Honoring the Class of 2020 and other Youth Ministry IdeasDuring this unique time of social distancing, we have to get creative about taking advantage of the opportunities we have -- after grieving the losses of canceled events and programs -- and think of ways to adapt how we honor graduating seniors (and perhaps 8th graders and college grads as well.) This was a topic for discussion of an April 24th conversation with some parish coordinators of youth ministry. Watch the recording above, and see if you noted additional ideas to ones I've listed below: + See what parents of the students want to do - they may have creative ideas, energy to help and funds to pay for ways.... for instance, parents of JFK seniors (although not parish) decided to pay for yard signs that were designed and delivered by a group of volunteers. + Card Campaign -- invite parishioners to write out cards to grads. St. Patrick and St. Angela Merici is still discussion if cards will go to the parish for distribution or if parents will want their addresses shared for direct mailing. Holy Family has a parish lock-box for drop off (and ask for the envelops to be unsealed so that prayer cards can be inserted!) + Sending prayer cards! + Massillon St. Joseph has purchased door decorations (in the school colors of the teens!) and will decorate the doors when the weather clears + delaying and moving activities outdoors during the summer -- seniors party, senior Mass, etc. + senior pictures used to be collected to put into the parish bulletin, ask parents if can post on parish website and/or social media + creating senior Facebook Tributes - get parental permission, photo, post-graduation plans, a quote, list extracurricular activities, etc. + ask parishioners to 'adopt a senior' and share a list of things that senior likes for gift baskets to be made and delivered + approach other parish groups (Ladies Guild, Altar and Rosary, K of C, etc., especially if they sponsored events or gifts in the past) to purchase a gift book to send to seniors, with prayers cards, letter from pastor/staff + see if your pastor is willing to record a short video message/blessing for the seniors (if you post to YouTube, you an always text to the link to those who do not have online-meeting technology!) + invite college students to record short messages to seniors with tips and encouragement ----- In other news: > help parents deepen their commitment to being the primary catechists for their children: 1. mail packets, lesson plans, prayer services, religious craft ideas, etc. with instructions 2. consider inviting parents to a virtual meeting on Zoom, FreeConferenceCall.com, Google Meet/Hangout, Go To Meetings, Google Classroom, etc. 3. Record videos to parents with support and/or of short lessons that they can show to their kids with discussion questions 4. Share existing webinars that might be of interest to parents 5. Mail them Thinking of You cards 6. Pray for them! > Do not forget that there are still call-in conference call options for those who do not have (or not want to use) virtual meeting spaces > As we move through the summer and into fall without knowing if we will be able to gather large groups, keep in mind the multitude of ways we might minister with youth: - small groups gathered - conference calls - virtual meetings - independent study/home-schooling - let teens that like using technology create short lessons, prayer services, etc. for teens or younger students > Do not forget to adapt the Permission for Direct Contact with Youth Form as needed. It is posted at: https://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/key-forms.html > KEEP PRAYING!
1 Comment
A big "Snow Event" is predicted for northeast Ohio and many other areas of the U.S. for this weekend. Due to this, some events are being rescheduled, changed or canceled. As I heard one teen wonder out loud, "Great, what am I going to do now?" I immediately began thinking of a myriad of options... some outdoors, some indoors. I realized as I started listing ideas off in my head that this officially makes me an 'older' adult, but then I thought, a. if you are a teen really looking for ideas, then here you go.... or b. if you are a fellow adult who feels the same but would like to have a place to direct your kids attention without it looking like you are the cranky one listing off options, here you go: 30 Snow Ideas for Teens/Families: 1. Read a book* 2. Clean your room 3. Offer to shovel snow for neighbors (after your own driveway and sidewalk, of course) 4. Build a snowperson or two, or even snow animals 5. Make snow angels 6. Go ice-skating 7. Go sledding (and maybe take your little siblings with you) 8. Build a snow fort 9. Have a snow ball fight 10. (If permitted where you live and with supervision) have a bonfire (if you have dry wood stored somewhere) 11. Learn to make a new craft using YouTube videos 12. Cook a meal 13. Bake 14. Play a board game 15. Exercise or dance 16. Do your homework 17. Write thank you cards, Valentines cards, etc. 18. Create a snow day play list of music 19. Do mani-pedis, a facial or other spa treatment 20. Go on a winter hike 21. Catch snowflakes on your tongue 22. Build a house of cards 23. Watch a movie* 24. Color (yes, with crayons or pencils) 25. Pull up a karaoke app and start singing! 