Happiness is Service in the Spirit of Vincent de Paul and Frederic Ozanam a Youth Ministry Catechesis for Service Learning Formation

The Capstone Project and subsequent writings incorporated in this portfolio, referred to as Phase II, is a cumulative and collaborative effort between two colleagues from The Pastoral Institute of The University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas. The first phase was successfully completed to fulfill requirements for a Master of Arts in Religious Studies. Phase I was intended to: plan, implement and evaluate a catechesis pilot program for a senior high school CCD class. This pilot was to have its foundation in the Gospel readings of the liturgical calendar. More importantly, this program was designed to afford youth and young adults enrolled in this catechesis curriculum, an opportunity to put their faith in action through active participation in service learning projects. A mini-session (encompassing a three to four week period of time) approach is utilized in the structuring of this catechesis plan. The cycle consisted of: Week I - Gospel readings; interpretation, open discussion on content, modem practical example of message; Week II - Service Learning Project; based on the message of the Gospel readings, and Week III - Evaluation; both oral and written, which serves to examine the practicality of the mini-session as well as the success and/or failure of the service learning project. This first phase has been completed and was proven successful, as a pilot program. The second phase of the total Capstone Project is to: plan, implement and evaluate results utilizing this same catechesis curriculum on an individual or small group setting. This CCD curriculum has proven successful with an entire class of students within a CCD setting. Now the test is to attempt utilization of this same program on an individual and/or family basis. The original work will continue to be edited and modified as deemed necessary in order to adapt for individual or small group design. The completion of this portion, Phase II, of this Capstone Project is also submitted to fulfill degree requirements for a Master of Arts in Religious Studies