In a memo sent to each parish to the attention of the Coordinator for Youth Ministries, the following information was shared: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Home Missions graciously granted the OY&YAM money to use for a proposed leadership development day for teens and adult leaders. Many of you were kind enough to participate in surveys helping to schedule an event in 2020. However, the consensus was that an online event would not be nearly as effective, and with the pandemic protocols lasting throughout the year, we were unable to meet in person. I inquired about an extension on the funds but was denied. Therefore, another plan needed to be developed. The result is this mailing. National news reports that vaccines for minors may not come until summer/early fall 2021, so many of our current protocols may continue for a while (i.e. masks, social distancing, etc.) This seems like a perfect time to consider intentional small groups that can meet either online or in person (ten people or fewer). As Pope Francis emphasizes (in “The Joy of the Gospel” and “Christus Vivit” in particular), we need to accompany one another. That is, we need to build relationships, take time to listen to each other’s stories and to journey together in faith. These are all aspects that small groups incorporate! To help you get started, or to build upon current efforts, the following tools/resources were sent with the memo: 1. Book: Essentials for Small Group Leaders There is a companion training video (12 minutes) entitled “Facilitation Skills for Leaders” posted at: https://vimeo.com/266386697/58d8b51ecf that I suggest you view and consider sharing with future facilitators. By training more and more adults to facilitate small groups, we will have more adults journeying with the teens in faith. We can also work towards training teens to become co-facilitators that help lead future groups with adult mentors. 2. Resource Packet This contains a few pieces to get you started, but is by no means an exhaustive list of opportunities or resources. Feel free to use what works for your faith community and augment with other resources you discover. You will find planning tools, three (3) workshop sessions with reproducible handouts that you can use virtually or in person with your leaders and prospective leaders on Communication Skills and Christian Leadership, as well as “Guidelines for Facilitating Small-Group Faith-Sharing Discussion.” The following is a sample of resources available for small groups to use. Look them over to see if any may work for your community. Most of these are lectionary-based, but you can also run groups that are theme-based. Also, know that the Diocesan Library has video and print resources for use as well. FREE RESOURCES: 1. Disciples on the Journey For Lent – available in English and Spanish Family version: https://disciplesonthejourney.org/family-teen-download Teen version: https://www.ascensioncatholic.net/Commentaries-on-the-Sunday-Readings 2. Fr. Eamon Tobin's Writings - Posted on his parish website, (click on Commentaries, scroll down to SCC) https://www.ascensioncatholic.net/Commentaries-on-the-Sunday-Readings His guidelines with proposed meeting format: https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/f90a34bcd66e597a5d391005bf1e14a7c70f1d2c/FatherTobinsWritings/Guidelines%20for%20Facilitating%20Small-group%20final%2005222019.pdf ---- 3. Renew International Phone Apps “Pray the Gospels” and “Pray 2gether” (can also receive as emails) https://pages.renewintl.org/apps 4. U.S. Bishops Site resources for small groups: https://www.usccb.org/search?key=small%20groups FOR A FEE: 1. Spirit – Created for teens based on the Sunday Gospels https://goodgroundpress.com/faith/spirit/ 2. St. Mary’s Press – variety of books written to use with teens https://www.smp.org/search/?s=products&q=small+groups 3. Renew International They have a department devoted to Small Christian Communities and small groups, so have a number of options available: https://store.renewintl.org/?OpenDatabase ----- TIP: When looking for adults to potentially recruit to serve as small group leaders, seek out those who have been involved with programs like Christ Renews His Parish (“Chirp”), Renew, and Cursillo retreats, as they may already have small group training from their experiences! Remember to have at least two adults for each group, and that these adults must be in full compliance of the Diocesan Child Protection Policy. ------ As you find additional resources, let me know via email ([email protected]) and I will add them to the office webpage for Small Groups in Youth Ministry (which includes the links above): https://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/small-groups.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Help young people grow in fraternity, to live as brothers and sisters, to help one another, to build community…” (Christus Vivit §215)
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Youth Ministers Gathering November 12, 2020 via Zoom A. Opening Prayer – We offered up petitions and asked Saints around the world to pray for us. (See below) B. Game – “Drawer Dash” – since the Drawer Memory game went so well last time… (doesn’t have to be from a drawer though) - Basically, a scavenger hunt, mixed with introductions and getting to know you. You have ten seconds to go find and bring back the following; when back – hit one of the “reactions” on the screen. (I had each of these typed large to show on the screen, see below): Something that keeps you busy Something that makes you smile Something of your favorite color Something that was given to you (skipped) Something you made (skipped) Something that reminds you of God’s presence (feel free to add your own, especially any that might connect to the