The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry Fundamentals, Theory, and Practice 

Youth ministry is the response by the entire Church community to the fundamental, graced desire of youth to belong to something—or Someone—greater than they are, requiring their total commitment. Robert McCarty's book provides the Catholic answer for parishes, dioceses, and schools desiring to train competent youth ministers. After a generation of startling growth and development by youth ministry in the Church, this book consolidates the accumulated wisdom and effective practices in an accessible manner. Separate chapters are devoted to each of the eight components of total youth ministry, supplemented by a theology and vision of youth ministry. Discussion questions accompany each chapter.I recommend The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry as a comprehensive tool for those seeking to help young people learn what it means to follow Jesus Christ.

The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry provides us with the textbook—long needed—that reviews the foundations of this ministry. Bob McCarty has collected here the authors and essays that will mark a watershed in the Church's ministry to youth, clarifying the theory and empowering renewed practice.

This book is an important and information-packed resource for those who want to learn about the theory and practice of youth ministry. I say "Nice work!" to all those involved in the development of this text.

Youth ministry has spent the past 30 years developing and refining its sense of identity as an emerging profession in the Catholic Church. The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry: Fundamentals, Theory, and Practice marks a historical step in the professional development of this important and vital ministry. Using sound theological principles supported by meaningful pastoral applications, this book will serve well those who are pursuing this vital ministry.

The first academic textbook on Catholic youth ministry, The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry: Fundamentals, Theory, and Practice draws upon both research and real-life application with intent to prepare undergraduate and graduate student to become youth ministry leaders with a solid grounding in theology. General editor Robert J. McCarty, DMin, who has extensive experience in professional youth ministry and in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, has collected and prepared a wide variety of insightful essays, including "The State of Catholic Adolescents," "Youth Ministry: The Multicultural Dimension," "Catholic Youth Ministry in a School Setting," and much more. A no-nonsense guide to connecting with young people in ways that share faith and help then along the journey to responsible adulthood.