COMMUNIQUE - July 2021
OFFICE OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY 1. New Director for the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Appointed Bishop David Bonnar has appointed Reverend Ryan Furlong as part-time Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, effective July 1, 2021. He will continue to serve as parochial vicar at St. Charles parish, Boardman. His responsibilities will be to direct and implement the Diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry programs and provide resources to support parishes in the area of youth ministries and young adult ministries. 2. National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) 2021 – Wait List or Virtual Options The National Catholic Youth Conference, or NCYC, will take place November 18 – 20, 2021 in Indianapolis. Theme: Ablaze. There are two VIRTUAL options currently available. The in-person event tickets have SOLD OUT. You can sign up on the waiting list should more space be made available. To learn more, please visit the NCYC website at: https://nfcym.org/featured-events/ncyc/ 3. Thank you, Cindee Case, for over 19 years of dedicated service The Diocese thanks Cindee Case for over 19 years of dedicated service to youth ministries and young adult ministries. Cindee worked to continue many of the good services offered by her predecessors, such as the Eagle of the Cross Awards, Youth Ministers Gatherings and Diocesan Youth Conventions (DYC), she expanded the preparation for the diocesan delegation to the National Catholic Youth Conferences (NCYC) and she added new elements like the Youth Ministry Online Training, LEAD Retreats (young adults trained to offer Confirmation and youth retreats), and annual young adult ministry leader networking meetings. She accompanied pilgrims to World Youth Day events in Toronto (2002), Cologne (2005) and Krakow (2016). Cindee led many parish trainings and consultations, presented at parish, deanery, diocesan and national workshops/conferences, and assisted countless ministers in using newer technologies (i.e. Zoom, ConferenceCall.com, social media, etc.) We wish her well in the Social Media Minister position. 4. From the desk of Fr. Ryan Furlong Hello, I am excited and honored to be the new part-time director for youth ministry and young adult ministry for the diocese of Youngstown. I will be beginning my ministry July 1. I am eager to work with priests, laity, and all church ministers as we walk the journey of faith together, and minister to youth and young adults. I am putting together thoughts and plans for the future, and I look forward to your collaboration with me. I am here to learn from all of you. If you would like to reach me, you can by phone, 330-758-2325, or email, [email protected] God bless, Fr. Ryan Furlong Associate Pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Virtual Youth Ministers Gathering April 20, 2021 Meeting Notes Our meeting began with an icebreaker (pickerwheel.com) and opening prayer (included below). There were 15 participants. A. Summer programming idea sharing After Cindee reminded everyone of the current Ohio Health Order and diocesan directives, we began sharing ideas (some that are able to be done now, others with high hopes of fewer protocols in the future): 1. Local mission/service work
Conferences/trainings
Socials
Other
Note: Please see memo regarding Catholic Familyland. B. How are your teens doing?
Jamie noted that Youngstown State University offers free counseling, so check your local universities as well! C. Self-care – what are you doing to help get through these strange days? As you shine the light of faith for others, what is keeping your faith-flame burning?
(The bishop popped in and said hello and shared a blessing with us all!) D. NCYC The National Catholic Youth Conference WILL take place this November 18 – 20, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. There will be an in-person option, with up to 10,000 maximum people, and two virtual options (one just streaming of the general sessions, and another with workshop options and extra content for online participants.) At this time, with the current Ohio Health Orders (quickly reviewed) and the Diocesan Directives (which includes no over-nights and restrictions for transportation that would make the trip very expensive for a large group) the diocese is NOT organizing a delegation. NFCYM this year is selling “tickets” to the event, rather than having a diocesan delegation registration process, so there is no advantage/price-break for larger groups and for this year there is no penalty for not using their block-hotel spaces. A parent can decide to take their own teen, buy their tickets and make their own arrangements. The purchaser has to be an NFCYM member ($75), which means if you are organizing a group, it may make sense to join as an Associate Member to get cheaper ticket prices. https://nfcym.org/become-a-member/ Tickets will be sold first-come-first-served, starting May 1, with price increasing August 1 and September 1, if still available. https://nfcym.org/featured-events/ncyc/ (No word yet on limits to the virtual tickets, just in-person at this time.) No matter which option you select, make sure that your pastor/administrator/parish leader is aware and in agreement! Idea-sharing 1. $25 Virtual NCYC option – just invite families to purchase tickets to watch at home, or perhaps add a Zoom meeting/in-person gathering over the weekend to add to the video content. 2. $75 Virtual NCYC option:
3. Hoping that safety protocols will change by the fall to participate in-person