theme or topic of the meeting/lesson/prayer) We then shared our name, parish/site and what we found and why. C. DYunC Feedback – anyone use elements? If so, which did you like? I was told that a parish is sending it out next week… others have used elements within other activities (and will be using it for weeks to come.) There is a LOT of good stuff; will take time to use it all. Played the playlist while the teens were doing an activity. Liked seeing the teens in videos (YES, thanks to the adults that recruited and worked with the teens, they were a great addition!) Forwarded to teens, but not heard any feedback. No one did Favorite Saint challenge… but people have viewed the website, Facebook page, and links to videos posted on other social media. Thanks, again, to all who contributed and to all who shared. We will leave the website up at least till the new year. D. Fundraisers during pandemic – We broke into small groups for just 5 minutes to brainstorm. We returned to the large group and everyone typed ideas into the chat box, while a few people explained some of the ideas. Cindee also has some ideas listed on an online spinning wheel that you can customize to use, https://pickerwheel.com/ Ideas (in random order): virtual trivia night virtual reverse raffle trunk sale virtual family game night virtual silent auction candy sale virtual basket raffle virtual cow chip BINGO popcorn sale pepperoni roll sale drive-thru pasta sale drive-thru soup sale drive-thru sausage sandwich sales general appeal sell seasonal items Food truck night at the parish (great if you have restaurant owners/truck owners at the parish!) Direct sales books – Ave Maria Press offering online order, direct ship Direct sales t-shirts – can be done with Custom Ink Virtual events – i.e. Have concert, speaker or party online – sell tickets Restaurant night – many do take-out option – Group Raise is one organizing company Walk/run/bike/dance or any a-thon – everyone gets sponsors - do from home (can also have virtual element, at least for a kick off or finish line, if not whole time) Virtual painting or craft night (decide ahead if you supply kits or send shopping list a week ahead and charge accordingly) Sell temporary yard decorations (used to be flamingo flocking, but be creative and see if someone at the parish can make easily movable Nativity or Advent wreath, or hearts for Valentine’s day – people pay to send to a yard… then you can also sell “Insurance” to the home-owners to donate if they don’t want them item/s in the yard!) “Boo Bags” of candy/toys purchased and dropped at someone’s house; painted pumpkins, too (whatever you decide to sell, make sure you have volunteers ready to make and deliver them – don’t do it all alone!) Sign up for "Amazon Smiles" (Note: remember to follow whatever the current safety protocols are in place for Ohio and your county... wear-masks, keep six-feet or more distance when possible... lots of hand and surface washing... and clean gloves when serving/preparing food/exchanging items!) E. Fr. Scott Kopp – Office of Vocations Posters and prayers cards just arrived in the office, so will be distributed to parishes, schools and institutions soon. Currently, there are 6 seminarians on internships. Fr. Kopp began at the diocese in February, and is available to talk with you or young people discerning/interested in exploring their call to holiness. Is a resource to support your local and on-going efforts. Do not think just of a “Vocations Event” but in terms of relationship building. Look to see which young people hang around more often or volunteers for everything. They are likely searching! The Facebook page has videos of seminarians – feel free to share with teens/families: https://www.facebook.com/doyvocations as well as encourage reading of the Exponent articles. You can contact the seminarians directly to invite them to be part of panel discussions, youth ministry events, etc. Most seminary visits (Come and Sees) are for high school and older, what about younger inquiries? Fr. Kopp offered the following suggestions: listen to them, affirm them, invite them to be connect to more opportunities at the parish/school. Ask them “What are you doing? What can you do more?” i.e. going to Mass every weekend and Holy Day? See if can add a daily Mass each week? Increase their prayer times each day. Thank God daily for 3-5 things. Create a culture of vocations at the parish (hang the posters, share the prayer cards, talk about calling.) Closed with a vocations prayer and blessing by Fr. Kopp. --------- Post meeting notes: 1. Several people staying online to discuss what changes might be coming for Ohio in regards to the COVID-19 protocols. As of today, nothing has changed. Gov. DeWine reinforced information in current health orders and implored everyone to be even more mindful of the safety steps. It is possible that some restrictions or shut-downs might come next week. Keep up with the information from the state and your county/area Department of Health. Know your local community. What is the spread level? What is the comfort level? What do parents/families want or need and how can we be of service while also being cautious and smart? Remind teens and their parents NOT to participate in-person for programs, services, or Mass if they have symptoms or have been in contact with someone positive in the past two weeks. The Diocesan Guidelines are the same since August, unless/until the Ohio Bishops and/or the Ohio Health Department changes mandates and orders. 