![]() In a recent email I received from Twenty-Third Publications, they presented the following statistics: 23.3 The percent of Catholics who normally attend Mass every week or more often. 20.5 The percent of Catholics who attend Mass almost every week. 24.1 The percent who will most likely attend only on Christmas or Easter. 1 The number of opportunities we have at Christmas or Easter (or Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday) to welcome and coach those who attend Mass infrequently. Or as the old saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression! It seems important to think about this on Ash Wednesday, because we are first of all being reflective and looking for ways to change ourselves to become better disciples of our Lord Jesus. Secondly, our Churches tend to see a number of folks at Mass on Ash Wednesday that we probably did not see the previous weekend. Several years ago, I wrote an article for the Catholic Exponent regarding the number of young adults (ages 18 - 30s) who I called "CAPE Catholics" as they consider themselves Catholic, practicing Catholics even, but who may only attend Mass on Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Easter (was an update on the C&E Catholics of the previous generation as it seemed that the two additional days were of importance to the young adults.) In any event, the point of the story was to encourage parishioners to WELCOME, SMILE AT, and BE GLAD to see the increased numbers of attendees at the Masses those days. {Article posted below.} We have a number of Catholics who feel very connected to God, and who know things about our beliefs, practices, rituals and prayer, but who are disconnected to a faith community because they lack the sense of community! Our young Church members do not see community as people who live nearby or who belong to the same institution....no, they want a deeper sense of community, wherein they feel wanted, treasured, accepted, and known. Therefore, as community members, it is up to us to welcome those with unfamiliar faces. Ask their names and invite them to additional events, activities or to return next weekend for Mass. While the point is not only to increase the numbers you read above, that should happen if more people feel connected to our God through our faith communities. Let is 'build the City of God' and grow the Body of Christ in our parish this Lent. At the 2013 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, emcee Jesse Manibusan stressed that "Being Catholic means everybody's welcome!" So, let us make sure we welcome them! =============================================== The Catholic Exponent Article from 2007 (similar article ran in 2004 or 2005) Welcome CAPE Catholics Cindee Case Special to the Exponent Did you notice a full Church on Ash Wednesday? It seems for the past several years, more and more people so come to this Mass to receive ashes. The Church was almost as crowded as on Christmas or Easter. As a child, I remember a couple times of the year when my parents would make sure that we were ready for Church earlier than usual. There was worry about getting a good parking place or seats in our regular pew. I found it fascinating to see the Church packed full with standing room only. I later learned that the “extra” people who showed up these couple of times a year were referred to as “C & E Catholics,” in that appeared for Christmas and Easter. As I grew older, I began to notice that Christmas and Easter were easy times for young adults to go to Church since it was usually tied into family time; plans for opening gifts or baskets were often scheduled around Mass. In a 2002 study done by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University, it shows that 62 % of pre-Vatican II Catholics (born before 1943) surveyed attend Mass every week or more, while 40% of the Vatican II generation (born 1943-1960) does, and only 26% of Post-Vatican II young adults (born after 1960) do. A large portion of this post-Vatican II group is often called “Generation X.” The CARA report states “members of this generation are relatively less likely to make long-term commitments, are more pragmatic and less ideological, and are relatively more interested in issues of identity and community than those before them.” Generation X makes up about 42% of adult Catholics. Instead of just Christmas and Easter, we now seem young adults on Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday, too. Sure, some cynics joke that they come then to “get something” – the ashes and palms. These outward signs of our faith are important. This is why the Church has “sacramentals” – to be signs of our faith. If the outward signs do not already reflect the inward faith, then they help to develop it. So, I think it is great that so many adults, young and older, take this step on four big celebrations –Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday and Easter (thus my term CAPE Catholics.) The problem is then, that too many young adults do not realize all that they “get” at “regular” Masses. There is no understanding that they can “get” a community of faith there to support them and the Body and Blood of Christ transform them. The U.S. Bishops, in their 1997 document Sons and Daughters of the Light list four goals for ministry with young adults, all involving connections:
