Why We Do Youth Ministry
In designing the youth ministry at St. Mary's, we began with the end in mind. After being raised in our Christian community, worshipping,
serving, and playing, we hope that these young people will be better
equipped to fully live into their Baptismal Covenants. Upon
reflection, the Covenant is all about relationships, so we created
goals that were all about relationships.Relationships with themselves
The ultimate goals are for youth to: feel comfortable in their relationship with themselves; find a degree of comfort in solitude; reflect critically on actions; have a rhythm of personal prayers; have a
spiritual
understanding of their bodies and their sexuality; think independently;
have strong and healthy egos along with a sense of pride in the
expression of the unique gifts God has given them. Most
importantly, we hope they know that God loves them and will never leave
them.Relationship with Community
The ultimate goals are for youth to: have an air of humility and hospitality toward others; have a basic understanding of and appreciateion for other religions and cultures; have hearts bent toward service to those less fortunate than themselves; have a generous spirit in sharing their time and treasure; have tested leadership skills; discern and develop the particular gifts God has given them for the healing of the oworld; and to develop skills to assess situations ethically.
Relationship to the Church
The ultimate goals are for youth to: be surrounded by adults who know
their names and miss them when they are absent; feel like they are an
active contributing part of St. Mary's community; be able to articulate
the basic Christian story and know their Baptismal Covenant; be able to
genuinely wrestle with scripture and prayer and the mysteries of love
and sacrament; expect ambiguity and complexity within other people,
themselves, adn their church; and yes, to commit to life in a Christian
community that brings them lifelong joy.Overall - hopeful and joyful, playful and compasssionate, grateful and generous young adults is our desire.
For a more detailed vision for youth ministry at St. Mary's, please visit our 6 Year Map for Youth Ministry.