View Screen-Reader Accessible Site

Our Youth Ministry's Purpose

Every ministry is driven by something. There is always some guiding force that determines the direction and goals for the individual or group. Strong parishes and ministries are not built on programs, personalities or gimmicks. They are built on the eternal purposes of God. They are the foundations of our Youth Ministry here at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano as well...
 
The five purposes of the Church and our Youth Ministry can be found in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20)
 
The Great Commandment: “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment.’ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.”
 
The Great Commission: Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always to the very end of the age.”
 
Our five purposes are found in these two passages:
 
1) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart” - WORSHIP
We are called as Catholic Christians to gather together to worship our loving God as a faithful community at Sunday Mass.
 
2) “Love your neighbor as your self” - SERVICE
We are called as Catholic Christians to serve others with great love, dignity and passion. Jesus calls each and every one of us to make a difference in the world. In fact, He is counting on us! Mother Teresa once said, “God loves the world through you and me. We are the very hands and loving face of our God to the people we encounter through holy service.”
 
3) “Go and make disciples.” - EVANGELISM
We are called as Catholic Christians to communicate God’s love and the truth of His Church to every person we meet. Hey, if you saw a great movie you would want all your friends to see it, right? So why not tell all your friends all that you know about our Lord and His Church? Ya, it is a little scary at first to share your faith, but we will show you how and help you do it!
 
4) “Baptizing them” - FELLOWSHIP
We are called as Catholic Christians to bring all of God’s people into full communion with Him and His Church. Our job and ministry is to offer all of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion) to every teen in our parish. We want you to be a fully initiated Catholic! We want you to be part of everything we are about!
 
5) “Teaching them to obey.” - DISCIPLESHIP
We are called as Catholic Christians to educate God’s family in all His ways. You have a question? Jesus and His Church have an answer. But Discipleship is not just about learning, it is about DOING too. We are ALL called to teach others about our Church’s teachings and traditions. It is not just the job of priests, nuns and goofy Youth Ministers. You might think that you don’t have the knowledge or the skills to teach others about our faith - and maybe you don’t, but the Holy Spirit does! The Holy Spirit will provide you with the words to say and the actions to take - cool huh?

 
Well, that is our Youth Ministry’s Purpose Statement!
Thanks for reading it!