Our first step is hospitality. Like the theme song of the popular 1980’s TV show “Cheers” said, “You want to go where everybody knows your name,” we all tend to feel more comfortable going to a place we are known and welcomed. If our parishes truly are to be faith communities, we must know one another. Or at least be friendly towards one another. So, please, come Palm Sunday and Easter, smile and greet the new faces you see, or at least do not give them “the look” if they are sitting in “your” pew! Dare to say hello and welcome them to the community, and maybe even to invite them to return next week. After all, these CAPE Catholics help us understand the importance of these Holy Days and scaramentals in our Church. Cindee Case is the diocesan director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and former Board of Directors President for the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association.
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![]() This question was asked at the workshop "Confirming Young Disciples" by the Center for Ministry Development: What do you HOPE for young people who are being prepared for Confirmation? How would YOU answer this question? (Please, post in the comments section below) Do we ask our Confirmation team members this each year? Do we ask parents this? Do we ask sponsors this? Hey, what about the candidates themselves.... what kinds of answers do you think they might give? Perhaps they will surprise us. In any event, I love the simplicity of the question and the possibilities of where the responses can take us. Below, in no particular order are the responses we listed on post-its at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Vienna, Ohio (Diocese of Youngstown, February 19, 2014): We hope.... - that they become saints - alive in love of Jesus in the Gospel - enlightens them to give the gifts they are given - continue their growth in their faith - become true disciples/share their faith - they become 'alive' in their faith and 'present' - celebrates the faith that has begun in them - continue to grow in their faith - engages us to our community - calls us to be active in our relationship with God - they will always have questions & that they are willing to ask the questions, not walk away - to give life to their faith - a Personal Pentecost that unites us to the original Pentecost and the living Body of Christ - empowering them to live as Catholics - zeal to continue to learn and grow in their faith - that they come to love Jesus - open to see God working in their life - open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in their life - empowered - stay thirty (keep pursuing God) - good examples - increase in JOY in the Lord - openness to Holy Spirit in regards to their future - support - ownership in Church (participation in life of Church) - live faith in all parts of life - they are reborn in openness to the work of the Holy Spirit in them - strengthen relationships (youth, sponsors, parents) - loving relationship with Jesus Christ - model Christ to others - connection to the Church and parish community - willingness to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ - attending Mass on a regular basis - ACTIVE, not passive - NOT graduation - participation in ministry - see the value of the experience of enrichment: they WANT it, not their parents - connection to Baptism - understand renewal of those promises and take ownership of it - they become involved in parish ministries - they appreciate the gifts and graces that have been strengthened by the Holy Spirit - they live out their faith - they come with an open mind to the Sacrament - they "fall in love" with Jesus - that they "use" the gifts of the Holy Spirit and produce the fruits - that they be fully engaged in the Catholic Church - they become "on fire" in their faith - live faith in ALL parts of their life - that they are still practicing Catholics 20 years from now! Whew, what a list -- of course, we have a lot of hopes and dreams for our youth...and hopefully we step forward in faith to journey with and guide them by living lives of Christian witness! Come Holy Spirit! ![]() I was asked again recently, "What do I have to do for diocesan Child Protection certification or whatever it is called?" So, I thought I'd post here what I shared (so you can share it with others who ask you!) Our DCPP (Diocesan Child Protection Policy) compliance begins with a 4 step process to be done through one's parish/Catholic institution. 