Philosophy & Goals

Our Philosophy…

Spark Magazine are equipping tools for young people. We live in a culture that competes for interest with images and situations that we, as Christians, cannot and will not use. Though contemporary, we will not yield to the techniques of edginess and shock to garner attention. What this means practically, is that the kids that will read the magazine, are kids that are already interested in living holy. Their calling, as well as the adults, is to do the work of an evangelist. To circumvent their opportunities to witness is to preclude them from blessings. We must equip our kids to be beacons of light to their friends and acquaintances.

Our Goals…

1. Responsibly balance the contemporary nature of the magazine and web site in content and presentation.

2. Respond to feedback from youth leaders by creating tools that they can use for ministry and positive youth development.

3. Accurately develop the goals of Bishop Ricken.

4. Foster a sense of interconnectivity between young and elder generations in everything we do. There can be no lasting success without reconnecting the generations. Youth must look to their parents and elders, instead of their peers, for formation. This family theme must weave through all that we do.

5. Reattach true meaning and relationship to God, Mary, the Saints, Parents, and the Church.

6. Explore “aggiornamento” (bringing up to date) with cautious “ressourcement” (a return to the sources). We will not lay aside our Catholic identity for more readers, publicity or high attendance at events.

7. Help our young adults integrate wisely and practically into the culture in which God has placed them by developing a sense of destiny in God’s calling. No matter the calling – college career, vocational, housewife, priesthood or religious - young people must be planning.

8. Provide youth with information on the practical skills they will need to navigate into adulthood.