Abstract
The Magis Ministry Model addresses the documented decline in youth religious practice by leveraging the high participation rates in secondary school athletics and performing arts. Recognizing that many students struggle to connect faith with what they value, the model embeds lay adult chaplains within teams and troupes to provide a "ministry of accompaniment". Key to this framework are chapel talks—weekly, 15- to 20-minute reflections that invite students to encounter God through their specific craft. Longitudinal data from Saint Ignatius High School demonstrates significant impact: over 74% of surveyed participants strongly advocate for the program's continuation, and successful head coaches now view chaplaincy as a "pillar" of their programs. To ensure sustainability, the model prioritizes institutionalization through dedicated leadership, formal job descriptions, and financial compensation for ministers. By integrating faith into the spaces where youth are already most engaged, the Magis Ministry Model provides a scalable blueprint for modern evangelization.
DOI
10.15365/joce.2902082026
CatholicEdJrnl