1. Read the Diocesan Child Protection Policy booklet (these are free and available through your parish/institution coordinator) 2. Sign and submit the booklet Authorization and Verification form to your parish/institution coordinator 3. Participate in a two-hour "Treasured Gifts from God" in-service (dates and location are often listed in the monthly "Communique'" email (http://www.doy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128&Itemid=100 ) 4. Have your fingerprints done via webcheck at any Ohio location having the report sent to your parish/institution. (If you are new to Ohio, an FBI check will need to be done.) After these 4 steps, and a "clean" fingerprinting report is received by the parish/institution, the DCPP administrator submits a checklist to the Office of the Chancellor. Once the individual is entered into the diocesan data-base, that adult is found to be in compliance and can chaperon/drive/volunteer with/serve youth. Furthermore, for those serving in youth ministries, your parish/institution coordinator should be providing ongoing education in this area, perhaps more on recognizing signs of abuse, or how to create a safe environment, etc. So long as you stay in continuous service at the same institution, there is currently no need for re-fingerprinting. However, should you change locations or go inactive more than one year, then you are required to start the process over again. Our diocesan Chancellor is always available to assist as needed, just contact the diocese at 330-744-8451. ![]() Article from the Diocese of Orange Submitted by Armando M. Cervantes at http://orangeyoucatholic.com/blog/get-ready-year-biblein-movie-theatres How many times do we use movies as a way to engage the youth of today? Either you suscribe to using the culture to teach about morals and values and what Scripture and the church teaches. Or you shy away from the culture, hoping to instill in the younger generation a sense of distance from the "popular culture" and our faith. Well it seems the big studios are going to side with us in 2014, which seems to be a year of wonderful movies coming out. Below is a review from Jonathan Merritt who write on Faith & Culture for the Religious News Services (RNS) for some of the most talked about films coming out: “Son of God” | 20th Century Fox (February 2014) Reality TV pioneer Mark Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, shocked the world last year when their History Channel series “The Bible” set cable TV records. Now, the Christian power couple has taken footage from that series and partnered with 20th Century Fox to create “Son of God,” a film about Jesus’ life that will doubtlessly attract churchgoing Americans. As the first film on this list to release, it may be helpful box office barometer for the others. “Noah” | Regency Enterprises (November 2014) A flood of publicity has already been created around the “Noah” film and its impressive $130 million budget. The cast includes Russell Crowe, as the sailor himself, as well as Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly, and Emma Watson. Darren Aronofsky of “Black Swan” fame directed the movie. If the trailer is any indication, it should be visually stunning while taking massive artistic liberties in creating details not found in the biblical narrative. Watch the Trailer. “Heaven is For Real” | Sony Pictures (April 2014) Though not technically a biblical movie, Sony Pictures’ “Heaven is For Real” must also be mentioned because it will likely riff on popular Bible themes such as heaven, Jesus, and salvation. The film is based on the New York Times bestselling book by the same name and stars Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilley, and Thomas Haden Church. This story of a little boy’s life-after-death experience is not so coincidentally scheduled to release just before Easter. Watch the Trailer. “Exodus” | 20th Century Fox (December 2014) Twentieth Century Fox has kept a tight lid on Ridley Scott’s “Exodus.” All we know is that the film is an adaptation of the biblical story of the ancient Israelite people’s liberation from Egypt. Christian Bale will star as Moses, and Sigourney Weaver will co-star. Critics won’t be able to help themselves from comparing the film to the 1956 movie “The Ten Commandments” starring Charlton Heston. The question will be whether this film can duplicate the classic’s box office success. “Mary, Mother of Christ” | Lionsgate Films (December 2014) The long awaited prequel to “The Passion of The Christ” is scheduled to arrive before Christmas after a long set of delays. The cast includes the late Peter O’Toole, Sir Ben Kinglsey, Julia Ormond, and 16-year-old Israeli newcomer Odeya Rush as the holy mother herself. The hefty cast combined with a serious budget from Lionsgate and the backing of several Christian notables (including mega-church pastor Joel Osteen who gets an executive producer credit) give this movie serious box office potential. ---------------------------- Thanks Armando and Jonathon! We will have to wait to see which will be rated G, PG or PG-13 for our teens, and which will be rated R for our younger and older adults to see. ![]() From the 2012-13 Parish Youth Ministry Reports submitted to the OY&YAM, these were listed as the most "successful" youth ministry programs, events, or series by the parish contacts. Please note that "success" does not mean the most people attended, although that is some times true, it means that there was an impact on the youth in regards to their understanding of Christ, faith and our Church. These are merely listed in the order they were received, at to not seem like I am picking favorites! But, I do like seeing that the most frequent seem to be service activities and mission trips. Also popular were retreats, learning, fun and larger-Church events. I posted these in the "Youngstown Youth Ministers" board on Facebook, but wanted to repeat these here as well as to be a 'spring board' of ideas for your local consideration! THANKS for all your positive efforts to share the Gospel with teens! