Phases of Development

The following outlines critical phases in the implementation of the CSYMI vision within a local member country. These phases may also form the basis of a strategic plan for implementation within dioceses. The stages of implementation outlined below include:

Connection

Establishment

Growing Youth Ministry

Focus Area Plans

(0 to 3 years)

Connection

Explore the possible implementation of the CSYMI vision and lay the foundations for further expansion. This phase includes building relationships within diocesan Catholic education structures, with core staff in leadership positions, local movements, and broader Church youth ministry structures as well as initial staff, student, and youth minister formation initiatives.

Steps in this phase include:

Awareness: Introduction and explanation of the CSYMI Vision and Focus Areas.

Exploration: Connecting through a mission, including school visits and diocesan visits within the country.

Initial Formation: Participation in staff conferences focused on the CSYMI Vision and Focus Areas conducted within the country and attendance of leaders at CSYMI formation and training initiatives (including Youth Ministry quipping Schools and the ACU Spiritus Program).

(1 to 3 years)

Establishment

2.1 Founding steps for the establishment of CSYMI include:

  • Leadership structures established in the country to oversee CSYMI. The leadership can be either an independent CSYMI entity created or a current Catholic body (diocese or education system) as outlined above.

  • The establishment includes the signing of an MOU between the entity and CSYMI Australia. 

  • Key Documents for member country developed:

  1. Vision and Focus Areas (e.g., CSYMI Vision and Focus Areas Guide)

  2. CSYMI Country Membership Guide CSYMI (Country) Overview and Student Ministry Guidelines

  3. Strategic Plan

Establish a management board or leadership team within CSYMI (Country) for the development and implementation of the vision.

  1. Each member country board or leadership team needs to have at least five (5) members, including CSYMI - Australia ex-officio member, diocesan representatives, broader Church representatives, school representatives, nominated representatives. 

  2. The CSYMI member country’s board chair or leader will be co-appointed by CSYMI- Australia and the country leadership structure.

  3. The CSYMI Youth Ministers Network co-ordinator will be an advisor to all CSYMI member country’s board or leadership team. 

  4. Each CSYMI member country’s board or leadership team will appoint a bishop as a spiritual advisor and liaison to the national bishops conference.

  5. It is preferable to have a leader employed full time, if possible, along with a youth ministry co-ordinator.

  6. The country’s leadership structure oversee all finances for the planning and conducting of CSYMI (Country). Becoming a member of CSYMI will require attendance at regional and international leadership meetings (e.g. CSYMI Council Meetings). CSYMI will establish protocols for meetings, including participation.

  7. Branding finalised including logo communications strategy/plan.

(2 to 5 years)

Focus Area Plans

Introduce the CSYMI models of formation and mission within a diocese, including the integration of the Four-Phase Model, youth ministers, and teacher formation. 

A. Focus Area Plans

3.1 Youth Ministry Plan (Four-Phase Model of Formation)

  1. Identify pilot schools.

  2. Curriculum established.

  3. Curriculum training provided.

  4. Individual school plans completed for initial implementation, including implementation of a retreat experience, Religious Education curriculum implementation, and formation of a youth ministry team.

  5. Diocesan plans completed including regional students’ events (including SHINE student gatherings and LEAD Student Conferences).

3.2 Youth Ministers

  1. Identify pilot schools and Church communities. 

  2. Training established (including exploring conducting a Youth Ministry Equipping School)

  3. Access to CSYMI Youth Ministers Network.

3.3 Teacher Formation

  1. Identify staff leaders.

  2. Conduct Porta Fidei as a teacher renewal experience.

  3. Establish a strategy for implementation of Spiritus (ACU La Salle Program providing accreditation of teachers).

  4. Conduct a national teacher formation conference

B. National and International Formation Plans

The development of a national and international plan is also recommended.

(5 plus years)

Growing Youth Ministry

Aim: Renew the integration of the CSYMI vision within a country, including growing the student and staff formation models within a diocese and exploring further expansion nationally and internationally.