All those who wish to minister to young people in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles must be familar with Listen, Teach, Send: A National Pastoral Framework for Ministries​ published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Pope Francis' papal exhortation, Christus Vivit​.  These resources provide principles in how to carry out this ministry in the parish.

In this archdiocese, youth ministry includes all ministries to and with adolescents. The objective of this ministry is to promote the full participation of these adolescents in the Christian community. This ministry will work to provide them with the opportunity to grow in knowledge of themselves, to share openly with their peers, and to experience God personally and in the community.

Goals
 The Catholic Church is called to imitate Christ as she encounters and engages each new generation: to listen, teach and send every young person in the name of Jesus. In this the Church renews her commitment to accompany and minister with adolescents. Effective ministries with young people must be dynamic movements inspired by the Holy Spirit, where all generations, cultures, and communities journey together, advancing toward experiencing a shared encounter with the living God.
 
For all ministries to and with adolescents, the goal would be for a young person to recognize God at work in their lives, interpret their experiences in the light of faith, and, as a result, discover and choose to follow their vocation and mission. Parishes, following Christ's example, are called to:

• listen to young people
• teach them the Gospel
• send them forth into the world, alive in the Spirit.​