I ask you to pray for the 175 delegates from our diocese traveling to Indianapolis next week.....but I would like for you to personally check out a virtual session, and invite your youth and their parents to take advantage of the online sessions as well. At the times listed below, just log on to http://www.ncyc.info/index.htm and look for the Live Streaming section (Know that our very own Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. is scheduled to lead the Friday morning prayer, so that would be a great one for you to check out!) Note: all times are approximate depending on schedule adjustments onsite. Thursday, November 21
You may catch some of our delegation sporting the diocesan hooded-sweatshirt seen above. Praying for each of us to be ever grateful that we are "Signed.Sealed.Delivered" -- Blessings, Cindee
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This morning in a meeting, the "Theology of the Body for Teens" resource was brought up and we discussed the great concepts that program can offer to teens, especially when aligned with the Diocesan Curriculum (to evaluate which objectives are met with the information in the resources, and what may need to be added to provide a well-rounded learning experience for the youth to grow in faith.) Furthermore, how important it is for the facilitator/teacher/catechist to be prepared to LISTEN to the participating teens and SPEAK the truth in a pastoral way. {Before I break off into a different direction, I would just like to add that Bob Barto at Holy Trinity Parish and Thom Brozich at St. Jude's have done all of the above and could be a great resource for parishes/schools considering this program to supplement existing religious education programs!} Fast forward a couple of hours to when I came across this article:"Ministry in a Snapchat World: How to help teens navigate an increasingly sexualized culture" by Phil Bell Posted at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2013/fall/ministry-in-snapchat-world.html This article has many insights that jumped off the screen for me (some new thoughts, others just affirmations of thoughts I have had), such as : <<Our relationships, our marriages, and our walk need to inspire our teens to pursue something greater than what the rest of the world is offering them.>> <<when we consider how we can best help teenagers in our overly sexualized culture, it's imperative we find ways to inform and equip parents.>> <<The good news is that the current millennial generation is more open to listening to church leaders, coaches, teachers, and parents than previous generations. Unlike the cynicism that seemed endemic among Gen-Xers, millennials are open to advice and guidance. Therefore, it is imperative that we take time to understand their issues, their struggles, and the world they occupy.>> <<Taking time to build relationship with teenagers becomes a doorway into finding out their real issues. If we take time to invest in them, they will share with us. The difference between a student being influenced primarily by their peers and surrounding culture or being influenced by God's truth and the church depends largely whether leaders of the church are willing to listen to them.>> <<Of course our teaching must be age-appropriate, and we must communicate what we're saying with parents. But it's essential we tackle tough issues honestly. I've spoken to teenagers who became bitter because they felt the church was "holding out" on them. One 17-year-old student told me that no one (including his parents) had ever even mentioned pornography and masturbation to him.>> <<Leaders who care about them enough to address the hard issues they're facing will make a difference in their lives that will, literally, be eternal.>> As you read the article, what things jump off the screen for you? Are you making use of the many faith-based resources (like Theology of the Body for Teens, or sections of the YouCat or Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth on these topics, etc.)? Have you (or your team members) built relationships with the teens strong enough for them to discuss such "hot topics" with you? If so, do you LISTEN? Are you prepared to then share the TRUTH in a pastoral way? Have you (or your team members) built relationships with the parents of teens strong enough for them to discuss such "hot topics" with you? If so, do you LISTEN? Are you prepared to then share the TRUTH in a pastoral way? Can you help them minister with their children? These were questions I posed to myself, and thought about the need to cull through more and current resources....following are a few online (and free) things: -- St. Mary's Press has free online resources/lesson plans, such as this one on "Kinds of Relationships" http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/2572/ and this one on Moral Decision Making and Real-Life Applications http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/2757/ and this video by Jason Evert on Chastity http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/3424/ --------- Article on Sexual Integrity http://www.nbccongress.org/catholic-youth/defining-sexual-integrity.asp ---------- True Love Waits http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/True-Love-Waits ---------- Theology of the Body for Youth http://thetheologyofthebody.com/information/teens Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph guidelines (which includes listings of related Church documents, sample permission form and other helpful tips) http://www.diocese-kcsj.org/content/education/diocesean_guidelines_for_teaching_theology_of_the_/ ---------- LifeTeen article: "Real Sex and Respect" http://lifeteen.com/real-sex-respect/ ---------- What other resources might you suggest? |
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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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