2. We did not have time to discuss alternatives to the March for Life – which may have been the Holy Spirit urging us to be patient. However, in case your parish community is considering ideas for the January 29th March for Life Day (Friday) or the weekend before or after: a. Dave Schmidt shared many of the events that are going VIRTUAL on the 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st…. can invite folks to tap into those. (If you did not receive that email from the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family, let me know and I will forward it along.) b. Plenty of online resources available, such as: US Bishops sites: https://www.usccb.org/prolife https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/life-and-dignity-of-the-human-person https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/upload/cst-101-life-and-dignity-human-person-discussion-guide.pdf (Prepared session by CRS) Blessed Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas…. Next YM Gathering will be a virtual Epiphany Party: Wednesday, January 6 at 11:00 a.m.- 12:00 Noon Bring your own beverage and something that expresses what made your Christmas season special this year. Virtual Youth Ministers Gathering September 9, 2020 The meeting began with the playing of The Drawer Game as participants entered the Zoom Room. We then opened with the following prayer: + Almighty God, Thank you for the beauty and majesty we see in your creation. Thank you for the opportunity to care for the world you have made. We ask for your blessing upon this gathering, that you would give us great vision and enthusiasm for our work. Please bless the efforts of our hands, the bonds between us and the influence of our work for the young people of the Diocese of Youngstown. Lord, as we plan and share together now, may you guide us by your Holy Spirit. We ask this In Jesus name, Amen. + (Adapted from a short prayer for a staff team meeting from www.lords-prayer-words.com) Business: A. August 25th Prayer and Preparation virtual session with Mike Patin – many people found it an inspiring way to start the new ministry year. Comments included: + Mike opened his heart and discussed things that worried him but how he continues to find be OK, so that showed we can still minister when we worry yet can still be OK! + We can be overwhelmed, but have hope! “Hope is a muscle” and we can flex that muscle through Gratitude, Connection and Remembering. The recording and session notes have been posted at: https://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/day-of-prayer--preparation.html B. September Survey of how youth ministries are being conducted – already 13 responses. A quick summary:
41.7% Mixed feelings (Zero looking for more online opportunities, zero lack technology for online options) C. Diocesan Youth Convention (DYC) 2020 – After much discussion, key points included:
D. YouthLeader Training – cannot do in person this year. Want offered online? NO! Would rather wait until an in-person option is available. E. Small Group Discussions were held, with half discussing ideas on offering Virtual youth ministry opportunities and half discussing in-person youth ministry ideas. Here are some of the points they then shared with the larger group: VIRTUAL:
IN-PERSON:
Most want BOTH options, depending on the activity, or some families wanting the option of virtual or in-person for other activities F. Youth Ministers to practice hosting online formats with each other – good way to try out different tools on the platforms (i.e. on the Zoom, the breakout rooms, polls, muting and unmuting participants, screen-sharing, using the whiteboard, etc.) G. Possible topics for future discussions – email your ideas in to Cindee Fundraising during the pandemic Supporting/equipping parents Meeting closed with the Prayer for Our Bishop Post meeting tutorial on some aspects of the Zoom format. ==================== The meeting was recorded, however, so much of the conversation ended up on the DYC that I am not sure how helpful it would be for you to listen, thus the notes above. However, you can email me to request the link to the recording if interested. Notes from the Virtual Youth Ministers Gathering on Thursday, May 7, 2020 Blessings, Self-Care and Summer Opening prayer: Holy Mary, help those in need, give strength to the weak, comfort the sorrowful, pray for God's people, assist the clergy, intercede for religious. Mary all who seek your help experience your unfailing protection. Amen. (Source: https://www.marypages.com/prayers-to-the-blessed-virgin-mary.html) Participants were invited to introduce themselves and share a blessing experienced since the March 17th shut down in Ohio. Blessings included: Move/improved prayer time technology working at home! Family time (spouse, kids, grandkids) friendly neighbors Still employed seeing parishioners checking in on each other Help at home helping others/working with food cupboard Calling parishioners has helped make great connections SELF-CARE: As a reminder that we have to take time to take care of ourselves in order to be able to serve others. Stephen Covey’s 7th Habit of Highly Effective people is to “Sharpen the Saw” where we have to schedule time for our physical, emotional/mental and spiritual well-being. We divided into breakout rooms to discuss how we are doing so. As re-grouped and shared the following insights: Need to work on more walking – indoors and outside Getting up from the computer periodically stop work at 4:00 p.m. Video chats with family/friends old fashioned phone calls Reading, including spiritual books praying as a household Keeping routines going in to the office, but shorter hours Set an alarm every two hours to get up and move new prayer styles SUMMER ADAPTATIONS: Cindee referred to organizations that she listed in yesterday’s Youth Ministers Update that had canceled, postponed or rescheduled some summer events (see below). Most are cancelled for 2020, but some have only gone through June so far. The unknown is difficult. Right now, we only have mandates through May, wherein we should not be calling people out of their homes unnecessarily. The limits of ten people, with masks and six-feet distancing once we can gather also can be challenging, but some things can continue to be done virtually, by mail, and the other creative ways you have used for two months now…. Once the Ohio dioceses share the guidelines for resuming Mass and Liturgy, we will need to follow up similar guidelines for other pastoral activities as well. Some plans:
