Catechism of the Catholic Church, Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2nd edition, 1994.
Catechism Online (from the Vatican website). A new window will open.
NACYML (National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders). A new window will open.
Compendium for the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Liberia Editrice Vaticana,USCCB, 2006.
The Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis: Maturing in Faith by the NFCYM.
1986 by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministrywww.nfcym.org
This document is addressed to leaders in ministry with youth and in catechetical ministry in parishes, Catholic schools, and diocesan offices.
Thriving in Youth Ministry by Robert J. McCarty, DMin. 2005 from Saint Mary’s Press. www.smp.org. McCarty candidly exposes the sources of tension, conflict, and frustration that youth ministers encounter in their work. Explores problematic characteristics and conditions of youth ministry and offers strategies and practices that youth ministers use not only to survive in youth ministry but also to enhance it.
The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministryby Robert J. McCarty, DMin, general editor.
2005 from Saint Mary’s Press. www.smp.org. Based on Renewing the Vision, this book offers an overview of the theory and pastoral practice of comprehensive youth ministry. Contributing authors present a spectrum of Catholic youth ministry thought and practice.
National Study of Youth and Religion 2005 from The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.
The National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR). The report, entitled "National Study of Youth and Religion: Analysis of the Population of Catholic Teenagers and their Parents," was published in December of 2004 by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry with the help of Ministry Training Source. Charlotte McCorquodale, PhD, Victoria Shepp, M.A., and Leigh Sterten, M.T.S., M.S.A.S. authored the report, which analyzes data on Catholic youth collected by the NSYR. Examines religious practices and beliefs, participation in youth ministry and religious education, Mass attendance, and information on Catholic families and lifestyles. Copies of the report can be purchased directly from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry for $12.95.
Effective Practices for Dynamic Youth Ministry by Thomas East 2004 from Saint Mary’s Press. www.smp.org. Creating a dynamic youth ministry is a goal shared by most parishes. But what are the necessary qualities and attitudes for effectively supporting dynamic youth ministry? What practices and activities help young people grow spiritually and reinforce their Catholic identity? This book affirms and challenges parish attitudes and practices. Includes research results on best practices for youth ministry, quotes from youth and adults, and practical ideas for implementing successful youth programs.
Total Youth Ministry: Ministry Resources by Michelle Garlinski, Mariette, Dean Woodbeck. 2004 from Saint Mary’s Press. www.smp.org. This six-manual series builds on the bishops’ vision of youth ministry in Renewing the Vision. The manuals contain ideas for gatherings, prayer services, and retreats for high school youth. Includes an explanation of the component that is its focus, along with practical strategies for connecting youth with their communities and for helping them connect faith with life.
Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Evangelization in the United States by the USCCB. 2002 from the USCCB. www.usccb.org.
Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord by the USCCB. 2005 by the USCCB. www.usccb.org. This document offers pastoral and theological reflections on the reality of lay ecclesial ministry, affirmation of those who serve in this way, and a synthesis of best thinking and practice. It is a resource for diocesan bishops and for all others who are responsible for guiding the development of lay ecclesial ministry in the United States.
Catholic Youth Ministry: The Essential Documents by Laurie Delgatto, gen.ed. 2005 from Saint Mary’s Press. www.smp.org. The first ever compilation of all the major current guiding documents for Catholic youth ministry in the United States.
Youth Ministry in Rural and Small Town Settings: A Planning Resource by the NFCYM. 1998 by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. www.nfcym.org. How do we minister to youth in rural and small town settings? Offers insights, assessment tools and strategies.
Hiring for Youth Ministry: A Process for Success by the NFCYM. 2001 by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. www.nfcym.org. How does a parish begin an effective hiring process? What does a competent director of youth ministry do? How can a parish find the right person? Provides a step-by-step guide, practical tips, and reproducible handouts to assist in hiring a youth minister.
Growing in Competency: A Self-Assessment Tool for Youth Ministry Leadersby Catherine Becker. 2004 by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. www.nfcym.org. Designed to assist youth ministry leaders, other lay ecclesial ministers, pastors, etc., evaluate diocesan, regional, or parish formation opportunities and resources and their program curriculum and content in light of how they help participants fulfill the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers. Will aid youth ministry leaders and other lay ecclesial ministers to identify what formation programs, opportunities, and resources will best help them grow toward meeting a particular competency.
National Directory of Catechesis by the USCCB. 2005 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. www.usccb.org. Serves as a reference point for forming catechists and developing resources, and provides practical tools for doing catechesis well.
Hispanic Young People and the Church’s Pastoral Response by Carmen Maria Cervantes 2000 by Saint Mary’s Press. www.smp.org. Deals with the personal, relational, cultural, and religious realities of Hispanic young adults, and the Church’s response to their pastoral needs. Resources for further reading, a glossary, and a subject index are included. Numbered paragraphs throughout make it easy to cross-reference the English and Spanish versions.
Growing Teen Disciples: Strategies for Really Effective Youth Ministry by Frank Mercadante. 1998 by Saint Mary’s Press. www.smp.org. Explores ways to develop dynamic adult leaders, evangelize teens, provide spiritual formation, and develop leadership. Practical tools for all levels of youth ministry.
Cultivation Ministries. Over the last decade, Cultivation Ministries has gained a national reputation for engaging and practical youth ministry training, cutting-edge youth evangelistic events, and user-friendly youth ministry resources. Can be reached at (630) 513-8222.
Saint Meinrad School of Theology
Marian College San Damiano Scholars Program (part of Marian College)
World Library Publications
Cultivation Ministries
Center for Ministry Development
Saint Mary’s Press
RCL/Benzinger
Harcourt Religion Publishers
Dean Theologians Society
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