Diocesan Youth Commission
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PETERBOROUGH
VISION OF YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Ministry is the response of the Catholic Community in the Diocese of Peterborough to the needs of young people, fostering their development as Catholics, deepening their faith and drawing them into responsible participation in the life, mission, and ministry of the Church through the parish and Diocese.
BACKGROUND
The Diocese has had a rich tradition of youth and young adult ministry in parishes and at the Diocesan level under the umbrella of the Vocations, Evangelization and Youth Office (VEYO). It is now for the Diocesan Youth Commission to begin the work of establishing a shared vision and a plan for youth and young adult ministry within the Diocese.
ROLE OF DIOCESAN YOUTH COMMISSION
The primary role of the Diocesan Youth Commission is to give direction, guidance and support to those working with and for the youth and young adults of the Diocese. The Diocesan Youth Commission will develop plan for youth and young adult ministry based on the discerned needs of youth, their families and young adults. Through advocacy on behalf of youth and young adults it will continue to add a dynamic outreach and ensure inclusion of young people in all aspects of Diocesan and parish life. The Diocesan Youth Commission is committed to the development of a vision of youth and young adult ministry within the Diocese of Peterborough and will point to promising practices for the implementation for programs, events and services that will empower our youth and young adult Catholics to live and witness to their faith.
MEETING TIMES
The Diocesan Youth Commission will hold five to six meetings a year. At the beginning of June each year, the Chair will select dates for the upcoming year meetings. Additional meetings can be called by the Chair of the Commission if the need arises.
REPORTING
The Diocesan Youth Commission is accountable to the Bishop of Peterborough.
TERMS OF REFERENCE
The role of the Diocesan Youth Commission is to:
- Review the current youth and young adult ministry initiatives in the Diocese through consultation and collaboration.
- Ensure the involvement of youth, young adults, and Youth Ministers in the consultation processes developed by the Diocesan Youth Commission.
- Review Diocesan policies, which impact youth and young adult ministry.
- Liaise with other ministries within the Diocese including sacramental preparation, Campus Ministry, and the Vocations Office.
- Provide a forum to share ideas and programs and endorse such programs of interest that will benefit those involved in youth and young adult ministry in the Diocese.
- Design a comprehensive Diocesan vision for Youth and Young Adult Ministry which includes University and College Chaplaincies, parish sacramental preparation, retreats and parish initiatives.
- Develop strategies for the implementation of the Diocesan vision with respect to program descriptions, training, and other practical considerations.
- Participate in consultations for the Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
- Advocate for youth and young adults at the diocesan level.
- Facilitate communication with other Diocesan councils and bodies.
COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP
The Diocesan Youth Commission is composed of individuals who have a commitment to the needs of youth and young adults appointed by the Bishop of Peterborough and commissioned for a period of three years.
CHAIR OF THE DIOCESAN YOUTH COMMISSION
The Chair will be appointed by His Excellency from the members of the Commission outlined above. The responsibilities of the Chair include notification of meetings, agenda preparation, communications with regards to presentations and facilitation of meetings, along with the monitoring of action plans. The Chair will be supported by the Assistant to the Bishop.
TERM OF MEMBERSHIP
Each commission member will be appointed by the Bishop for a three year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second term. New members will be selected and recommended by the Board to the Bishop based on the current needs of the Commission. If a Diocesan Youth Commission member has to step down early, it is recommended that appropriate notification (two months) be given to the Chair.
DECISION MAKING
Decisions and recommendations are rendered through discussion, discernment, prayer, consensus and voting (if necessary).
PLAN OF ACTION
Presentation of the Proposal for a Diocesan Youth Commission and confirmation of Commission membership will take place during the fall of 2018. The Commission will begin its role in January of 2019.
READING