Post-meeting note: since there was a question about planning for June,Cindee did email Msgr. Zuraw that question. He replied, “I would advise against this at this time.” Also, once Church buildings do open, be sure to talk with the pastor/administrator/leader to inquire about hosting prayer services for/with teens and/or their families following the guidelines. Highlight various aspects of your Church as appropriate (statues of saints or stained glass windows as a focus for prayer) Do not let fear rule, Keep hope and “Be Not Afraid” but keep in mind our responsibilities should we schedule something at which an outbreak happens…. We don’t want to put our teens (or the households to which they return) in harms way. KEEP UP THE CREATIVITY and doing what you can to support the teens and their families. And you for all you do! ========================== BOOKS RECOMMENDED: Mollie: Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska Joe: Can You Drink the Cup?: Henri JM Nouwen Article to which was referred regarding U.S. bishops’ guidelines for re-opening Churches: https://www.ncronline.org/news/coronavirus/us-bishops-guidelines-reopening-mass-groups-10-sanitizer-during-communion?clickSource=email ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Participants: Bob Barto (Holy Trinity East Liverpool), Marcy Fessler (St. Patrick Youngstown), Joe Frangos (St. Paul North Canton and Little Flower Middlebranch), Mollie Kulig (St. Peter and St. John Canton), Cara Lipinski (St. Joseph Massillon), Shannon Pecchia (St. Angela Merici), Terry Sibert (St. Joan of Arc Canton), Diane Tarka (St. John Summitville), and Cindee Case (Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry), and late Anne Weeks (Holy Spirit). Asher Frangos also joined us a few times (so glad to see him doing well!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rescheduling Summer - Updates from some of the organizations used by parishes in our diocese: > Catholic Heart Work Camps All 2020 summer camps have been canceled. > CMD Young Neighbors in Action and CMD Just 5 Days All 2020 summer camps have been canceled. However, The Center for Ministry Development is planning to provide resources for parishes and Catholic High Schools to serve in your community this summer. We are preparing for a multi-day national event in late July or early August that will include live streaming for music, prayer, and faith sharing as a send-off and wrap-up for service in your local community. > ND Vision at Notre Dame Canceled for summer 2020 > One Bread, One Cup CANCELED the summer conferences for 2020 (May 1 announcement) > Steubenville Youth Conferences As of May 5th, they have still only canceled/rescheduled June dates, they still have July dates posted... but check with them if the parents/teens of your group do not yet feel confident about going, to inquire about cancellation policies. ========================== Does your parish do something to honor/congratulate/bless graduating high school seniors? On May 8, 2019, I received a call from a parish wondering what gifts other parishes give to graduating high school seniors. We discussed a few ideas of which I was aware, but thought it was a good time to touch base with parish ministers to see what was currently done. I am thankful for the Coordinators for Youth Ministry that responded to my Google Form survey. Following is a summary of that input as received May 8 – 15. 25 parishes said YES, they do something to honor/congratulate/bless graduating high school seniors, and 4 responded that they do not. 21 of the 25 stated they have a special blessing for the graduates at Mass, 13 at a specific Mass and 8 at every Mass on a specified weekend. Most indicated they also have an Universal Prayer for the graduates, some including all levels of graduates. 14 parishes have a reception, 10 offer breakfast/brunch 3 have light snacks And one offers a dinner. For these, 6 indicated the receptions were for the graduates and their families, 1 for graduates only and 5 were for the whole parish. As for that question about gifts. 10 parishes do give gifts: ► Book (Bible, "How to Stay Catholic in College," Lean Into the Wind: How to Face the Future” by Fr. McKarns, prayer book) ► Bookmark ► Prayer card ► Coffee mug with scripture quote ► Photo frame ► Money ► A cross ► A certificate ► A religious medal ► information on how to find the Newman center on their campus ► Keychain (Note that a few parishes give more than one gift) Other great ideas included: - We have teens serve as liturgical ministers for a Mass - We make a poster with pictures of all the graduates - We take a group photo of the graduate and place it on the cover of a Church bulletin Any graduating teen who missed the Mass is asked to submit a senior picture to be included on the bulletin cover. - Our parish offers three scholarships for education, materials and supplies - Considering a retreat - We make a bulletin insert celebrating the graduates - We also host the Baccalaureate ceremony sponsored by the Conneaut Area Ministerial Association. Baccalaureate is the day before graduation is open to all seniors at Conneaut High School. We do have a light reception following the ceremony. - We tell them we are proud of them St. Thomas Aquinas school added that in addition to the Baccalaureate Mass that each Catholic School does in our diocese, they invite back those celebrating their 50th reunion to join them for Mass and a reception. They also have a blessing of the seniors at the last All School Mass of the year. As you put the finishing on any graduation celebrations for your parish, I hope these insights from other parishes are helpful. Most importantly, continue to pray for these young people, especially as they go off to college, the military, vocational training, a gap year, or the work world. May they be open to the Holy Spirit at work in their lives! The Diocesan offices of Evangelization and Lay Ministry, Continuing Education of Priests, Permanent Diaconate, Pro-Life, Marriage and Family, Religious Education and Youth & Young Adult Ministry, with a grant from Catholic Extension, sponsored two days of "Innovation Labs" on April 25 and 26.
