The Basic Tools of Young Adult Ministry

What is Young Adult Ministry all about?  Who are young adults, what are the best practices, when and how should we get started, and where can we find more about this ministry? 

This is a simple overview presentation on Young Adult Ministry and how this type of outreach relates and connects to your parish, cluster, ministry, or Catholic orgnanization.  

Understanding Young Adult Culture

Young adults are have a unique and diverse way of looking at the world, and it is imperitive to understand their lives and culture so that we can minister and reach out to them effectively.

This workshop describes the Gen X and Millennial generations and what defines them as a culture.  This session also looks at the variety of different young adult cultures out there (collegians, singles, couples, etc.).

Reconnecting Our Young Adult Children

Where are our young adult children?  How can we help them find their way back to church?   What can we do to make that return possible?

This session is designed for parents and grand-parents of young adults in college or in their 20s and 30s, giving answers to questions about young adults and tools to reconnect their sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters to a life of faith and a community of believers. 

Sons and Daughters of the Light

There is truly hope for the future of the Catholic Church, and it lies with the young adults of today, whom the bishops have called "Sons and Daughters of the Light."  How we can make sure that this hope never dies?

This presentation goes over the U.S. Bishops' document on Young Adult Ministry, "Sons and Daughters of the Light," how it applies to our Church in the 21st Century, and practical ways to implement the bishops' vision.

Moments of Return: Welcoming Young Adults Back to the Catholic Church

Young adults are constantly returning to the Church, but leaving soon after.  How can we truly welcome young adults at those "moments of return"? (...at weddings, baptisms, and funerals, on Ash Wednesday, Christmas, and Easter, or in times of crisis, confusion, or loss)

This session is great for evangelization and welcoming teams, for parish planning and goal setting, and for anyone wondering how to bring young adults back to the Catholic Church.

Using Media & Movies in Your Ministry

In the 21st Century, young adults communicate through the internet and use media and film as part of their everyday life.  How are we, as a Church, responding to this phenomenon?

This session gives practical ways to use media, the internet, movies, television, and pop culture in ministry, so that we can better outreach to college students and young adults.

What's Spiritual But Not Religious About?

We hear from many young adults today that they are "spiritual but not religious," but what is this all about?  How should we react to this, and even more importantly, how can we respond to this statement in a Christ-like way?   

This session is great for Catholic leaders who confront this issue of "spiritual not religious" from young adults, giveing tips to respond to it in evangelistic and compassionate ways. 

Young Adults and Worship

Some young adults pray and worship God in different ways than other generations.  What can we do to respond to those issues?

This session is great for parish planners, staff, religious communities, and liturgy teams who are concerned about the lack of young adults at Mass or who want to provide young adults more opportunities for prayer and spirituality.

Young Adult Friendly Parishes

Young adults gravitate to churches around the country that are "young adult friendly."  How can you make your parish appealing and relevant to young adults today? 

This workshop outlines some best practices of young-adult-friendly churches (Catholic and Protestant alike) around the country, and gives some practical tips on making your own parish community responsive and appealing to men and women in their late teens, 20s, and 30s.

Young Adults, Claim Your Church!

The leadership of the Church today is missing a lot of younger generations. Unless young adults claim their church, it might just pass them by.

This is a motivational talk for young adults focused on getting them engaged and interested in leadership and ownership of their parish and of their Catholic faith. This workship can also be directed to older parish leaders on ways to engage and invite young adults into the leadership in the Church.

What's in the Bible for Young Adults?

Everyone talks about the Bible, but few know what's actually in the Bible.  And what does the Bible have to say to young adults today?

This session, designed and aimed at young adults themselves, is focused on looking at the Bible and various stories, passages, heroes, and books that connect to young adults.

Young Adult Movie Night

Grab a bowl of popcorn, watch a good movie, and find out how God might be speaking to you through film and everyday life.

A presentation that can be adapted to any young adult audience or circumstance (i.e. just for couples, around Lenten themes, etc.), this program is a way to help young adults talk about issues of faith in a fun, relaxed way - by watching movies, hanging out with friends, and sharing their stories with their peers. 

Spiritual But Not Religious? 

Do you consider yourself a spiritual person but don't do "the religion thing"?  We understand.  Do you like Jesus but aren't so wild about the Church?  We get it.  So let's talk.       

Aimed at young adults who consider themselves "spiritual but not religious," this discussion and presentation is about giving young adults a "safe space" where they can talk and vent, sharing their stories with others their age.  This session uses the bustedhalo.com website and its resources as a way to connect with these men and women who struggle with the Church.