2020-2025 Strategic Plan

The following Strategic Plan for Young Adult Ministry was inspired and directed by the guidelines set forth by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Sons and Daughters of the Light: A Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults. The Strategic Plan was additionally shaped by the counsel of a Young Adult steering committee comprised of Young Adults representing the different regions of the Diocese. The committee included both single and married Young Adults.

The Strategic Plan (2012-2015) initiated by the former Associate Director of Young Adult Ministry, Valerie Soop, was the result of an assessment of the health of Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Charleston carried out by the Associate Director of Young Adult Ministry from January through March, 2012.

The next phase of Development, Growth and Expansion (2015-2018) initiated by Associate Director of Young Adult Ministry, Rachel Neubauer, continues the mission of the Office of Young Adult Ministry set out by the Strategic Plan: Establishment and Expansion (2012-2015). The Strategic Plan: Development, Growth and Expansion addresses the state of Catholic Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Charleston and looks forward to the critical needs in ministering to Young
Adults.

Now, the Strategic Plan for 2020-2025 includes new Goals and Desired Outcomes that structure the vision for Ministry and describes new initiatives over the next several years. This document was shaped over months of discussion and prayer between young adults, priests, ministers, and religious representing a variety of Diocesan ministries. Even in the wake of the pandemic, we are so hopeful for the future of this ministry and give thanks to God for the many blessings that He has given our Diocese and our young people.

Goal 1: Evangelization 
To support young adults as they grow in their relationship with Christ by providing opportunities for initial encounter, continued discipleship, and vocation discernment.

Goal 2: Leadership Development 
To recognize the young adult leaders at the parish level and provide them with resources and training to best prepare them for outreach, evangelization, and development of young adult disciples.

Goal 3: Parish Life
To invite and welcome young adults into fuller participation in the life of their parish in order to deepen their identity as Christians, as Catholics, and most importantly, as beloved sons and daughters of God.

Goal 4: Community
To nurture communities of peers where young adults challenge each other to grow in holiness and friendship.

Goal 5: Diversity Outreach 
To encourage intentional outreach to young adults from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds and to help them feel welcome in the young adult ministry and Catholic Church.

Goal 6: Pastoral Care
To develop strategies and resources that best support young adults and address the challenges that are unique to this generation.