Over one hundred parents leaders participated in these workshop days that included instruction and suggestions by John Roberto. John is the President of Lifelong Faith Associates and consultant to churches and national organizations. He conducts workshops and teaches courses on faith formation. John has authored and co-authored numerous publications. He was the creator and project coordinator of the Generations of Faith project (which brought him to the diocese of Youngstown a few times in the past), and he is the founder and first director of the Center for (Youth) Ministry Development. He is a visionary, popular speaker, and more importantly here, an innovator! Day one focused on "Digitally Enabled Faith Formation" which discussed tools, methods and resources for outreach to all generations. Parish leaders were then challenged to create ways to utilize them in their faith formation efforts. It was exciting to hear how a few parishes are already taking advantage of free and inexpensive platforms for spreading the Good News digitally, and to see what new ideas were beginning to form! Day two focused on placing "Families at the Center of Faith Formation" which encourages parish leaders to design and implement strategies to create new and enhanced programming that engages families at home, in the community and even at home! These workshops will be followed up with two webinar discussions to provide further ideas and resources as the parishes move forward with the plans. One will take place in about 6 - 8 from now, and the second will be about two months later. This means an exciting spring and summer of planning for our parish leaders, and the diocesan offices that support them! I am sure you will begin to see some small changes soon, with new programs, activities, or ways of doing things soon to follow! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For those leaders that participated, I would love to read about some of your insights and ideas in the comments below. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Readers, look for additional information following the webinar-meetings! Keep these parish leaders in your prayers as they discern the best ways to integrate this information to be of service best for your community! And, if you would like to see additional photos from the Innovation Labs, visit the "Event Pictures" page of this website: youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/event-picturesfiles.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As I began to write a blog post about the October 2018 Synod on "Youth, faith and vocational discernment," I saw that CMD beat me to is, so I will share their thoughts: What do you think? By the way, those of you on my YM email list should have received the link with the Letter to Youth from the Holy Father. Thank you for sharing that with teens. Here is it again, in case you missed it: The Preparatory Document (Click for Inglese for English!)THE QUESTIONS:
Please indicate, where possible, the source of the statistics and make reference to the year. Other pertinent information can be attached to better understand the situation in various countries. - Number of inhabitants in the country / countries and the birth rate. - Number and percentage of young people (ages 16-29) in the country / countries. - Number and percentage of Catholics in the country / countries. - Average age (for the last 5 years) for marrying (distinguishing between men and women), for entering the seminary and the consecrated life (distinguishing between men and women). - In the 16-29 age group, the percentage of students, workers (if possible specify the type of work), unemployed These questions refer both to young people who take part in Church programmes, as well as those who do not take part or have no interest to participate. 1. In what manner does the Church listen to the lived situations of young people? 2. What are the main challenges and most significant opportunities for young people in your country / countries today? 3. What kinds and places of group gatherings of youth, institutionalized or otherwise, have a major success within the Church, and why? 4. What kinds and places of group gatherings of youth, institutionalized or otherwise, have a major success outside the Church, and why? 5. What do young people really ask of the Church in your country / countries today? 6. What possibilities for participation exist in your country / countries for young people to take part in the life of the ecclesial community? 7. How and in what manner is contact made with young people who do not frequent Church surroundings? b) Pastoral Vocational Programmes for Young People 8. How are families and communities involved in the vocational discernment of young people? 9. How do schools and universities or other educational institutions (civil or ecclesial) contribute to young people’s formation in vocational discernment? 