This presentation explores how to be more effective and successful in parish religious education efforts with teenagers. We discuss the purpose of adolescent catechesis, how to meet the faith development needs of young people, and practical ways to provide meaningful catechetical experiences for youth. This session is based on over 20 years of parish adolescent catechesis and youth ministry experience and includes an overview of Total Youth Ministry and the Stages of Faith Development. Practical ways to address each of the three dimensions of catechesis (community, message and service) are also discussed. The teachings of several official Catholic Church documents, including the National Directory for Catechesis and The Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis: Maturing in Faith, are examined and used as a basis for this session.

For more information on this presentation, please see:

• View/Download PowerPoint Slides (without videos): Effective Youth Catechesis
• What are the Stages of Faith Development? by Steven R. Hemler
• A Model of Youth Ministry


• YouTube video of Tom Zanzig giving an overview of Total Youth Ministry:

Related Magazine Articles:

• Well Worth the Effort: Building Relationships and Forming Community are Essential for Youth Catechesis, by Steven and Linda Hemler, published in Religion Teacher’s Journal (RTJ)
• What Works and What Doesn’t: Practical Ways to Enhance Your Planning for Adolescent Catechesis, by Steven and Linda Hemler, published in Religion Teacher’s Journal (RTJ)
• Involve Youth in Lent: Living Stations of the Cross, by Steven R. Hemler, published in Modern Liturgy (ML)