Youth Ministry
The Diocese of Charlotte’s youth ministry program is designed for, with and by youth – empowering teens to become disciples of Jesus to evangelize the world. Programs vary and are based at the parish level, with support and oversight provided through the Diocese of Charlotte’s Education Vicariate. Search the parish directory below to find youth ministry programs near you:
The diocese’s youth ministry program follows the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ 1997 statement “Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry”:
Three Goals for Ministry with Adolescents
- Empowering young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ
- Drawing them into responsible participation in the Catholic Church
- Fostering their personal and spiritual growth
Seven Themes of a Comprehensive Vision
A comprehensive framework for youth ministry must be:
- Developmentally appropriate
- Family friendly
- Intergenerational
- Multicultural
- Have community-wide collaboration
- Have strong leadership
- Have flexible and adaptable programming for young people
Eight Components of a Comprehensive Ministry with Young People
An integrated approach to youth employs each of these ministries:
- Advocacy
- Catechesis
- Community life
- Evangelization
- Justice and service
- Leadership development
- Pastoral care
- Prayer and worship
— Source: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops