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On November 11-14, 2011, the Archdiocese of Agana will be implementing The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies Program, a series of courses that promote leadership development for ministry with adolescents.  It is designed for Youth Ministers, Directors of Religious Education, High School Campus Ministers, Junior High School leaders, and youth retreat coordinators.  This is presented by the Center for Ministry Development.

The archdiocese is committed to deepening the faith formation of all parish catechists, especially those who work with the young; to providing the necessary knowledge and experience for a solid theological foundation; to creating a safe environment for the protection of the our children and youth.  In the initial stage of this program, each parish is required at least one person working in the capacity of any of the above ministries be certified by the year 2015.  The intent behind this policy stems from the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops 2011 revision of the Charter for the Protection of the Children and Young People, which states: “we re-affirm our deep commitment to creating a safe environment within the Church for children and youth.  Safe environment programs are in place to assist parents and children – and those who work with children- in preventing harm to young people.  These programs continually seek to incorporate the most useful developments in the field of child protection.” The archdiocese, in collaboration, is partnering with the Center for Ministry Development to provide a safe environment within the local church for children and youth of our island.

The Certificate in Youth Ministries Studies is a ministry education program for adults in ministry with youth, ages 11 to 18, in both parish and school settings.  It equips leaders with the knowledge, skills, practical tools, and techniques needed for creative and comprehensive ministry with youth. The program includes eight courses.  The primary aim of the program is to promote personal, spiritual, and ministerial growth.  The Certificate program is utilized in a number of ways: as an integrated formation program leading to a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies; as an enrichment or continuing education program for veteran leaders; as a workshop series which can be taken on a course-by-course basis by professionals or volunteer leaders. Participating leaders will experience the following benefits: Confidence. Participants feel more confident in their youth ministry role because they have integrated and applied the most recent and innovative theory and approaches into their own setting and responsibilities;Competence.  The comprehensive sequence of courses provides a solid foundation of theory, theology and practical approaches, which can be applied in any parish or school youth ministry setting; Credibility.  This is a nationally recognized curriculum, offered in over 30 sites and sponsored by over 50 dioceses, whose graduates are in parish, school diocesan leadership positions all over the country. Courses will be offered at the Immaculate Hear of Mary Catholic Church – Parish Social Hall. The schedule for the courses: Friday: 8AM to 6PM; Saturday: 8AM to 6PM; Sunday: 8AM to 6PM; Monday: 8AM to 4PM.