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
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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. 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. 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. ========================== 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! Virtual Youth Ministry
COVID-19 protocols moved us quickly to our homes and ended large gatherings. As we do not yet know when we may be safe and open to gather, God has blessed us with time to keep connected with teens and their parents using technology! The following are just a few reminders and tips on doing this well. (Feel free to add more ideas in the comments below.) First, for all of these, make sure you have an updated and revised-as-needed "Permission for Direct Contact with Youth" so you can follow the parent's wishes. (You can find it in KEY FORMS on the Coordinators page of this site) TELEPHONE CALLS 1. Have a phone log of some sort - can be a spreadsheet on your computer or a paper-and-pen notebook. Have space to note: - date - time (start and end) - number called - with whom you spoke - notes abut the topics discussed 2. Consider writing a script before calling, even if it is just a basic check in, write down your questions and any announcements, resources or references you plan to share. Don't read the script like a robot, but it is good to have on hand to assist you should the teen or parent be quiet, and assured you will cover the same information with each call. 3. If it is safe and possible to make the calls from a parish phone, with other staffers or volunteers nearby, that is preferred. If not, make sure that your pastor/supervisor approves whatever phone line you will use and with what other adult will be nearby, and amend your "Permission for Direct Contact with Youth" Form as needed. 4. Say a prayer that the Holy Spirit will guide your words and grant the call-receiver peace. 5. Call. Listen. Be reassuring. Offer to pray for/with, if you feel comfortable. Take notes in your call log. ========================================== EMAILS and SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS 1. Use official parish accounts, or have permission from the pastor/supervisor for other accounts and amend your "Permission for Direct Contact with Youth" Form as needed. 2. Always have at least one other adult connected with each communication/monitoring the account. 3. Try not to over do it (believe me, I struggle with this when I see many things I would like to share. I try to save some items to share on subsequent days. On Facebook and a few other social media, you can schedule out posts in advance.) 4. Be sure to follow up on any comments and questions posted, if you allow them. 5. Feel free to share posts from the Vatican.va, Pontifex, the USCCB, the Diocese of Youngstown, our Catholic Charities and other diocesan offices as they support your efforts. 6. Remember, you are sharing the Gospel in all that you post! (Note: similar for Group Texting efforts!) ================================= VIRTUAL MEETINGS/GATHERINGS 1. Use official parish accounts, or have permission from the pastor/supervisor for other accounts and amend your "Permission for Direct Contact with Youth" Form as needed. Currently, the diocese does not limit what platform you can use, as we want you to work what works for you.... free options exist with FreeConferenceCall.com, Zoom, Google Meetings (Hangouts), and Facebook Live (to be done within a closed Group page, unless you just want to broadcast without interaction.... and paid options with Go To Meetings, Cisco WebEx, Flocknote, etc. (Feel free to include others you use in the comments below.) 2. Always have at least one other adult participating (and two or more for each small group if you use a program in which you will be breaking them into small groups). 3. Prepare an outline (with scripting as needed) for the gathering - opening and closing prayer, ground-rules, discussion, activity, etc. Preview any videos you plan to share. Even if it is just a casual hangout while teens discuss homework or topics they wish, make sure faith is infused. I mean, we need to recognize God as part of all our experiences, especially in ministry. 4. Practice with the platform you will be using before your actual session so that you can see how features work and what PRIVACY settings you may want to enable. 5. Make event By Invitation Only -- not posted on parish website or public forum, unless you can secure the site and approve each participant. (If you haven't yet heard, some unfortunate individuals have been Zoom-bombing wherein they disrupt sessions and occasionally post inappropriate things in an open chat, post inappropriate images in open-screen-sharing, etc. thus the need for security.) 6. Pray before you begin that the Holy Spirit will guide you and touch the hearts of the participants. 7. Have any screens (prayers, videos, resources, images, etc.) ready to share before you begin. 8. Begin... RECORD the session if possible... establish ground-rules (muting, respecting when other speak, etc.)... be reassuring and faith-filled... enjoy! 9. End on time - parents will appreciate it. You can always schedule another session if they want more time! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ May our God bless you in special ways as you explore new ways to minister to, for and with our Young Church! 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! 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 Most youth ministers and high school catechists discovered years ago that teens learn better by Doing and so have gotten very creative in ways to help youth apply learnings, but we often still have time for lecturing by the adult. A few of us have moved to sending articles/chapters/booklets home to read or video links to view prior to meeting for class or session, adapting the teaching method of "flipped classroom" into religious education. (You can learn more about this below.) This is a great way to assure there is time to respond to questions and encourage discussion (so long as the students actually do the preparation and if all the youth have access to the media needed!) I like this explanation of Jigsaw Learning as a way of perhaps using some Flipped Model, but giving another way for the youth to dive into the content. I think many of us have used this method in concept, but perhaps not with as much organization as this video describes: This video lays out a game plan clearly. I really like the "expert group" portion where teens help each other understand the concepts (with adult advisors assisting when needed.) Then when the teens take the extra step to TEACH, we know they learn better. Albert Einstein once said: “I never teach my pupils, I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” Can you see how the Jigsaw can provide conditions to learn? I can envision a few ways to use this: a. using The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, dividing up sections of the Catechism of the Catholic Church or selecting by topic, such as: Creed... Prayer... Parts of the Mass... Gifts of the Holy Spirit… Fruits of the Holy Spirit… Types of Books in the Bible.... The 7 Sacraments... what other topics jump out for you to consider using Jigsaw? b. having the above or YouCats for teens to look up topics that apply to the textbook you may be using for religious class c. if using the Phlaum Weeklies, divide up sections, making sure teens have access to the teaching guide and supplementary booklets as well as Bibles and other resources to allow them to expand the information d. even on a retreat, set aside some time for learning sessions on the theme of the retreat. e. prior to a service/mission activity, cover Catholic Social Teachings or elements of the service project as connected to our faith. What other ideas come to mind? -------------------------------- Reflection (feel free to share your responses as a Comment below)
Thanks for all you do to pass on the faith to the next generation. We must ensure that young people are well equipped for their special mission in the world. -Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry Quick overview of a Flipped Class:Example of watching a Flipped Classroom“Those who know, do.
Those that understand, teach.” ― Aristotle A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups - porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive, and some exquisite - elling them to help themselves to the coffee. After all the students had a cup of coffee in hand, the professor said: "If you noticed, all the nice-looking, expensive cups were taken up, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is but normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. "Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most cases, it's just more expensive and in some cases even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but you consciously went for the best cups... and then began eyeing each other's cups. "Now consider this: Life is the coffee, and the jobs, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not define nor change the quality of life we live. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee God has provided us." God brews the coffee, not the cups . . . enjoy your coffee. (Author unknown) |
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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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