Youth Ministry / Christian Vocations 2015-16 Mrs. Gregory Campus Ministry Office in F-4, Room: E-7 937-2038 Ext. 160 e-mail:
[email protected] Text: Marriage and Holy Orders: Your Call to Love and Serve by Michael Amodei; published by Ave Maria Press (print or digital) Prerequisite: Must be a Senior who has completed the application and interview process and signed the behavior contract. Course Description for Youth Ministry: Welcome to the adventure of youth ministry! In addition, welcome to the yearlong course of Christian Vocations. This year should prove to be a very rewarding and exciting faith journey for all of us. The two subjects are intertwined and we will be covering the material required by the theology department for both subjects. An extremely high level of personal responsibility and initiative is expected to keep up with all that is required in this unique class environment as well as the ability to communicate and work outside the school environment on retreats. As a “youth minister”, you are required to maintain the following personal, academic and spiritual expectations:
All signed agreements in the Youth Ministry Contract This includes, but is not limited to: no use of alcohol, no use of illegal drugs or substances, no sex, no cheating, lying, stealing, or fighting on or off the St. Joseph High School campus. A minimum 2.0 GPA, and NO FAILING grades in ANY class. If a youth minister’s GPA drops below a 2.0 or has an F in any class, that student will be suspended from off-campus Youth Ministry activities following a conference with his or her parent or guardian. Regular grade checks will ensure students are performing to the best of their ability in each class. Regular and committed perseverance in performing the responsibilities and requirements of this class and ministry. Clear understanding that Youth Ministers are role models at St. Joseph High School.
Christian Vocations will be taught “interspersed” throughout the ENTIRE year: In order to be an effective “witness to Christ”, it is necessary for students to be prepared to enter an increasingly secular world with a well-rounded foundation in decision making through the lens of Christ and His love. To meet this end, this class is designed to help young adults with many of the major transitions and decisions in their lives. The primary emphasis is to understand that God calls us all to a certain path in order to evangelize to the world the gospel of love that Jesus preached and for which He sacrificed Himself. This course covers the curriculum as set out by the United States Catholic Bishops’ Framework. To see the entire curriculum framework, please access
www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catechesis/
This class will be an enjoyable, educational journey intended to empower the student with decision-making skills as well as a clear understanding of Church teaching regarding vocations: the single life, the consecrated or religious life and the married life. Course Objectives By the end of the semester, the student will be able to: 1. Understand and use decision-making skills, which are helpful to cope with the opportunities and developmental tasks facing young adults. 2. Discuss and explain how God calls humans and how we respond. 3. Discuss and explain the call to Holiness as lived out in Single Life, Married Life or Religious or Ordained Life (Holy Orders). 4. Use communication skills and techniques, which enhance relationships with parents, family, peers, employers, teachers, and a variety of people encountered in life’s journey. 5. Explore the opportunities that exist in the three lifestyle paths available to all human beings: the single life, the married life, and the religious &/or ordained ministry. 6. Consider all alternatives and choices afforded in life taught to us through the Gospels and the values in Christian living. The ultimate goal for this class is to further explore how we can all be images of Christ throughout our lives, in our minds, hearts, bodies, and souls! Marriage and Family Life with Baby simulation will happen! Usually, this project takes place in the second semester for Youth Ministers! Be on the lookout for plastic babies around March or April. Expectations: Having a committed and positive attitude to witnessing the Christian faith at St. Joseph High School and beyond!!!! A focused approach to all the projects of the year! Coming prepared to class every day, ready to work hard on either our academic work or our youth ministry work. Being in class when the bell rings with the expectation of proper behavior around campus while you do tasks. Be prepared with homework or other assignments on the due date before class begins. Late work will be accepted for half credit up to a week. Blue or black ink pen, or pencil only for written work. If you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to ask for missing work. Policy in the Shield will be followed for make-up work when you are absent. Keep all work in the event you need to contest a grade. Keeping a Christ-like focus within our class and a Christ-like attitude towards fellow classmates, teachers, and guests. Follow due diligence regarding all the school rules and policies (dress code, etc.)
Grading/Evaluation Even though Christian Vocations is intertwined with Youth Ministry, it will be treated as a separate class in the grade book. You will receive 2.5 credits each semester for Youth Ministry as well as Christian Vocations which will total the normal 5 credits for a semester requirement by the end of the academic year.
Homework, projects, writing assignments, quizzes and tests should reflect the grade you wish to earn. Youth Ministry projects and assignments are graded on a point value that the teacher decided upon and communicates which includes being on time and being on task as well as the quality of the work. Excellent writing skills, neatness, as well as honest, well thought out, thorough answers, are expected in ALL writing assignments. This includes short answer responses on tests and worksheets. The same kind of thoughtfulness and care is expected for all other oral and demonstration projects as well. Youth Ministry and Christian Vocations Grading Scale 98.5 to 100 = A+ 91.5 to 98.4 = A 89.5 to 91.4 = A87.5 to 89.4 = B+ 81.5 to 87.4 = B 79.5 to 81.4 = B77.5 to 79.4 = C+ 71.5 to 77.4 = C 69.5 to 71.4 = C67.5 to 69.4 = D+ 61.5 to 67.4 = D 59.5 to 61.4 = DBelow 59.4 = F
FINAL NOTE This class has been designed to be engaging and challenging. Within the context of the Christian Vocation/Youth Ministry class, you are not expected to always agree or accept the Catholic perspective on issues as it is recognized that not all Youth Ministers are Roman Catholic. Different views and beliefs are welcome to the discussion provided we all discuss these serious topics in a respectful and mature manner. However, Catholic beliefs and practices will be promoted in Youth Ministry activities such as retreats and Masses. Each youth minister is expected to continue nurturing his or her personal relationship with Jesus Christ as we learn and grow together as a class. Thank you so much for your service and commitment to St. Joseph High School.