10. In what manner are you taking into account the cultural changes resulting from the development of the digital world? 11. How can World Youth Days or other national or international events become a part of ordinary pastoral practice? 12. In what manner is your diocese planning experiences for the pastoral vocational programme for young people? c) Pastoral Care Workers with Young People 13. How much time and in what manner do clergy and other formators provide for personal spiritual guidance? 14. What initiatives and opportunities for formation are in place for those who provide pastoral vocational guidance? 15. What personal guidance is offered in seminaries? d) Specific Questions According to Geographic Areas AMERICA a. How does your community care for young people who experience extreme violence (guerrilla warfare, gangs, prison, drug addiction, forced marriages) and accompany them in various ways in their life? b. What formation is offered to support the engagement of young people in society and civil life, for the common good? c. In a world which is greatly secularized, what pastoral activities are most effective for continuing the journey of faith after the Sacraments of Christian Initiation? Sharing Activities1. List the main types of pastoral activity in accompaniment and vocational discernment in your present situation. 2. Choose three activities you consider the most interesting and relevant to share with the universal Church, and present it according to the following format (no more than one page for each experience). a) Description: In a few sentences, roughly describe the activity. Who are the leading characters? How does the activity take place? Where? Etc. b) Analysis: Evaluate the activity, even in layman’s terms, for a better understanding of the important elements: what are the goals? What is the theoretical basis? What are the most interesting insights? How have they developed? Etc. c) Evaluation: What are the goals? If not achieved, why? Strengths and weaknesses? What are the consequences on the social, cultural and ecclesial levels? Why and in what way is the activity important / formative? etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ While I cannot yet tell you how this information may be collected, please do start considering ways to collect the input at your local level. This is such a great opportunity to LISTEN TO young people and to have them help build the Church for the future! The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have been working on a fantastic video series that we can use for FREE to help share the elements of our Catholic Social Teachings. The videos are brief (3 - 5 minutes each), beautiful and informative. They have been posted on YouTube, so can be easily shared via social media or used in classrooms/meetings. Below, please find direct links to the first few videos, and look for future videos (and additional resources) to be posted at: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/index.cfm Rights and Responsibilities The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. More on Rights and Responsibilities http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/rights-and-responsibilities.cfm Call to Family, Community, and Participation The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. More on Call to Family, Community, and Participation http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/call-to-family-community-and-participation.cfm Life and Dignity of the Human Person The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. More on Life and Dignity of the Human Person http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/life-and-dignity-of-the-human-person.cfm Option for the Poor and Vulnerable A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. More on Option for the Poor and Vulnerable http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/option-for-the-poor-and-vulnerable.cfm Care for God's Creation We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of Gods creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored. More on Care for God's Creation http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/care-for-creation.cfm Videos forthcoming.... > Solidarity We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice.1 The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. More on Solidarity http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/solidarity.cfm > The Dignity of Work and the Rights of WorkersThe economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in Gods creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. More on Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/the-dignity-of-work-and-the-rights-of-workers.cfm Descriptions shared from http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/seven-themes-of-catholic-social-teaching.cfm - (c) USCCB Youth Ministry Update The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Informing adults who minister to, by, with and for high school teens in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Cindee Case, Director September 2016 -------------------------------------- In this Edition: > Faithful Citizenship Workshops next week > DYC'16 Invitation period (Registration deadline October 19) > Deadline for March for Life Youth Rally Ticket Requests > NCCYM > Young Adult Activities > 2017 events for which to plan ahead ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you did NOT receive a postcard from my office in the mail recently, then we do not have you in the diocesan database as a contact for youth ministry for your parish..... be sure to talk with your DRE or Pastor about updating the personnel report if you SHOULD be a primary contact for youth ministry there! A copy is attached to this email FYI. