• The content of Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1997.
• Integration of theological content, pastoral practice and reflection, and ministerial skills development
• Employment of the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry’s, Competency-Based Standards for the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, 1996.
• A small group(s) of peers in a common learning experiences
• The actual practice of ministry
• A mentoring process
• Multicultural perspectives
• Student knowledge and skill evaluation which includes:
  • Observation with feedback
  • Personal reflection
  • Evaluated program design and implementation
  • 360° Evaluation processes
  • Papers
  • Testing
  • Group Reflective Processes
  • Ministry Portfolio
  • Case Studies
  • Etc.

• adolescent evangelization and catechesis.
• individual, communal and liturgical prayer in ministry with young people.
• building community with young people.
• pastoral care for youth.
• youth formation in justice and service.
• leadership development for adults and youth in youth ministry.
• advocacy on behalf of youth and youth ministry.

NCCYM (National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry):

• Biennial National event, occurring in the alternate years from NCYC
• For Youth Ministers on all levels:
  • Beginning: 1-3 years in parish youth ministry
  • Intermediate: 3-5 years in parish youth ministry
  • Experienced: 6+ years in parish youth ministry or at the diocesan level
• Four-day-long conference, consisting of workshops, entertainment, keynote speakers, daily Mass, and many other community-based activities
• Held in a different location around the country each year
• Next NCCYM is scheduled for December 5-8, 2002 in Denver, CO
• For more information, please email info@nfcym.org

Mission Statement of the NFCYM:
"We, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, participate in the mission of the Catholic Church by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ with young people. As a professional organization of affiliated dioceses and youth-serving organizations, we serve adult diocesan leaders who foster ministry to, with, by, and for youth within the dioceses.

In pursuit of our mission, we emphasize these Gospel values:

• The dignity of each person
• The gifts of young people
• The call to justice and discipleship
• The wisdom of shared leadership.

In pursuit of our mission and rooted in our values, we set forth these goals:

• To serve adult diocesan leaders who foster ministry to, with, by, and for youth within their dioceses by providing leadership and vision
• To be a leading advocate for youth in the Catholic Church and society assuring that the voice of youth is heard
• To ensure that the structures, programs, and services of the Federation are inclusive within a diverse church
• To exercise responsible stewardship of human and material resources.
• To work collaboratively with related ministry organizations and other youth-serving agencies."²
  
• Information Request Form

1. Sexual orientation is not the primary concern in these matters, but rather the dysfunctional misdirection of this drive and its force is of primary concern in these matters.
2. If there is strong attraction or one seeks the companionship of a particular minor child or frequently visits minors, the attraction and motive must be carefully and objectively examined by the individual and preferably by a supervisor or mental health professional.
3. A life of communal and personal prayer and spiritual direction must be maintained by the minister. Neglect of the spiritual/interior life may lead to forgetting the primary focus of ministry: the values of and relationship with Jesus Christ. Lacking this directional support, dysfunctional attractions are too easily confused and misconstrued.

1. Minors will always be viewed, whether in social or ministerial situations, as the "restricted individuals" they are, that is they are not independent. Wherever they are and whatever they do will be with the explicit knowledge of the parents or guardians. Also, they are subject to specific civil laws which may prohibit certain activities. They are not adults and are not permitted unfettered decisions. Any and all involvement will be approached from this premise.
2. Prudence and professional attitudes are to be observed in all interactions with minors.
3. Two adults will be present in every situation involving a minor, excluding sacramental confession.
4. A minor may be allowed in the professional section of a meeting area only, never in the living quarters.
5. An adult will never be alone with a minor in a house or in a closed room.
6. While in a room with minor(s) present, consider leaving the room door open. If the situation warrants being alone with a minor behind a closed door, it is advisable to either have another adult in close proximity or to inform other adults of the meeting.
7. Youth group trips should have a sufficient number of adult chaperones. In general, the ratio will be 1 adult per 8 youth.
8. While on youth group trips, adults should maintain a professional stature.
9. There should never be an overnight trip with a minor alone.
10. If necessary for an adult to stay overnight in the same room with a minor (e.g. in a hotel), the adult should use discretion and good judgement. Adults may never sleep in the same bed as minors. At no time should one adult sleep in a room with only one youth.
11. Attraction to or from minors should be recognized and admitted, and greater caution and care taken in all interactions.
12. Adults will take care to avoid the trap of "father or mother figure." This tends to create an excessive emotional attachment for all parties. For some cultures assuming a parental role is more normative than for other cultures. In such cases, sensitivity to these realities must be employed.
13. Adults will always be aware of the "power" of their role/position. This can be a very seductive force.
    
    **Caution: If greater satisfaction is found in the presence of children rather than adults, motive and attraction must be objectively and professionally examined.
    
14. Comments of a sexual nature will be made only in response to a specific question, never introduced and should be professionally worded.
15. Topics or vocabulary which could not be comfortably used in the presence of parents or another adult will not be employed with minor(s). This includes inappropriate sexual jokes aimed at or teasing of a minor.
16. Adults may never supply or serve alcohol or any controlled substance to minors.
17. Prior to or while in the presence of minors, adults will never consume alcohol. Adults will remain sober.
18. All Diocesan Youth ministry events are designated non-smoking events.
19. Youth found with illegal drugs and or alcohol must be immediately and appropriately dismissed from the event, having notified parents and other suitable authorities.

1. When serious matters are brought to the attention of an adult who is not trained or professionally licensed, the minor should be referred to seek professional guidance. Counseling of a minor should only be done by persons professionally trained as such.
2. The office door should have a window or be left open during counseling. (see #6 in previous section)
3. Unless the subject matter precludes their presence, parents or guardians will be present or aware of the session.
4. The relationship must always remain professional during the sessions.
5. Personal/physical attraction to or from an individual must be recognized, acknowledged and the minor will be referred to another adult, minister or a licensed professional.
6. Concerning physical contact, strict boundaries must carefully be observed at all times. There should never be physical contact.

Sexual Misconduct Policy [click here]
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
http://www.usccb.org/bishops/charter.htm

• Registration
  
• Driver Information Sheet
  
• Permission
  
• Health
  

• A licensed medical professional or individual(s) certified in CPR & First Aid
• Ground communication consisting of walkie talkies and a cellular telephone
• First Aid supplies