26. Play tic-tac-snow (draw the board in the snow, use sticks and rocks as your Xs and Os) 27. Stick the Nose on the Snowman (like Pin the Tail on the Donkey, but playing a carrot on a snow man as blindfolded) 28. Make bird feeders like you used to at camp or on kindergarten (peanut butter on pinecones, sprinkled with birdseed, tie with yarn or string and hang out on a tree) 29. Look for critter-prints ( you know, pawprints from animals and identify the animals) 30. Snow-painting (fill squeeze containers or spray bottles with water and food coloring, mix, then head outside to "paint") If you are still board after all of these ideas, then take a nap, watch TV or play video games! OR share more ideas in the comment section below! In any event, I hope you have some fun and take time to enjoy winter. (I'll likely be sipping on some hot chocolate by the fireplace!) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Since I am posting this during the March For Life and as we enter the Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, can I suggest looking for books and movies related to Respect for All Life and equal rights? A few that come to mind include: ~ A Raisin in the Sun ~ Mississippi Burning ~ Selma ~ To Kill a Mockingbird ~ Gandhi ~ The Butler ~ The Long Walk Home ~ The Rosa Parks Story ~ Bella ~ Gattaca ~ Hotel Rwanda What other books and movies follow these themes? You can also join in the final days of the 9 Days for Life Prayer initiative at: www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/nine-days-of-prayer-penance-and-pilgrimage.cfm The Synod Questionaire asks: How are families and communities involved in the vocational discernment of young people? Parents/family and staff of parishes and schools overwhelmingly responded with the importance of communication in fostering vocation discernment of young people, including:
The importance of family and parents in the process was often cited (27). Similarly, the importance of leading by example (14), positive role models (6), and mentors (5) were listed as necessary support for youth. Other responses included:
Only seven people mentioned discernment, indicating that a better jobs need to be done to educate parents and families about the importance of discerning in everyday life. When asked, "Has your family discussed religious vocations to the priesthood or religious life?" The Teens Said: The young adults said: Parents/family members said: > What implications might these findings have for your ministry efforts?
> What resources are already provided to parents in the area of vocational discernment and discussion? > What encouragement does your parish provide to parents in this regard? "And the Survey Says..." Insights from the Diocesan Synod Surveys At the 2017 Ministry Day workshop with Fr. Chris Luoni and Cindee Case, we discussed some of what we learned through the input of nearly 500 teens, young adults, parents and Church leaders in preparing for the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops focused on "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment." We laid it out as a bit of a game show, inviting attendees to guess at the responses of the high school teens, young adults (20s and 30s) and sometimes parents/family members of the youth and young adults on a few key questions. The results surprised a few folks.... but do keep in mind that the surveys were completed voluntarily for the most part (a Catholic school religion teacher may not have given an option, and perhaps a few parents may have insisted, but it is mostly from volunteers.) Responses also came primarily from people who are very or somewhat connected to a Catholic parish or school, but I was pleased with some very honest responses on what that connection may mean for the individual. In any event, why not test yourself? Let me know if the comment section how you did, what you thought, or how a survey result might impact your ministry. And come back to this blog page for more updates throughout the year. The Powerpoint presentation is attached below (large file) and has been posted online for quick viewing at: (Click on link address or black button) www.slideshare.net/secret/LjWSb61r0tdJpQ
resource by Kirk Bloir, Program Director, Family and Consumer Sciences posted at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-5321 ------- Whether for a few minutes or a few hours, all parents will face this dilemma: Is my child old enough to stay home alone? If you look to Ohio's state or local laws, you won't find a minimum age specified. Instead, the Ohio Revised Code says that parents are responsible for providing adequate and proper supervision and care for their children. So, the real question isn't so much one of age, but one of your child's maturity, readiness, and your ability to plan for safety, emergencies, and activities. Parents need to look at their child's maturity and readiness in three broad areas. Physical Can your child lock and unlock the doors and windows; use the telephone; and operate appliances safely (such as a can opener, microwave, toaster oven, stove top)? Intellectual Your child must be able to read and take a written message; follow and give directions; and understand and describe house rules and safety/emergency procedures. Social/Emotional Your child needs to feel good about being left home alone; feel confident In his/her ability to take care of him/herself; and be comfortable with limited social interaction. Take cues from your child. If he/she says he/she is afraid, lonely, or unsure of his/her ability to stay home alone, he/she is not ready. Once you believe your child is ready, create a plan. Begin by talking with your child about the possibility of staying home alone. Ask if he/she would like to stay home alone. If not, don't force the issue. If yes, then do the following.