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Appalachian Mission Trip in July Celebrate (retreat program) YDisciple "pilot" year at St. Charles a kick-off picnic for the high school teens and their parents: Late morning Mass, food, meet and greet and games. Halloween party Our 1st Annual Community Day -- 10 teens and their families do odd jobs/service at our home-bound parishioners’ homes. Our mission trip to KY was also a great experience The 30 hour famine Community outreach projects such as work for the elderly in Rake n' Run Parish Fall Festival work at Kid's Game & volunteer in dining room Vacation Bible School attracted a number of Youth Group volunteers the Diocesan Youth Convention October Caramel Apple Making Session End of Year Senior Blessing end of year Celebration of Youth preparing and serving lunch at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall caroling at St. Joseph's Hospital Living Stations The Easter Flower Delivery An Overnight Youth Retreat - including Mass & Reconciliation The Youth Ministry Famine The trip to Appalachia. Regency Bingo, held monthly The Laser Quest Outing and Bowling Party with Stark County Emmaus Retreat Kairos Retreat K Day Mission Travel to Kentucky, Youngstown, Ecuador and Kenya "Soup" Kitchen days Monthly Masses and Music Ministry Groups Theology of the Body Program for grades 7 and 9 LifeNight Cedar Point When the students voice what topics were of interest to them. Preparing treat bags for younger students "A Christmas Pageant" for parents, followed by Christmas Family luncheon (K-12) Narration of the Gospel with younger children acting out the roles at the 4:30 Children's Mass Christmas Caroling Retreat preparing for Confirmation DVD 7 deadly sins, 7 lively virtues -Fr. Robert Barron Collecting food for the Emmanuel Care Center on Super Bowl Sunday DYC Steubenville Youth Conference a Wii Tournament ![]() Last week, it was enriching to gather at St. Michael Family Life Center in Canfield with so many people interested in using "Technology for the New Evangelization." If you were there, I'd love to hear what excited you? What new trick did you learn? What ideas inspired you? How were you affirmed for the ideas you are already working on? What else would you like to know? WKBN was there to cover the day, and posted a story at http://www.wkbn.com/news/local/conference-gives-churches-tech-tips Sr. Susan Wolf, SND even dedicated one of her blog entries to the day: http://www.catholicwebsolutions.com/2014/01/21/diocesan-technology-day-a-sign-of-progress/ For those that attended my workshop: I know that I overwhelmed you with information, and I appreciate your patience! I really do get excited about the information and all the possibilities to enhance our outreach with youth. (I may have also had an extra cup of coffee at lunch, haha!) The PowerPoint slides (with their over-abundance of information for your reading) have been posted as promised - and linked on my Sessions page of this site: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/cindees-sessions.html ![]() I was excited in 2007 when I purchased the Amy Grant CD "Home for Christmas" as I had long enjoyed her voice and I looked forward to hearing her take on many favorite holiday tunes. A couple songs into my first listen, I was struck by a song that was new to me... a song that beckoned me to pause to reflect upon the "Advent experience" from the perspective of a pregnant Mary. While I was, of course, very familiar with the scripture stories and our popular traditions around Mary being visited by the angel to announce that she would found favor with God and would bear his son, as well as the dream that Joseph had that encouraged him to still marry Mary and raise the child with her. I knew of the journey to see Elizabeth her kinswoman. And, the search for a place to give birth is well known. However, I did not reflect much before on the pondering that must have taken place for Mary in between. The song "Breath of Heaven" is one possible take on her pondering. In case you are not familiar with it, the lyrics are: I have traveled many moonless nights 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, lighten 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 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, lighten 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, lighten my darkness Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy Breath of Heaven, Breath of Heaven Breath of Heaven (Songwriters CHRIS EATON, AMY GRANT, Published by © BUG MUSIC) This has since become a wonderful focus song for Advent for me. Mindful that God chose Mary to be a special vessel, I love the idea of her wondering if she should be the one? Was she strong enough? Smart enough? Holy enough? How well this explains our human doubts. Before receiving Holy Communion, how often do I wonder these same things. Basically, am I worthy? Well, of course not, as we admit that "I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof..." yet we, in His grace, continue "but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." Do I truly allow God's Word to enter into my soul? Much as Mary allowed the Spirit, or breath, of God to enter her, now must I be open to the Spirit coming in the presence of bread/host and wine. May it "pour over me (God's) holiness" to make me more