Thank you for inquiring about Family Life and Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Pembroke. The FLYMO is just in its baby stages with its beginnings in November 2006.

A VISION OF YOUTH and FAMILY MINISTRY

Youth and family ministry is the response of the Catholic Community to the needs of young people and their families. It is about deepening their faith in Jesus Christ and their communion with the Blessed Trinity, and drawing them into responsible participation in the life, mission and ministry of the Catholic Church. It also involves the sharing of those unique gifts that God has given to young people and their families, with the larger community.

"Youth and family ministry is the response of the Catholic Community to the needs of  young people and thier families..."

ADDRESSING THEIR NEEDS:

• Parish youth and family ministry needs should essentially be addressed by the parish council which should include youth and adults who are advocates for the needs of  the youth and families in the parish. The role of the advocate team then, is to assist the whole parish in responding to the needs of its young people and their families by prioritizing needs, planning ministry responses and recruiting and supporting volunteers.
• Where possible a volunteer or a full or part time Coordinator of Youth Ministry is hired to collaborate with the youth advocate team in coordinating the parish's pastoral response to the needs of youth and families.  Together they activate other ministries within the parish and lead the whole parish in fulfilling the vision of youth and family ministry.  This helps the entire parish to work toward common goals as a united community that sees its young people and thier families as valuable and important.
• Youth Ministry must be based on the actual needs of the young people, not solely on what adults believe the needs are.

The FLYMO supports youth and family ministry formation in the diocese by providing training opportunities in the form of workshops and presentations for youth and family ministry leaders.  Training workshops are held periodically in various zones in the diocese and can be requested at any time as the need arises.

Understanding and applying effective youth and family ministry practices enhances parish and community life.  The more we understand about how to meet the needs of our young people and thier families, the more vibrant parish life becomes.  There are so many ideas and practices that can help your parish.  Why not hold a workshop in your area to find out more?