Assessment

Written Assessment + Essay

Module Aims

This module aims to introduce learners to the principles and practices of youth ministry within the Salesian and broader Christian tradition. It seeks to equip learners with a theological and pastoral framework for supporting young people in their personal, social and spiritual development, with particular attention to fostering life-giving encounters that shape identity, purpose and values. The module aims to develop learners’ understanding of the social, cultural and economic contexts that influence the lives of young people today, and to support the formation of principled and reflective approaches to decision-making, leadership and organisational policy in youth ministry settings. It recognises the multiple and overlapping communities in which young people live, including family, faith, educational, civic and global contexts, and encourages learners to engage critically and constructively with these realities in their pastoral practice.

Learning Outcomes

• — Review relevant Church documents and Salesian youth practices and apply these in making principled decisions in their approach to working with young people.
• — Engage with discussions of youth culture in relevant literature and in practice, using appropriate terminology and critically integrating youth culture with theories of adolescent development
• — Explain a biblical understanding of youth ministry and its implications for contemporary practice.
• — Discuss secularism, government policy, and the centrality of the digital world in relation to the world of youth and opportunities for youth ministry.
• — Engage with principles that inform the design and planning of strategies to sustain pastoral care ministry in formal and informal settings, and develop a plan appropriate to their intended ministry context.
• — Critically engage with the concepts of Servant Leadership and Transformational Leadership as articulated within the Salesian and other traditions.

Bibliography

• — Pope Francis, Global Compact on Education, Vademacum Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, (2019).
• — Pope Francis, Christus Vivit: To young people and to the entire People of God. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2019.
• — Sala, R. “Youth Ministry after the Synod on Young People: Ten Points of No Return,” Religions (2020) 11,313; doi:10.3390/rel11060313
• — Allan, N&M, The A-BG XYZ of Discipleship: Understanding and Reaching Generations Y & Z, U.K., Malcolm Down Publishing. 2020.
• — Ashencaen Crabtree, S. & Parker, J. Human Growth and Development in Children and Young People, Great Britian, Policy Press University of Bristol, 2020.
• — Canales, A.D. Pastoral Care to and Ministry with LGBTQ Youth and Young Adults, Oregon, WIPF & STOCK, 2022.
• — Lief, J. & Rietema, K. to Mend the World: A New Vision For Youth Minstry, Minneapolis, Fortress Press, 2023
• — Attard, F. & Garcia, M.A. (Eds) Spiritual Accompaniment: An Educational and Spiritual Journey with Young People in the Way of Don Bosco. Bolton, Don Bosco Publications, 2018.
• — The Salesian School of Life: Working from the Heart. Bolton, Don Bosco Publications, 2017.
• — Gonsalves, Peter, Educating for a Happy Life in Don Bosco’s Way: A study guide for parents, educators and youth leaders of different faiths. Don Bosco Communications, Mumbai: India, 2011.