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship There are only a few days left to register online for the upcoming Faithful Citizenship sessions on Wednesday, September 21st (pick 1 - 4 p.m. in Canfield or 6 - 9 p.m. in Canton) - click the link below or call 330-744-8451 ext. 302. http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship.html All interested in the political process and our Catholic faith are invited. While the events are FREE, we do request preregistration to provide adequate materials and refreshments. Thank you! ----- “Mercy Begins with Me” DYC’16 Invitation Period now, Registration period early October As you should already be aware from a previous YM E-Update, participating in the Day of Prayer and Preparation, reading the September Communique' and/or receiving a phone call from one of the planning team members: all the Diocesan Youth Convention 2016 Registration materials have been posted online at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/dyc-2016-leaders-page.html September is time to invite your high school teens and adult chaperones to participate (and maybe hold a fundraiser to help offset costs?) Then in early October, you should be collected completed registration forms and payment so that you can check them for accuracy, make copies and send the originals on to the diocese before October 19th! The planning team had a conference call with Ben Walther from OCP Spirit and Song who is excited to kick off the day with us at St. Michael in Canton, and Bishop Murry will end the say with us during a Conversation period and Closing Mass. In between, there will be ten workshop options from which to select and dozens of inter-active stations. We will also feature Mr. Mike's pasta dinner again (gluten-free for those who need.) Participants will each receive a string backpack, water bottle and convention materials. All this for only the cost of one day and $25. (Requests for financial assistance are due to the OY&YAM by next Friday.) THANK YOU, group leaders, for helping organize a delegation from your faith community.... it is appreciated and hopefully you will see fruits of the effort born back in your communities after the DYC experience! If you will be going to the Paul J Kim presentations at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on October 2 and your have your registrations ready, you can turn them in at the OY&YAM info table there ;-) ----------- The Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family did a direct mailing to all parishes earlier this month with the information and request form for those wishing to get tickets for the March For Life Youth Rally in Washington, D.C. Note; the deadline is September 30th. If you have misplaced the information, you can find it posted at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/march-for-life-with-youth.html ----------- National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) December 1 - 3, 2016 in San Jose, CA This brief video will give you a small overview of the conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kgi48lfHJc It is time for YOU to take time to nourish your our mind, heart and spirit as you learn new skills or ideas to bring back to your parish, Catholic school or Catholic agency. Find out more at: http://www.nccym.info/ We currently have a male from our diocese seeking a roommate for the conference.... let me know if you are going! There will also be pre-conferences, including the National Young Adult Ministry Leadership Forum. ----------- Activities for Young Adults are posted on a virtual calendar. Please help us inform Catholics in their 20s and 30s of this: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/young-adults-20s30s.html They can "subscribe" which will email weekly noticed of upcoming events like Theology on Tap, Spirits and Spirituality, Marked by Faith and area retreats and conferences. And please email all the pertinent info for any event you have for young adults around the diocese and I would be happy to share it on the Up To Calendar! ----------- Planning ahead in 2017: * Youth Ministers Epiphany Party celebration, prayer and merriment for adults serving in youth ministries (spouses also welcome) Friday, January 6, 2017 @ Cindee's house in Canfield RSVP for the address, and share what side dish or dessert you'd like to bring to share....and if you will bring a wrapped White Elephant for the gift exchange game! http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/youth-ministers-gatherings.html * Course 2: Cultivating a Culture of Encounter for Adolescents through Evangelization, Catechesis, and Faith Community This course examines how to invite young people to faith and encounter by examining the processes and methods of evangelization and catechesis, as well as, the development of community among youth, their families, and the parish faith community. Register by December 16, 2016, if possible, due to Christmas break. 2A-Fundamentals of Evangelization and Catechesis with Adolescents Orientation week –January 2 – 8, 2017 Course work: January 9 - 30 Assignment due by February 6. 2B - Forming a Consequential Faith in Adolescents Prerequisite: Course 2A or precious program M4 and M6. Course work: February 6 – February 27, 2017 Assignment due by March 6 http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/ymot--youth-ministry-online-training.html * Mass for Life Sunday, January 22 Look for more information to come from the Office of Pro-life, Marriage and Family * Eagle of the Cross Nomination Deadlines Mail by Wednesday, February 15 or deliver to the OY&YAM by the 17th. If you know an outstanding upperclassman that you would like to nominate for the annual Eagle of the Cross award, be sure to write up a form in January or early February. While only a few will be selected, all nominees receive a certificate and letter so they will know that you identified their giftedness and Christian leadership abilities! http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/eagle-of-cross-awards.html * CMD National Workshop Series: Generation Z Tuesday, Marcy 7 Location TBA, but mark your calendars now for a day of learning and discussion with a staffer of the Center for Ministry Development. * NCYC Packet Pick Up For group leaders to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, November 16 - 19. Two options, immediately following the CMD workshop on March 7 and after the Office of Religious Education In-Service Day on March 23 Additional information will then be posted to the office webpages. