A couple key quotes for all of us in youth ministries:
> Much more than the promotion of a series of activities for young people, this ministry consists in walking with them, accompanying them personally in the complex and at times difficult contexts in which they are immersed.” > "Youth ministry is called to gather the questions of young people of today and, from them, to initiate a true and honest dialogue to bring Christ into their lives" (Which words jumped out to you that can have impact on our ministries here in the USA?) -------------------------------- Full story: Pope's Message to 4th European Congress on Youth Ministry Vatican City, December 11, 2014 (Zenit.org) | Here is a translation of the message Pope Francis sent this morning to the president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, and to participants in the 4th European Congress on Youth Ministry. The three-day conference began today in Rome. It is sponsored by the laity council in collaboration with the Council of European Bishops' Conferences on the theme: A Young Church, Witness of the Joy of the Gospel. * * * To the Venerable Brother Lord Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity I express my cordial greeting to you, to the Bishops, and to the National Directors of the young people gathered these days at Rome for the 4th European Congress on Youth Ministry, organized by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, in collaboration with the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences, on the theme: A Young Church, Witness of the Joy of the Gospel. After the three meetings of the 90s, you are undertaking again to “walk together through the streets of Europe.” I invite you to recall that, as we walk while conversing and discussing together, Jesus approaches us in person and walks with us (cf. Luke 24:15). As the disciples of Emmaus, we let Him open our eyes to recognize Him, helping us to find in Himself the meaning of this difficult but exciting piece of history that is given to us to live together. You, who work in the field of youth ministry, do valuable work for the Church. Young people are in need of this service: of adults and mature contemporaries in the faith who accompany them on their path, helping them to find the way that leads to Christ. Much more than the promotion of a series of activities for young people, this ministry consists in walking with them, accompanying them personally in the complex and at times difficult contexts in which they are immersed. Youth ministry is called to gather the questions of young people of today and, from them, to initiate a true and honest dialogue to bring Christ into their lives. And in this connection, a true dialogue can be engaged in by one who lives a personal relation with the Lord Jesus, which overflows into the relation with brothers. You have come together for this reason, to create a “network” of acquaintances and friendships at the European level, thanks to which those in charge of the Continent’s youth pastoral ministry can share experiences had “in the field” and the questions that flow from them. We are well aware that there is much to be done. I ask you not to ever tire of proclaiming the Gospel, with your life and word: Today’s Europe is in need of rediscovering it! Therefore, I wish to encourage you to consider the present reality of European young people with the look of Christ. He teaches you to see not only the challenges and problems, but to recognize the many seeds of love and hope scattered in the terrain of this Continent, which has given the Church a great number of men and women Saints, and many of these are young! Let us not forget that we have been given the task to sow, but it is God who makes the seeds grow that we scatter (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:7). While you sow the Lord’s Word in this vast field that is European youth, you have the occasion to witness the reasons of the hope that is in you, with gentleness and respect (cf. 1 Peter 3:15). You can help young people to realize that faith is not opposed to reason, and thus support them to become joyful protagonists of the evangelization of their contemporaries. Finally, dear friends, in this year that calls attention at the same time to the family and to consecrated life, youth pastoral ministry is called to propose to young people a path of vocational discernment, to prepare themselves to follow Jesus on the way of conjugal and family life or on that of a special consecration to the service of the Kingdom of God. I pray to the Lord, through the intercession of the Holy Virgin, that the work of these days is rich in fruits for your commitment in youth ministry and, yet first, for your path of holiness, because it is holiness that makes the Church grow and opens hearts to receive the Gospel. I ask you, please, to pray for me and I bless you affectionately. From the Vatican, December 11, 2014 FRANCISCUS [Original text: Italian] [Translation by ZENIT]
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I came across these statistics from Pew Research again, and paused to think about these two statistics: 20% of Americans "shared own faith online" and 40% "shared faith in real-life setting in the past week. One would hope with the ending of the Christmas season that both of these stats would be higher (especially if you count the "Keep Christ in Christmas" memes that were posted via Facebook and Twitter!) But, now that we have begun Ordinary Time, does that mean that until Ash Wednesday, we might be quiet about our faith? Of course, I hope not! Particularly for those of us in ministry with youth and/or young adults. If we are to facilitate faith discussions with them, we must be willing to share pieces of our faith story. I've decided to work a bit more on this personally, as a bit of a belated New Year's Resolution. I began by posting on social media a picture from my Baptism day and commented on my daily commitment to live my Baptismal Promises. + How might you share your faith a bit more, both on social media and in person? How might you encourage those with whom you serve to do the same? Yesterday, we celebrated the Baptism of the Lord. Did you also recall stories from your own Baptism? I will admit that I do not remember mine as I was only a month old....but my godfather is still alive, so stories live on! (I don't look like I enjoyed it at the time, but I did start to appreciate it later in life and I still do my best to live those Baptismal Promises!) I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (The Rite of Baptism)