There is no magic age at which children can stay home alone. What matters most is (1) whether they are mature enough, (2) they know how to respond in emergency situations, and (3) they are willing to follow directions and rules. If your children are not comfortably self-sufficient in your absence, they are not ready to stay home alone. References
Prior to the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry, or NCCYM, in San Jose last month, I participated in a two-day "Youth Mental Health First Aid" training. (I am sure you will hear and see me reference this training a few times in the future!) One of the numerous ideas I noted was tis idea of a "Been There, Done That" box of index cards.... What you would do is to contact parents who have gone through some specific situation, issues or crisis, and see if they would be open to talking with other parents from the parish or school who approach you to discuss that topic. (I'd also suggest you ask these kind, brave parents willing to discuss their situations to pray for any parent that does contact them... and perhaps pray WITH them!) Examples include: -- teens breaking curfew and how to deal with that in a healthy way -- incarcerated youth -- dealing with underage drinking -- child diagnosed with a special need -- kids who struggled through their divorce -- custody issues -- teens cutting school (Start brain-storming as you reflect on questions parents ask you! What a wonderful resource this box can be as you help connect people that support each other and build community.) Please be sure to keep this information confidential, but have them on hard for support. Of course, you could keep this information on a spread sheet on your computer or tablet. And, obviously, for anyone who needs professional help, make that appropriate referral. However, often, parents just need support -- someone to listen someone who understands and sometimes some ideas and advice. This seemed like a great idea to share with you all as you approach Pastoral Care with youth and their families. Let me know if you do this and how it works for you. Add any helpful tips in the comments below. ==================================== Here is a prayer from Loyola Press for Parents: A Parent's Prayer Loving God, You are the giver of all we possess, the source of all of our blessings. We thank and praise you. Thank you for the gift of our children. Help us to set boundaries for them, and yet encourage them to explore. Give us the strength and courage to treat each day as a fresh start. May our children come to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. May your Holy Spirit help them to grow in faith, hope, and love, so they may know peace, truth, and goodness. May their ears hear your voice. May their eyes see your presence in all things. May their lips proclaim your word. May their hearts be your dwelling place. May their hands do works of charity. May their feet walk in the way of Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. AMEN. A virtual retreat for dads and those who have dads from Busted Halo (Paulist YAM) recently arrived in my emailbox. I appreciate the subject line: to celebrate relationships that continue to influence us as young adults. What a creative idea for celebrating the holiday that involves more than a text, a card or a tie. BustedHalo writes: Father’s Day is this weekend and it’s time to honor dear old Dad. Fathers share helpful advice and wisdom throughout our lives (or at least they try to.) Even if we’re too busy or stubborn to listen, dads are giving us tips on how to make our lives the best they can be. This virtual retreat helps young adults and their fathers connect with those wisdom moments and one another. You can do this retreat on your own or with your dad! Live far away? E-mail Dad the link and get on the phone, Facetime, or Skype. So, in addition to a card or gift (don’t forget!) celebrate Father’s Day with your father in a unique way. Why not take a few minutes to reflect and pray this weekend? Let me add just one brief thought as I considered: What piece of wisdom have you gotten from your dad? My father died when I was 12, but I knew that he loved his family, his community and his faith in the way he lived.... he was not only my dad, but also a brother son uncle god-father police officer usher at St. Joseph in Cuyahoga Falls Knight of Columbus (past Grand Knight), handy-man Marriage Encounter participant retreat leader neighbor and more... Through the ways in which he lived these roles, he taught me (among many other things) from an early age: Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. (1 John 3:18) Love is not just a word, not just a noun, but a verb... and action word that has to SHOW how one feels. Of course, he was human and not perfect, he could have an Irish-temper and be moody as he body adjusted to shift-changes on the police force, but what I remember most from my chidlhood are the numerous moments of LOVE. I am so fortunate that when I pray the "Our Father" and think of God as a fatherly-figure, I do have an image of love as displayed by my father. (I am sad for those who are unable to think of the word father with appreciation and love due to less-than-positive experiences, and pray that they can make a better situation for the next generation.) I think I will now go find the Amy Grant song that comes to mind, called "Father's Eyes". She captured my heart's desire so clearly. (I may have shared this before, but it is so fitting here today.) Father's Eyes Lyrics: I may not be every mom's dream for her little girl, And my face may not grace the mind of everyone in the world. But that's all right, as long as I can have one wish I pray: When people look inside my life, I want to hear them say, She's got her father's eyes, Her father's eyes; Eyes that find the good in things, When good is not around; Eyes that find the source of help, When help just can't be found; Eyes full of compassion, Seeing every pain; Knowing