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did You Know? The monthly Diocese of Youngstown newsletter, The Communique' is posted on the diocesan website for your convenience? Be sure to bookmark the page so you can always find great info from the Chancery and diocesan offices.... so many opportunities and resources! http://www.doy.org/index.php/news-media/communique ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Best wishes for a beautiful weekend and Happy Catechetical Sunday I was a bit disheartened to read a recent article published by Our Sunday Visitor written by CARA researcher Mary Gray in which he explains reasons why so many Millennials are no longer practicing Catholics. Based on analysis from two different studies the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) conducted, they found such things as: > the typical age for this decision to leave was made at 13. > 63 percent said they stopped being Catholic between the ages of 10 and 17. > Another 23 percent say they left the Faith before the age of 10. I am well aware of the "rise of the nones" as the largest growing religious "label" in the US lately, and that many young adults who leave don't come back as was once believed (once they marry or once they have kids... they'll be back to Church, many would say.) And I have seen high school youth ministry programs shrink in size over the past two decades. There are have been many guesses why and I've seen families shift focus from religious activities to time-intensive extra-curriculars for the kids (i.e. seasonal sports now include year-round commitments with weightlifting, training camps and ongoing practices.... musical and dance groups have increased rehearsals and competitions... speech and debate now is most of the school year... and so on.) But this was the first time I have reflected on nearly a fourth of young people saying they "checked out" of the faith by 4th or 5th grade (yes, read that age 10 bit above again.... and let that sink in...) (See article at: https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/PapalVisit/Articles/Article/TabId/2727/ArtMID/20933/ArticleID/20512/Young-people-are-leaving-the-faith-Heres-why.aspx) Searching for answers, I read: <<important to their decision to leave: that they had stopped believing in what the Catholic Church teaches, and that they did not like the Catholic Church’s rules and judgmental approach. >> OK, those facts are not new... we often spend time in youth ministries 'defending the faith' and correcting misunderstandings. What was new was a clearer explanation on how young people understand science to be in contrast to Catholic teachings.... this gave me a sense of hope, however. Young people must hear and see how Catholicism and science cant co-exist.... that gives some clues on ways we may be able to turn around this trend of leaving! 1. We can begin to better educate our catechists, volunteers and core team members on the Church's teaching on MANY of the scientific theories. “‘Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 159). 2. We can include intercessory prayers to patron saints of the scientific fields Here are just a few I found with a quick Google search: Albertus Magnus/Albert the Great – natural scientists, scientists, biology, chemistry, Barbara - mathematicians, geoscientist Cosmas – doctors, pharmacists, surgeons, Damian – doctors, pharmacists, surgeons, Dominic de Guzman - scientists Dymphna – mental health professionals, psychiatrists, Hubert of Liege - mathematicians Isidore of Seville – computer scientists, Joseph of Cupertino – astronauts, Rebekah – physicists (Challenge the youth to find the patron saint of a certain area... could be fun online or book research project.) -------- Here is a prayer I found that may come in handy: O Divine Creator, Saint Albert was a bishop who introduced Greek and Arabic science to medieval Europe, raising understanding of botany, biology, physics, and other studies of nature. A scientist himself, he wrote many books on these subjects. I ask him to pray for all scientists today, for their talents to be used to promote life rather than to destroy it, for elusive cures to be found, and for the moral use of the discoveries that they have already made. O Lord, fill them with Your Holy Spirit to guide them into understanding and respecting that You are the Author and Master of all creation. Saint Albert, pray for us. Amen. ------- 3. We can highlight the many Catholic scientists who have contributed greatly to the various fields of study. (Another research endeavor for the teens!) 4. We can recruit more Catholics working in scientific fields to be involved with our ministries -- as catechists, volunteers and core team members or at least as guest speakers (talking about how their faith and their work co-exist and perhaps nurture each other!) What other ideas can you think of? I'd love for us to pray and work together to try to stop this trend for the current and next generations of young people. |
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
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