Meetings to discuss status and future of youth ministry

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
July 15, 2004

It is often stated that youth are the future of tomorrow's church.

"While I don't disagree with that, I also think they are the present of the church," said Kay Morrissey, director of the Office of Faith Formation who presently oversees youth ministry in the diocese.

Effective youth ministry can play a key role in encouraging teenagers to play an active role in parish life and enhance their relationships with God.

With this in mind, the Office of Faith Formation scheduled three meetings in the Diocese of Sioux City to discuss the current status and future plans for youth ministry in the diocese. Two of the meetings were held on July 14 and 15. The third meeting is slated for 7 p.m., July 20, at St. Lawrence rectory meeting room in Carroll. It is open to those who currently minister to youth as well as those who are interested in learning more about youth ministry.

One of the items on the meeting agenda is discussion of results from a spring diocesan survey on youth ministry. Of the 256 surveys mailed out, the Office of Faith Formation received 36 responses. Results were also sent to pastors, pastoral ministers, DREs, youth ministers, youth volunteers and members of the youth ministry core group.

The survey asked how long people have been involved in youth ministry and in what capacity. It asked which of the youth ministry components - advocacy, community, catechesis, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care and prayer and worship - were easiest and most difficult to address at the local level.

"The survey showed that what is easiest to respond to at the local level is developing a sense of community and catechesis. What rated as most difficult at the local level is leadership development," noted Morrissey. Based on the responses, she added, that the diocesan offices could better address the needs of parishes.

The survey asked about the relationship between the diocese and parishes. It also allowed the respondents to offer any other input relating to youth ministry.

It is hoped that the youth ministry meetings will provide a forum to gather input about youth ministry.

"It is a time to dialogue about what is presently in place and get feedback for the coming year," said Morrissey. "Hopefully, if there are misconceptions out there, it can be corrected."

The meeting will also be used as a time to discuss future events such as youth retreats and the youth rally as well as formation opportunities.

If people were unable to attend one of the three meetings but want more information about the ministry or wish to provide input, they can contact Morrissey directly at (712) 233-7532 or they can e-mail her at kaym@scdiocese.org.