what you're going through And feeling it the same. Just like my father's eyes, My father's eyes, My father's eyes, Just like my father's eyes. And on that day when we will pay for all the deeds we have done, Good and bad they'll all be had to see by everyone. And when you're called to stand and tell just what you saw in me, More than anything I know, I want your words to be, She had her father's eyes, Her father's eyes; Eyes that found the good in things, When good was not around; Eyes that found the source of help, When help would not be found; Eyes full of compassion, Seeing every pain; Knowing what you're going through, And feeling it the same. Just like my father's eyes, My father's eyes, My father's eyes, Just like my father's eyes. My father's eyes, My father's eyes, Just like my father's eyes. Songwriters: CHAPMAN, GARY WINTHUR Father's Eyes lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group Here is a video of that song, if you are interested: (And Happy Father's Day to all the dad's out there.... and to all their sons and daughters! May we all have our Heavenly Father's Eyes, and maybe our earthly father's eyes as well!) A few thoughts gathered for the Office of Religious Education in-service tomorrow "Reaching Out In Mercy to Those with Special Needs") 1. Meeting with one-on-one with parents/guardians, both, if possible. Questions to ask: 1. What are your child’s interests? 2. Are there any sensory needs or dislikes that we should know about? 3. Is there anything that your child finds upsetting or uncomfortable? 4. Is an aide required? (Sibling, parent, or professional care-giver?) Will the aide, if an adult, be willing to complete the Diocesan Child Protection Policy steps to be present with youth? Assure them you are honored to be part of the team with them and appreciate their patience as you and team members learn some of the things necessary. Together, create a file that outlines any specific needs the student has, including medical issues, behavioral issues, or psychological issues. 2. Meeting one-on-one with the teen (and parents or aide) so s/he can get to know and feel comfortable with you. Ask: What are your interests? Ask: What are your concerns, if any? Try to find a specific way the teen can be of service at your Church (i.e. if s/he is good at singing, pair him/her with your VBS music group to help; if s/he has great computer skills, then ask him/her to work with a team to create a PowerPoint prayer service for a youth event, etc.) 3. Check your facilities to see if any alterations need to be made to better accommodate the youth with different abilities (may also want the parents to check with you as they will have additional insights and suggestions.) Consider access to rooms in use, restroom facilities, doorways, outdoor activity terrain, etc. 4. Ask if any of your youth ministry team members have experience or expertise in working with youth with disabilities? You may be surprised at the wealth of expertise available at your parish when you consider:
Would they be willing to either work directly with the teen or train someone else how to assist the teen? 5. Prepare your team members/catechist/volunteers – see what resources they may need to be able to comfortably integrate the youth. Good news: Because of the main-streaming trend in school systems, most of our teens will already be fine with members of differing abilities… So that will help! You may find teens very willing to volunteer to be a buddy with the new teen to assist at an event. Keep lines of communication open with the teen, his/her parents, and your team members. What additional suggestions would you have to add? Idea for discussion: HOW DOES YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG CONNECT TO CHRISTMAS? Ask each teen to consider their favorite Christmas song, and how it connects to the holiday. (This means they may have to think a little harder about how "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" intersects with the Nativity than "Silent Night" does!) Have a couple of your own ready to go to start the conversation.... Have them share in small groups, and let the groups pick one to share with the larger group. Challenge to add - as one teen says the name of a song, challenge the others to write down an many lyrics as they can... (shows the influence of music, and possibly how we can 'hear' without truly listening... after the song is presented, discuss any words or phrases they do not understand. Look up any you do not know to share the answers the following week!) Ones that are easily tied to the Nativity could include:
What others would you/your teens add to the list? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This can easily be adapted for use with YOUNG ADULTS (and you can probably have them play the songs from their cell phones for all to hear) and for FAMILY MINISTRY by asking families to work together as a small group. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ One quick personal reflection on "Mary Did you Know?" and "Breath of Heaven" I recently read one article critiquing the theology of the first song, but I have to say that it was a transformational song for me along with "Breath of Heaven"... these two songs gave me a deeper respect for Mary, the Mother of God. Before reflecting upon the lyrics, I pretty much glossed over level of sacrifice and pain that Mary may have experienced in her saying "YES" to God via Gabriel. These two songs helped me to relate a bit more to the humanity of this young girl who once walked the earth. Perhaps I did did not before give her credit for having emotions, except for when I envisioned her crying during the Stations of the Cross. Since I have not experienced pregnancy, I never really thought much about how she could have felt which Jesus grew in her womb. Since I have not given birth, I had not really considered the physical pain being paired with emotional concerns for his health and safety and well-being even