holy in His name. Thank you, Lord, for speaking through Amy Grant in this way that grabbed my heart and encouraged me to reflect more deeply on the faith that Mary placed in you, and to allow that example to inspire me to take you more deeply "under my roof" as Christmas nears....but also for each and every time I receive you in the Eucharist. As I receive your body and blood, keep me mindful that I also receive a "Breath of Heaven." ![]() I created a handout for a Youth Ministry Gathering a decade ago that has been shared upon request and with NCYC Group Leader meeting attendees. I thought I should 'dust it off' and re-check website links before the Inaugural Lunch and Learn Session next Thursday (12-12-13) wherein we will be discussing Record-keeping and Budgets. Feel free to add your tips and ideas in the COMMENTS below. FUNDRAISING CONSIDERATIONS - Check to make sure your idea is not already a big fundraiser for another parish/school group or organization. If you duplicate fundraisers, not only may you run the risk of not being as successful as you hope, you may create a negative relationship with the other club or group! - Advertise, advertise, advertise! For many fundraisers, you will want support not only from your parishioners, but also from the larger community! - Organize more volunteers than you think you will need. Good customer service is always appreciated, and that cannot be given if there are too few volunteers! - Set a goal based on a specific trip or event, or for the entire ministry year. Monitor that goal in a location that parishioners can see. After the fundraiser, publish the results (parish bulletin, city paper, etc.) and thank the supporters. - Safety should be goal #1—if selling ideas door to door or at a public location, remind the students to have an adult present and to never go it alone. Be cautious in dark areas and never carry a large amount of money. Also, use caution when lifting/moving heavy boxes of supplies. - It is best to have checks made out to your Church/group account rather than in the name of a person, whenever possible. This also allows the 5019(c )(3) to offer a receipt to donors for tax purposes, which may increase your donations! - Fundraisers provide a lot more than just money as a benefit--- they also provide opportunities for leadership development, building communication skills, community building, financial experience and event planning practice! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FUNDRAISING COMPANIES/PRODUCTS: (These are provided for informational purposes only. No endorsement is implied or given for any of these companies.) www.justcatholic.com www.fundraisers.com www.abcfundraising.com www.justfundraising.com or call 1-888-440-4114 www.profitpotentials.com or call 1-800-543-5480 www.school-fundraisers.com or call 1-866-327-7900 www.activeteamfundraising.com or call 1-866-698-3267 http://allstar1.com/ or call 1-800-642-4766 www.resourcefundraising.com or call 1-800-642-0780 www.longaberger.com/cindeecase (or contact any direct-sales consultant to inquire about fund-raising options; often the consultant donates a portion of her/his profits to your group.) http://www.fundraising.com/ or call 1-800-443-5353 http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/ or call 1-866-874-8383 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FUNDRAISER IDEAS: ITEMS TO SELL: --Candy/lollipops --Holiday wreaths or ornaments --Candles --Christmas cards --Doughnuts --Pizzas --Cookies or cookie dough --Tickets to sporting events or amusement parks --Phone cards --Huge garage sale with parishioner donations --Magazines --Community discount cards or coupon books --Ad space in a program book --Statues or religious icons --Cheesecakes --Flower bulbs --T-shirts --Cookbooks --Raffle tickets for great/donated prizes --Rummage sale SERVICES TO SELL: --Windshield wash --Carwash --Babysitting during holiday shopping season --Lawn work --House cleaning --Spaghetti dinner --Pancake breakfast --Hold talent show, charge admission fee --Sponsor a “coffee house” complete with beverage varieties and entertainment --Ice cream social --Chili Cook Off Contest A-THONS: (get sponsors) --Walk-a-thon --Rock-a-thon --Dance-a-thon --Bowl-a-thon --Jump-a-thon --Swim-a-thon --Silent Prayer-a-thon OTHER IDEAS --Hold a reverse raffle --Burger King, Chili’s, Beef O’Brady’s or other restaurant incentive nights --Collect cell phones to recycle for money --Take Stock in our Youth --Golf or Tennis tournament --Kidnap the Pastor (ask for ransom from parishioners) --Silent auctions --Fun Runs (or walk, or bicycle trips)—pay to play --“Sponsor a Teen” program --Spare Change collections after Masses or a Penny Drive --Annual second collection envelop --Involve a Direct Selling Consultant who will donate sales commissions from a show (like Longaberger, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Tupperware, etc.) --Grant-writing—sure it takes some work, but there is a lot of money waiting! --Online appeal via Facebook or other social media Cindee Case, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, Diocese of Youngstown, July 2003, 2013rev. ![]() 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 ![]() 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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