https://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/ncyc-group-leaders.html Those on the meeting that indicated planning for in-person NCYC: Cara (St. Joseph, Massillon), Anne (Holy Spirit), Michelle (St. Paul, North Canton), Rose (St. Joseph, Canton) and Cristina (St. Anthony/All Saints). Those on the meeting that indicated planning for virtual NCYC: Tina (St. William), Marcy (St. Patrick, Youngstown), Marnie (Holy Family). Network as you like. Marcy suggested maybe all interested could get the same shirts for solidarity and a price-break! Here is what Cindee screen-shared during the meeting: NCYC Planning Suggestions: Join NFCYM as Associate Member, if not already See if other parishes in your area planning to go in-person or virtual IN PERSON VIRTUAL 1. Get tickets 1. Get tickets 2. Reserve hotel (people in ‘bubbles’)* 2. Plan if on-site met up or from homes 3. Arrange transportation (distancing? masks?)* 3. If in person, assure safety set up 4. Plan for other aspects (shirts, meals, traders, etc.) 5. Make sure you still have all the info you need on Release/permission forms even if NFCYM does not Require it (how to care in illness/injury, who to contact, Allergies and medical situations of note; agree to Code of Behavior, Etc.) 6. Stay up to date on protocols. * Be aware of cancellation policies Pray, Play and Praise God! Diocesan Directives still in effect as of April 20, 2021: https://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/ym-during-pandemic.html Ohio’s April 8, 2021 Health Order: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/static/publicorders/amended-directors-order-for-social-distancing-21-reader.pdf Indiana State Coronavirus website: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/ CDC Travel Tips: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-risk.html ------------------------------ The meeting ended with a lovely blessing of each other led by Tina (with some kind words for Cindee, as well, which were unnecessary but appreciated.) May God continue to bless us all! ------------------------------ Opening Prayer: + Leader: We praise you and thank you, God, for gracing us with every goodness and gift. Your love is ever present in the beauty of creation, in the lives of your daughters and sons, and in the presence of Christ among us. We stand grateful for what you have wrought among us and confident of your protection in the radiance of Jesus our savior, who is the light that never fades, the lamp that is never dimmed in our midst. All praise and thanks be yours through Christ and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. AMEN. Intercessions: Response: God of peace, hear our prayer...
The Lord’s Prayer (Prayer adapted from Edward Gabriele’s Prayers for Dawn and Dusk, St. Mary’s Press © 1992 ------------------------------ M E M O R A N D U M TO: Priests, Deacons and Parish Leaders RE: Status of the Apostolate for Family Consecration – “Catholic Familyland” FROM: Msgr. Robert J. Siffrin DATE: January 11, 2021 Please be advised that Bishop Monforton recently issues a statement on the Apostolate for Family Consecration and their non-compliance with diocesan youth protection policies. They operate “Catholic Familyland” located in the Diocese of Steubenville. In addition, the Archdiocese of New York has revoked the status of a private association of the faithful which was granted by the Archdiocese for the Apostolate for Family Consecration. It is hoped that this situation can be resolved. Until such time as the issues are resolved, clergy of the Diocese of Youngstown will not be given permission to serve there in any capacity. Please do not promote or support the ministry at “Catholic Familyland” and discourage your parishioners from attending camp at “Catholic Familyland” because of their non-compliance with diocesan youth protection regulations. The Diocese of Youngstown is not able to sponsor or support groups or individuals that do not comply with child protection policies established by the USCCB and each respective Diocese. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. From the desk of Cindee Case In February 2002, I moved from the Atlanta area to the Youngstown area to serve as the Director for the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. I was impressed to meet diocesan staffers who had been serving for 10, 15, 20 years and more, and I thought that was amazing, but wouldn't be me (as I had been moving every few years as a young adult.) Little did I know that I wouldn't "move" until March of 2021... and not a far move at all as I would still serve the Diocese of Youngstown, but as a new position of "Social Media Minister" at the appointment of Bishop David Bonnar. While I am still rounding out a number of OY&YAM tasks, I have started the new job and have been having fun learning more things about Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, streaming, embedding, linking, editing, and so on, I realize I have much more to learn! But, before I move on to all that, I want to pause to say THANK YOU to every teen, young adult, youth minister, young adult minister, parish minister, pastor, seminarian, parent, religious, and community leader that has been part of the OY&YAM programs, services, consultations, workshops, events, pilgrimages, awards ceremonies, etc. What a blessing you have been, and I pray you will continue to be! Keep doing all you can to share the joy of the Gospel with everyone, but especially young people. Do not let them forget that CHRIST IS ALIVE! (Christus Vivet!) And please, stay connected via social media if you use any of the programs mentioned above! 3/2/2021 report of The "National Dialogue on Catholic Pastoral Ministry with Youth and Young Adults"Read NowToday, a report of The "National Dialogue on Catholic Pastoral Ministry with Youth and Young Adults" was shared via webinar and email. The project began in 2016 and included several national organizations, with input from young people all around the USA, including Canton and Youngstown. While most of the conversations took place prior to the pandemic, findings will be helpful as we plan for the post-pandemic time for ministries. This is a great read for all leaders in parish ministry, and especially for those who serve young people. If you lack time for the full report, at least look at pages 79- 88. 3 members of the team summed it up as such: + Nichola Stein (National Advisory Team on Young Adult Ministry): "Young people want more programming, because it works and provides opportunities to encounter Christ." + Enrique Soros (Director of Training at Instituto Fe y Vida): Young people want to be full members of the faith community - not just with their peers." + Christina Lamas (Executive Director of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry): they want "authentic points of view" from those in the Church. How might YOU sum up the report? https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59514503414fb53b58d679fb/t/6026aae2ffa567280ea2820e/1613146883195/ND+report+EN.pdf https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59514503414fb53b58d679fb/t/6026aae2ffa567280ea2820e/1613146883195/ND+report+EN.pdf Reaching Out to Make a Difference
