministry to young and older adolescents. Youth Ministry fosters a comprehensive approach to these ministries, encouraging parishes and Catholic High Schools to be responsive to the spiritual, emotional, psychological, social and physical development of youth. Youth Minstry supports a ministry to, with, and by youth which "seeks to draw young people to a responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic Faith community."
(Renewing the Vision, USCCB, 1997)
As the Church of the Archdiocese of Detroit, we affirm the vision of youth ministry to be: To, By, For, and With youth.
Youth Ministry must be understood in terms of the three-fold mission and ministry of the whole Church:
- To proclaim the news of salvation.
- To offer itself as a group of people transformed by the Spirit into a community of faith, hope and love.
- To bring God's justice and love to others through service in its individual, social, and political dimensions.
We are committed to fostering the personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
We seek to draw young people to full and responsible participation in the life, vision and mission of our community.
We must empower young people to become disciples of Jesus Christ, and to actively witness their faith.
Therefore, parish youth ministry strives to reach every young person, and their family.
All adult members of the Church share the responsibility to care for and guide our young people, and to welcome them as complete, integral and equal members of our faith community.