As a new academic year begins, it is helpful to reflect upon the strengths and challenges of programming, resources and services of the past as you plan for the year ahead. Here are the strengths reported on the 2015 PARISH YOUTH MINISTRY REPORTS: > Relationships—building them slowly with teens! > We attend their events: sports, plays, concerts; we know them and they know us. > Dynamic Youth Ministers > Good, dedicated catechists > Communication skills; knowing children/families; familiarity > Communication through texting, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, phone, email; bulletin; handouts; writing letters; doing one event/month with other Warren Area Catholic parishes > Passion of the YM team; youth dedication; pastor support > Consistency (bi-weekly meetings) > Strong leadership teams > Hard-working catechists and eager-to-participate students > Youth that are active at parish activities > Providing engaging and meaningful service opportunities > Active core team willing to meet teen where they are; attending events. > Both priests attending meetings, retreats and service—willing to pray with YM and caring for them; deacon involvement; young core members, emails; Life Teen > Enthusiastic students from a mix of public, Catholic and home schools. > Our willingness to try new things > Direct personal contact and enthusiasm of team > Great communication with teens through texts and social media > Facebook reflections and Scriptures; > Personal contact with youth and parents; reminders via text and REMIND > Ablaze attendees have become good friends and support one another and invite others > Sunday Mass, good liturgy, music, parishioner participation (welcoming environment) Which of these are strengths at your parish? Which might you want to have as strengths by the end of this year? What might you add to the list? May a foundation of prayer be with you and your fellow adult leaders so that your relationship with Christ is so close that His love exudes so strongly that the teens and their families cannot help buy notice and want to be a part of it! Here are a few scripture verses to remind you that the Lord is our Strength! On the day I cried out, you answered; you strengthened my spirit. ~ Psalm 138: 3 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4: 13 My strength and my refuge is the LORD, and he has become my savior. This is my God, I praise him; the God of my father, I extol him. ~ Exodus 15: 2 Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you. ~ Deuteronomy 31: 6 They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. ~ Isaiah 40: 31
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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
July 2021
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