Viatorians Enabling Catholic Youth Ministers to Serve in Belize
9/5/2011

Officials with the Diocese of Belize City hope to have at least one certified youth minister in every Catholic parish, church and secondary school in Belize. And the Viatorians are helping to make sure that happens.

In July, members of the Viatorians partnered with the U.S. - based Center for Ministry Development to begin offering an eight-weekend course training adults to become youth ministers. The certification material follows the U.S. Bishops’ document on youth ministry, called “Renewing the Vision.”

“As Viatorians, we are excited to extend our mission of catechesis,” says Br. John Eustice, CSV, “by organizing this program and contributing the funds to make it happen.”

Participants --- 40 in all --- came from across Belize to become trained, and they run the gamut, from teachers, administrators and high school campus ministers to music directors and parish council members.

Their eight topics of study ranged from building foundations of ministry leadership to fostering faith growth in youth.

“It is our goal to see these certified youth ministers become instructors themselves Br. Eustice adds, “and continue this quality theological training --- Belizean style.”