W.A.Y. Mission Statement
“The WAY
Group exists to reach out to high school students,
to invite them to worship,
to care for them by connecting them with a community,
who will encourage them to grow in their faith,
and to serve God and His church.”
Our mission statement is based on the following goals:
“to
reach out to high school students” = Evangelization
In response our Gospel call to “go and make disciples”
We will be an outreach to the wider neighborhood and civic community by inviting more young people to come be a part of the program. Our program participation is never limited by one’s parish membership or by their religious affiliation, kids are always welcome to bring their friends as we seek to create an inviting and appealing environment where all may come to know Jesus. Our commitment to reaching out is evidenced through our initiatives in creative advertising and personal invitation. All our programming is designed to be welcoming and open, no membership commitment is necessary, and frequent fun activities are aimed at bringing new kids on board.
“to invite them to worship”
= Prayer and Worship
In response to our Gospel call to “love God”
We will encourage and invite kids to not only attend Mass but to be a part of the ministries of our parish liturgy: server, greeter, lector, Eucharistic or music minister. In addition, we will offer special youth liturgies and prayer experiences and will always make prayer not just a part but a priority in our youth gatherings. In addition, our Youth Retreat Program is designed to allow every youth the opportunity to make at least one retreat a year, created especially for them.
“to
care for them by connecting them with a community” =
Fellowship/Building Community
In response to our
Gospel call to “Baptize”
We will help to make lasting connections between youth and their church by fostering the development of real relationships. All our programming: retreats, social gatherings, service trips, or developing small faith communities are based on the same understanding of the importance of fellowship. All activities encourage open communication, the development of trust, and the building up of community. We will help to provide a support network that they can turn to made up of their peers and caring adult role models.
“who
will encourage them to grow in their faith” =
Discipleship/Catechesis
In response to our
Gospel call to “teach”
We will help young people grow to maturity and better equip them for life by educating them on their Catholic faith and by mentoring and modeling these responsible and loving behaviors. Formally we provide speakers and special topical programs of interest to youth, but informally we witness to our faith in every conversation. Also we help to recognize their unique charisms and allow them the opportunity to witness and share their faith experience through leadership and peer ministry programs.
“and
to serve God and His Church” = Ministry/Justice and Service
In response to our
Gospel call to “love your neighbor as yourself”
We encourage service and provide many opportunities for it like soup kitchen trips, church in the city projects, neighborhood and parish service projects, food fast and mission trips. Service is accompanied by appropriate social justice education and the community building that all of our programming contains. We recognize that our mission is fully realized when we find youth in service. In service to their peers, through the peer ministry retreat program. In service to our church, though full parish participation. In service to our world, through their work with the poor.
Based on the ideas in Purpose Driven
Youth Ministry by Doug Fields
Written by Amanda Naujoks, August 2002
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