Youth Ministry Studies June Session

The Youth Ministry education program is offered at St. Ambrose in conjunction with the Center for Ministry Development for those in ministry with youth ages 11 to 18, in both parish and school settings.

The primary aim of the program is to promote personal, spiritual, and ministerial growth. It equips leaders with knowledge, skills, practical tools and techniques needed for creative and comprehensive youth ministry. The sessions are offered June 6-9 and July 11-14.

The fee for each two-day course is $200, which includes tuition, materials and refreshments. Parish or school team discount is $200 for the first person, $145 for the second and $100 for the third. Each team receives one set of books at a cost of $52 per class. Note: The certificate is earned after the participant completes eight classes.

Overnight lodging is available on campus at $30 per night for a single room, or $25 each for a shared room. If you wish to share a room, please list the name of your roommate on the registration form. Cafeteria lunch is available on campus at a cost of $6/day.

Cycle One Courses offered summer 2013

COURSE #1 Principles of Youth Ministry
Thursday, June 6-Friday, June 7
Presents foundational understandings and principles for developing effective, comprehensive ministry with youth and older adolescents. Examines the dynamics of promoting healthy adolescent development and faith growth; the vision and principles for comprehensive youth ministry; and a model for developing youth ministry that incorporates appropriate programming, strengthens family life, involves young people as integral members of the faith community, and collaborates with civic organizations in a common effort to promote positive youth development. Instructor: Cheryl Tholcke

COURSE #2 Practices of Youth Ministry
Saturday, June 8-Sunday, June 9
Explores the development of comprehensive youth ministry through the collaborative sharing of community resources. Rooted in a theological and pastoral vision of community life, this course develops understandings that will assist leaders in setting and implementing a dynamic youth ministry. This will include advocacy, planning and organizing youth ministry efforts; and methods for collaborative leadership among and within ministry teams. Instructor: Don Boucher

COURSE #3 Foundations for Ministry Leadership
Thursday, July 11-Friday, July 12
Explores the theology, principles and practices of effective leadership in Christian ministry. Participants will explore current leadership concepts as well as Christian leadership perspectives, and learn how to empower individuals and teams for youth ministry. The course combines theory presentation with experiential learning as participants explore styles for effective leadership; theological and pastoral foundations for understanding leadership and empowerment; and processes and tools for inviting, preparing and nurturing adult and youth ministry leaders. Instructor: Mary Harrison

COURSE #4 Skills for Christian Leadership
Saturday, July 13-Sunday, July 14
Addresses the theories and skills in principle-centered ministry leadership. Participants develop a practical, working understanding of leadership processes and skills and the ability to use them. The course stresses the application of leadership skills to various ministry settings, problems and issues. Instructor: Susan Searle

Cycle Two Courses offered summer 2014
Fostering the Faith Growth of Youth Through Evangelization and Catechesis; Fostering the Faith Growth of Youth Through Pastoral Care; Fostering the Faith Growth of Youth Through Justice and Service; and Fostering the Faith Growth of Youth Through Prayer and Worship