As we near the one-year mark of the "Pandemic Shut Down," many of us are growing weary of the social distancing, mask wearing, constant hand washing and so on. But, as the COVID-19 keeps spreading (and now bringing in variants to deal with), being as safe as possible is appreciated. That being said, we as ministers need to find ways to refresh our own souls this Lent; to allow God to renew us... "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31). ... so that we can step up our efforts to reach out to our young people. Springtide Research Institute shared the following insights: <<Seven out of ten people who watched an online service say that interacting with people, even virtually, makes them feel more connected. Yet, nearly half of those people still report feeling isolated because no one is reaching out to them individually. Despite some young adults finding value in churches and religious or faith communities providing online rituals and virtual spaces during this time of social isolation, the survey found that what mitigates their experience of loneliness is the act of caring adults checking in and connecting with them*. >> So, we need to once again do what we can to reach out to each and every young people of our parish, as best we can... How might you do that? + send a card from the parish + if you have permission for direct contact with minors, send an email, text or other communications + have your team/volunteers help you make Lenten supply bags and drop them off at the front doors of their homes + invite (again) to join an online activity + start planning some outdoor/distanced events on the parish campus for late spring/summer and build excitement by inviting the young people to help with the planning. What other ideas to you have? (Please share in comments section below.) THANK YOU for all that you have been doing for the past 11 months. May we continue to journey with St. Paul, as he wrote to the Philippians (3:14): "I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus." ------------------ * https://www.springtideresearch.org/new-social-distancing-study Each January, on or around the date that the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade
and Doe v Bolton decisions legalized abortion, the March for Life along with numerous Masses, prayer services, rallies and conferences take place. Many travel to Washington, D.C. in most years, but this year will be more virtual. This will allow even more people to be part of opposition to a culture of death. This is also a wonderful opportunity to delve more into ALL life issues. You can do this by sharing resources (website, social media, snail-mailed information), forming a small group to discuss the issues, have virtual/online sessions, gather safely in-person with all pandemic protocols followed, Here are links to websites that may be of assistance:
In 2021, be sure to share with families the news about all the virtual opportunities, many or which are listed at: youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/march-for-life-with-youth.html I am also hearing of creative ways to still have a "March for Life" experience closer to home:
----- A Prayer for Life Father and maker of all, you adorn all creation with splendor and beauty, and fashion human lives in your image and likeness. Awaken in every heart reverence for the work of your hands, and renew among your people a readiness to nurture and sustain your precious gift of life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen. ((c) USCCB) 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) 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. I was sadden to hear the news of another young person taking one's life. Stark and Ashtabula Counties in particular have had a number of teens attempting and committing suicide. I am also distraught by the increased incidents of depression, anxiety and loneliness, growing during this time of pandemic as we face social isolation along with the physical distancing and mask-wearing. Springtide Research found that in March 2020, 60% of the young people (ages 13 - 25) felt "very isolated." They also found that 24% of 13 - 17 year olds feel sometimes or always alone. I share this information not as a "Debbie Downer" but it is important to have awareness, and perhaps to find out how the young people around you feel. We do not want young people to feel alone for too long, or to be isolated from family, community and support for too long as hopelessness can set in, which I believe is the basis for suicidal ideation for many youth. So, even during this pandemic when we cannot do many of the things we typically do in parish ministries, how can we still help teens to be connected to our faith communities? To feel that they are supported and loved by our faith communities? That they are vital parts of our faith communities? For those of you hosting virtual gatherings, keep doing it, but make sure you include messages about the love of God and the love from our communities! See if your pastor/administrator/parish leader can join in a session to share a message. Ask your parish council president or other other members to join to talk with and listen to the teens. Invite leaders of key parish ministries and organizations to join to also share why they miss seeing the young people around the parish and that they are important (think Knights of Columbus, Ladies Guild, Social Justice Committee, choir director, etc.) Of course, having people join a virtual meeting can also be adapted for those gathering in person with all safety protocols in place. For those at parishes not gathering with groups now, snail mail is another great tool. Thanksgiving cards... just thinking of you postcards... sent from the parish address in the name of the parish. Including notes to the teens in the pick-up packets for families to use for faith formation/religious education/Generations of Faith... What other ideas come to mind? Remember that chapter 4 of CHRISTUS VIVIT is a treasure trove of quote you can pull out to use so that teens are reminded that Pope Francis love them, prays for them, and wants them to know they are important to the Church. |
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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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