though she KNEW he was God's own son. However, especially in the second song, I learned that doubting or questioning are not the important aspect of the story... faithfulness is! Even IF Mary wondered if she were worthy, she remained faithful. Even if Mary didn't completely comprehend how Jesus would suffer as a young adult, she new He was in God's hands and she just needed to do what God called her to do, Who God called her to be. Isn't that we are all asked? While my epiphany moments began after first hearing "Breath of Heaven" back in 1992, I still pause each Advent to deepen my appreciation and work on my own openness to God's call in my life. ********************************************************************************************* Lyrics: "Mary Did You Know" (originally by Mark Lowry (lyrics) and Buddy Greene (melody)) Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your Baby Boy has come to make you new? This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand? Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God? Mary did you know.. Ooo Ooo Ooo The blind will see. The deaf will hear. The dead will live again. The lame will leap. The dumb will speak The praises of The Lamb. Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations? Did you know that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb? The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am. ********************************************************************* Breath of Heaven(CHRIS EATON, AMY GRANT) I have travelled many moonless night Cold and weary, with a babe inside And I wonder what I've done Holy Father, you have come And chosen me now To carry your son I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear In a world as cold as stone, Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now Be with me now Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Light up my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Do you wonder as you watch my face If a wiser one one should have had my place But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan Help me be strong Help me be Help me Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Light up my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Light up my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Breath of heaven I love this idea 'borrowed' from Catholics Mobilizing: An Advent Jar What’s an Advent Jar you ask? Well, it’s just like an advent calendar, except you use a jar and Popsicle sticks. This is a creative and fun way to incorporate prayer, scripture, service and family time into your Advent journey as a family (or with roommates or even alone). For this project you will need: Mason Jar 26 Large popsicle sticks (the ones that are like tongue depressors) – colored ones are best 2” Wide Ribbon ½” wide ribbon Fine tip Sharpies Glue dots Starting with a clean, empty mason jar, cut the wide ribbon long enough to wrap completely around the jar with a bit extra on the ends to fold over. Fold over one end of the wide ribbon about an 1/8 of an inch. Using glue dots or double sided tape, adhere the large ribbon to the jar. Cut the ½” ribbon long enough to wrap around the jar with enough extra to make a bow. Place the smaller ribbon so it lays over the wider ribbon and tie it around the jar using a bow to secure it. Once the jar and ribbon is done, it is time to make your advent jar popsicle sticks. Using a fine tip sharpie families (or roommates or even an individual, as I did) should select 26 things – either from the list below, or they can make their own – that they can do throughout Advent. Write one thing on each stick and place it in the jar. Each morning, take 2 seconds before running out the door to grab a stick and make that your goal for the day. Or if your family (roommates) gathers for dinner take the stick out before diner and talk over dinner about doing that item for the day. If you draw one that you can not do that day, simply place it back and draw another. 1. Say a prayer for someone who is sick or lonely 2. Drive around the neighborhood to look at Christmas Lights 3. Go out to the town’s annual tree lighting 4. Go to Church this Sunday as a family 5. Do something nice for some who you may not always like 6. Bake Christmas Cookies and listen to Christmas music 7. Read a favorite Christmas story together as a family 8. Decorate the Christmas tree as a family 9. Baking cookies for Santa – make extra to give to neighbors or those who are homeless 10. Read the Nativity story – Luke 2:1-14 11. Send a letter to a family member that lives far away 12. Set up the Nativity 13. Pray Psalm 25 together as a family 14. Write a note to a family member telling them one thing you are thankful for – about them! 15. Offer to help with a chore that is not normally “yours” 16. Make a Christmas Card for your favorite teacher and give it to them 17. Say a prayer at dinner for all those who are hungry 18. Do a kind act for a neighbor 19. Read the story of St. Nicholas whose Feast Day is celebrated during Advent 20.Make 5 Christmas cards and deliver to a hospital or nursing home 21. Make hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie as a family 22. Pray the joyful mysteries of the Rosary as a family – dedicate your prayers to those who go without 23.Collect change for 5 days – the entire family collects all their extra change each day – donate what you collected to an organization that helps those who are sick. 24.Pray for those who do not have families during this holiday season 25.Wrap presents for friends and family 26. Write your own ideas..... (Could also write carious Scripture verses on each stick to help you remember to include the Bible in your daily life!) I found green and red craft sticks at Dollar Tree (40 for $1) as well as ribbon and a jar...so this can be done very inexpensively and can be used from year to year! Happy Advent! |
Details
*** 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
July 2021
Categories
All
|