Youth
Youth Ministry in the Diocese of Montreal encourages and supports young people in their life in Christ. Participating in God's mission in the world demands that we engage with young people with honesty and integrity, recognizing their particular developmental and spiritual needs. We yearn to share our alternative Anglican perspective and voice with them as they seek to find meaning and connection to someone or something that is worthy of their life's adventure. We invest in young people by inviting them into relationships with each other and with Christ, building community within and between parishes.
In 2012, the diocese began a three-year journey toward a sustainable, inspired and inspiring youth ministry within the Diocese of Montreal that is focused on these relationships. We are calling this project "MTL Youth", and it is operating under the direction of Mark Dunwoody, who came into the diocese as the new youth ministry coordinator last year.
Parish-based Youth Ministry
Most of the youth ministry work in the diocese takes place in individual parishes, performed by clergy and deeply dedicated lay volunteers, and it is central to the present initiative to recognize and support that work. To do so, we are facilitating opportunities for youth workers in the diocese to meet and learn from one another, providing support, fellowship and inspiration. We are reaching out to include parishes who are looking to begin new youth ministries, and beginning this year, parishes may apply for grants for youth ministry projects.
We are also charged with encouraging young people involved in youth groups and other aspects of parish life to strengthen their sense of Christian identity through opportunities to work together, serve their communities and celebrate the commitment of Confirmation.
If you are working in youth ministry in your parish, or are seeking information about starting or strengthening a youth ministry programme, please:
The deadline for youth ministry grants for 2013 has passed. But if you have an immediate need or a great idea, Mark would love to hear from you. The grant application form is here if you are thinking about applying for next year.
New Models for Youth Ministry
While we believe that supporting traditional parish-based youth groups and Christian education programs is vital, we also are certain that breathing new life into youth ministry through leadership development, service opportunities for youth, and creative outreach to young people who may or may not be currently involved in church life can only help parishes in their current efforts. We are seeking to create connections among youth and youth ministry workers across our diocese—and around the world.
Last year we began the Youth Ambassadors Program—a program to provide the future leaders of the church with communications and leadership training, and fantastic opportunities to visit and serve in other communities as representatives of our diocese.
This year we are introducing Urban Soul, a weekend service retreat for youth around the diocese to worship and work together in downtown Montreal missions.
We have a lot more planned! Read more ideas in the MTL Youth Strategy Document, Towards 2015.