--------------------------------------------------------- Baptism, in fact, is more of a washing and a purification. It's more than becoming part of a community. It is a new birth. It is a new beginning of life. In Baptism we give ourselves over to Christ - he takes us unto himself so that we no longer live for ourselves, but through Him, with Him and in Him. We live with Him and thus for others. In Baptism we surrender ourselves, we place our lives in his hands so that we can say with St. Paul: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." Baptism implies this news: our life now belongs to Christ, no longer to ourselves. For this reason we are not alone even in death, but we are with Him who lives forever. Greeted by Christ in his love, we are free from fear and we live in and of the love of the One Who is Life. (Monsignor Francesco Follo, Zenit) (Just a quick reflection on today's readings) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News --- this is the Responsorial Psalm for Mass today. It goes on to point out: Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! For steadfast is his kindness for us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever. (Psalm 117) And it hit me..... the focus for my work in evangelization needs to be my recalling times when God's kindness and fidelity have been present in my life.... the times when I could SEE or FEEL God's presence with me, as well as the times when I was only aware upon looking-back. (This seems to tie in well with it being the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle -- blessed are those who have not seen, but have believed! John 20:29) Summer seems like a great time to pull up these memories then work on articulating them....and then work up the courage to share my stories when opportunities arise. This is the Good News that others long to hear: a kind and faithful God available to each and every person. While I can serve as a Lector at Mass (as the photo shows) sharing the Scriptures , I need to work on tying my own story to the stories we read/hear in the Bible of how God revealed Godsself to Moses, Abraham, David, Job, Mary, Peter, Thomas, Paul, and so on... If I can tell of times I have seen God at work in my life, it encourages others to do the same! Isn't that what evangelization is all about, helping others to see God in their own lives? Then they may wish to learn more about the Scriptures, the person of Jesus, and our faith communities. Then, we will realized what we heard from St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians in today's 1st reading: Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Amen! Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday -- some times called The Church's Birthday, because as the Holy Spirit touched the Disciples, and those who could hear them, They were sent on a mission from God -- and we are called to follow their lead. Yes, We're on a mission from God! OK, so the quote from the 1980 movie "The Blues Brothers" came to mind. I saw the movie many years ago, and I do not recall most of it -- but I do recall this line. Seems it was repeated throughout the movie (view the video linked from YouTube above to see as a group in Chicago pulled them for use.) In any event, if these Blues Brothers had been Baptized Catholics, they would indeed be sent on a mission from God -- just like we are! In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read: "Reborn as sons of God, [the baptized] must profess before men the faith they have received from God through the Church" and participate in the apostolic and missionary activity of the People of God (#1270). So, as the Baptized, we are to carry on this work of the Apostles. We have learned to do this by watching and learning from the examples of our families -- those in our homes, in our communities, and in our Church. We share stories of faith, read Scripture, pray together....and then are sent out to share our faith with others -- this is the missionary activity of the People of God. In the Gospel from Pentecost, Jesus tells the Disciples: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 20:21). Remember, Jesus didn't say, "Stay in the upper room and only talk amongst yourselves." No -- Jesus and our Creator sent the Holy Spirit to give us the gifts of wisdom,understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord (wonder and awe)... and the power to speak so that others can understand! (Back to the Pentecost readings.) What an awesome responsibility we have to go forth and share the Gospel. This is what evangelization is. Fortunately, we do not have to (nor should we) do it alone. The Church was born to guide and support us. The Church helps us with the mission from God. How does your parish support your mission? (I hope you respond through worship, sacraments, ministries, resources, community, etc....) Speaking, of mission, are you familiar with the Mission Statement for the Diocese of Youngstown? It pretty nicely ties in to these ideas: We are people of God in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Blessed with a rich variety of backgrounds and talents, we are a living reflection of the Universal Church. Through our baptism, we continue Christ’s mission to further the kingdom of God through the human family. We share our living faith by proclaiming the Gospel in word and example. Together we celebrate Christ’s presence in worship and sacraments. In a spirit of justice, mercy and love, we dedicate ourselves not only to minister to the people in the six counties of northeastern Ohio but also to minister to the world community. Yes, the Diocese of Youngstown (and it's ministries, like youth and young adult ministries) is on a mission from God! Thank you for being part of this mission! (The Diocese is NOT just the Cathedral, Chancery and diocesan staff....no, it is ALL OF US -- the Baptized that live within these 6 counties in Ohio.) May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen us to go forth as Jesus has sent us on this Mission from God! =================================== Bonus -- Prayer to the Holy Spirit (by Saint Augustine) Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy. "We want to show X movie to Y group..." This is the start of a potentially beautiful experience of learning, community building, reflection, prayer or just fun.... Or it could be a bad choice. How can you tell the difference? With the current string of religiously themed movies, this seems like a good time to share a few basic considerations if you are looking to show a movie to children, youth or families: 1. A group leader should ALWAYS preview a movie! Consider watching it twice, the first time to get an overall sense of the film; then if that seems fine, watch it again to look for any subtle themes, plot twists, backdrops or characters that may raise questions, concerns, or 'red flags.' You may wish to invite a few other adult to preview the movie with you so that you have additional eyes to notice things and insights to share. A few questions: -- what is that main message the film is communicating? -- what others themes is the film sending? -- what Gospel themes are connected? -- what Diocesan Curriculum Objectives are covered? (Hey, even if you are planning it just as a fun activity, it doesn't hurt to slip some catechesis in if you are sponsoring it as a ministry event!) -- is this movie the best way to teach these themes? -- can clips of the film be shown (obviously at a later date once they are available) to better get across the point(s) you hope to teach, or does the movie need to be seen in its entirety? -- what prayers, reflection questions and discussions can support the film theme(s)? Movies that pervert the faith or are blatantly immoral must be avoided. 2. What is the movie rating? Remember that the Motion Pictures Association of America is one form of rating, and a great starting point. G = General Audiences (all ages) PG = Parental Guidance suggested as some aspects may not be suitable for children PG 13 = Parental Guidance but really most viewers should be 13 and older R = viewers should be 17 and older or with a parent (often based on amount of violence, profanity, nudity) NC 17= restricted to only those 17 and older Therefore, you should NOT plan to high school teens to an R-rated movie, or small children to a PG film.... and I must add that you still might want to preview G-rated movies as some themes might be questionable for religious purposes, although they should be generally "safe" to watch. 3. How have Catholic Leaders rated it? Catholic leaders look at the movies not only based on the amount of violence, profanity, and nudity (the 3 criteria used for the MPAA ratings above) but also based on our Christian morals, teachings and scriptures. A. