It is during the teenage years that we move from a family faith focus to a sense of personal belief. Our goal is to help teens embrace and understand “I am Catholic” not just “my family is Catholic”. To do this, teens need to receive and understand the full Gospel as shared through our Catholic faith. They are ready to learn and understand how our faith connects and has relevance to the issues and concerns in their lives. They need for us to engage them in scripture, in the catechism, and in the faith witness of the saints. Comprehensive youth ministry provides many opportunities for teens to learn their faith and to grow spiritually. Through well planned and executed meetings, at community and justice & service events, and through retreats and youth rallies, faith can be taught, lived and shared. The best youth ministers strive to include prayer at every meeting and event. They help teens to develop a prayer life, to be engaged in the liturgy, and to understand Gods deep love for each of them.