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!)
0 Comments
1/4/2016 Follow Up from a Large EventĀ (NCYC, DYC, retreat, March for Life, Mission Trip, etc.)Read NowDuring the last workshop round at the 2015 National Catholic Youth Conference, I participated in a "What Now" session with teens and adults from the Archdiocese of Dubuque. A pastor, youth minister and 4 youth shared their experience of the previous NCYC and how they took the energy and learnings back to their parish. They then invited all participants to consider what they may do after leaving NCYC.... and invited them to select one of the following areas in which to focus: What do I want to work on after NCYC? - Improve prayer life - Improve charitable actions - Grow YM at parish - Teach others about the faith - Liturgical ministries - Be more active in parish in general - Overcome challenges in life - Improve relationships Teens gathered in small groups around each of these areas and brainstormed ways they can take action back home. I thought this was a GREAT way to start bridging the experience with some practical ideas, and that while this was NCYC specific at the time, how it can easily be adapted for any large event. Consider it when you are busing back from the March for Life, or before leaving your retreat, or after attending the next Diocesan Youth Convention (DYC) or mission trip. (It is also not too late to gather your NCYC participants, if you went, to do this activity... after spending a little time reminiscing about the General Sessions, Camp Techakwitha, Prayer rooms, and break-outs, then ask them how they would like to build upon the experience in the New Year!) I have often seen that a "mountaintop experience" can have a tremendous impact on a young person. We may want to be like Peter, James and John at the Transfiguration who wanted to build a tent and stay there (Matthew 17).... but we must go back home and rejoin our 'regular' lives at school, work and with family and friends. However, pulling from another chapter of Matthew's Gospel (13), the large events are opportunities to sow seeds. If the seeds of the experience are not nurtured and fed, they quickly die... we must help our young people tend to the seeds so that they can bear great fruit for the individual, but even for our faith communities! "But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” (Matthew 13: 23) I was recently in a discussion with a Coordinator for Youth Ministry about various roles a facilitator takes during a retreat, which reminded me of the handout (copied below) prepared by Sister Mary Ann Spangler, HM as we trained young adults to lead youth retreats. I share this now for your use, not only in regards to preparing leaders for retreats, but also to consider when planning a class, meeting or other gatherings. Simple Sharing: Simple sharing is a group process in which each person is invited by the facilitator to share for about one minute without interruption from anyone else. Each can make statements based on facts or personal opinion. Questions for clarification can be asked after all members of the group have finished speaking. It is not the time for debate, discussion or other comments. If a person is not ready to share, they are permitted to pass and the facilitator will return to them after the last person in the group has had an opportunity to contribute. Silence: Silence, although not popularly recognized as a “group process,” is a very important group technique. At various points, the facilitator or participants may request a moment or more for silence. This is a time of quiet for reflecting and integrating what has been heard or presented. It is especially important for introverts to have this time for internal processing. Active Listening: Active Listening calls for total attention and openness to the speaker or input. It is a receptive stance that is non-judgmental and is often followed by other processes such as reflection or critical analysis. Reflection: Reflection is usually accompanied by silence. It provides a time to integrate information and refocus, to ponder meaning and implications. Reflection can be an invitation to place ideas and insights into a broader context and a chance to explore the application of values, as well as imagine possible consequences. Shared Reflection: Shared reflection provides the opportunity to share personal insights within a group context. It is usually accompanied by active listening, critical analysis and in a Christian context, may include prayer. Critical Analysis: Critical Analysis is an active process in which input is integrated into a context which includes, but is not limited to: social, economic, emotional, financial, spiritual, global, and historical realities. It is an opportunity to integrate what is known, in order to best recognize next steps. Discussion: Discussion is a conversation, back and forth, respectfully sharing factual information and opinions. This is not the same as debate (forensics) or argumentative conversation (conflict). This is an opportunity for strengthening understanding, seeking clarification, providing rationale and listening attentively. Brainstorming: Brainstorming is a process which encourages many ideas to be shared without judgment, clarification, discussion or comment. It is a method which generates many ideas in a very short period of time. It is a way for stretching, expanding and visioning new possibilities. It is helpful to have a secretary or recorder list the ideas for further analysis, reflection and discussion. Resistance: Resistance can be an internal or external pulling away from the central focus. It may involve slowing down or stopping a process and the flow of energy. It can be subtle and even unrecognized within an individual or group. Consensus: (Developed by Dobie Moser, March, 2004) Building Consensus is understood as a state of shared commitment regarding a specific statement within a group of persons. It is not a number indicating winning and losing, it is not the same as unanimity, nor is it a majority rules process. It is a process for listening, reflecting, and discerning how a group’s decision or direction reflects the values that it expresses as its own. Consensus requires having a specific statement representing the group to consider. Here are the ingredients of a well developed consensus statement 1. Focuses on a specific aspect of the topic 2. Takes a clearly articulated position 3. Reflects community identified common values 4. It is a statement of vision & direction - action steps come later Prayer: Prayer is a conversation with God which involves speaking and listening. It can be formal, informal, personal or communal and provides the faith foundation of mission, discipleship, and the eschatological mysteries. Discernment: Discernment is a process which leads to a faith-based decision. It incorporates a series of steps or phases some of which include: statement of a question or listing of options; openness to any possible outcome (freedom); gathering of data or information on each option; prayer for guidance; recognition of personal gifts, talents, and skills; recognizing the right “fit”; and a commitment to that choice which leads to inner peace. Dialog: Dialog is a more complex, in-depth conversation around questions or issues which incorporates many facets, perceptions and attitudes. Many of the processes identified above would be foundational when engaging in an honest and sincere dialog. Budgeting for a Retreat
1. Projected Expenses (Based on estimate of _____ participants) · Program needs (name tags, bibles, folders, candles, paper, poster board, etc.) · Leadership material needs · Recreation supplies · Audio-visuals · Planning team expenses · Guest speak stipends (if any) · Liturgical supplies · Priest stipend, if any, for reconciliation, Mass, etc. · Retreat remembrance gift (if any) · Retreat Center: Basic fee Per person fee Other fees · Transportation Van/bus Gas for cars Commercial bus Other fees · Food (if not included in retreat center charges) # of participants X food cost · Insurance (if not included in retreat center charges) # of participants X insurance cost 2. Projected Income (Based on estimate of _____ participants) · Fees from participants · Income from church/youth ministry budget · Fund-raising events · Special scholarship gifts · Other sources |
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
|