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As a Comprehensive Youth Ministry for the Catholic Parishes in Oak Park, we work with a team of leaders to develop a vision and mission under the auspices of Spirit and Light Collaborative. Youth Ministry is the parish community’s response (in our case, the Catholic Community of Oak Park: Ascension and St. Edmund Parish, and St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish and Family Mass Community) to the needs of its young people by responding through Accompaniment and Relationships. To help you understand what comprehensive youth ministry is, consider this: the Comprehensive Model links all the ingredients encompassing a holistic youth ministry with youth. This model broadens the scope of ministry beyond the traditional approach, which often focuses only on youth group programming. The Comprehensive approach emphasizes accompanying youth and going beyond a preconceived framework, encountering young people where they are, adapting to their times and pace of life, and taking them seriously. Multiple program formats with various content are offered in different time formats and settings, with numerous forms of participation based on interests and freedom of choice. This is following what Cardinal Cupich has asked of us in Renew My Church. As we begin, I am taking time to listen to the parish leaders, parents of the youth, and, of course, the youth themselves.

Definition of Catholic Youth Ministry – From Renewing the Vision (USCCB document)

Catholic youth ministry is the response of the Christian Community to the needs of young people and the sharing of the unique gifts of youth with the larger community. Catholic youth ministry is not limited to participation in a particular program or having a youth group; youth ministry is the relationship young people have with the Church.

Three Goals of Catholic Youth Ministry:

1. Empowerment – to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
2. Participation – to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.
3. Growth – to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.

If you are interested in learning more about our developing Youth Ministry program or would like to get involved as a volunteer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected], or at (708) 370-3674. Your participation and support are invaluable as we continue to nurture this and the next generation of faithful disciples.

Thank you for your dedication to our Oak Park Catholic church community and for your prayers for our Youth Ministry.

Blessings,
Cooky Perez-Eraci
Director of Youth Ministry for the Oak Park Catholic Parishes - Spirit and Light: A Catholic Collaborative for Living Faith