Vision
The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA expects Catholic Chaplains and Catholic faith communities to refer to Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide, Grades 9-12, and the 1997 US Bishops’ document Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry when developing Catholic youth ministry within their local community. Incorporating the standards and indicators of the Religion Curriculum Guide along with three goals from Renewing the Vision represents key starting points to (1) empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today, (2) to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community, and (3) to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
The Archdiocese encourages installations to support a Catholic youth ministry coordinator to develop a team approach toward implementing a comprehensive approach to Catholic youth ministry with youth and families. Based on installation size and location the following represent potential starting points:
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A full-time or part-time Catholic youth ministry leader with previous parish experience and a developed understanding of military life.
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A Catholic adult volunteer and/or a Catholic adult volunteer core team with the desire to pursue youth ministry training.
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A Catholic youth ministry contract developed in collaboration with the local Catholic Chaplain(s).
The AMS is an affiliated member of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and partners with Life Teen to support Catholic youth ministry in military settings.
Getting Started
The Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide, Grades 9-12 provides standards and indicators that are to be interwoven into all outreach with young people. This includes high school catechesis, Catholic youth ministry gatherings, service projects, small faith groups, family gatherings, as well as inter-generational initiatives in Chapel settings. Each year has a designated list of topics that are to be covered at each installation in the above-mentioned settings.
Additional planning resources include the Groundbreaking and Developing a Youth Ministry Team. Find more input in the Youth Ministry Resources section to include seven modules on faith and reason.
Key implementation resources include:
- Forming Disciples for the New Evangelization: Archdiocesan Religion Curriculum Guide, Grades 9-12 (see pages 11-14 in the guide for a list of topics for each year)
- Life Teen Resources and Military Point of Contact
- Groundbreaking: 10 Steps to Start Catholic Youth Ministry in the Military
- Developing a Military Youth Ministry Team
Youth Ministry News
- Youth Ministry Gatherings
- AMS Family Witness to Christ – Learn about this online resource for children, youth, and families. Contact the Catholic Coordinator for Religious Education at your installation to inquire about a code that is needed to register.
NFCYM Associate Membership
The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry offers individuals the opportunity to apply to become associate members. Those interested in engaging in the work of the Federation by participating in committees, collaborating with diocesan, organizational, and other individual members, and who want to advance the mission of NFCYM should apply. Learn more about associate membership benefits, privileges, and responsibilities online.
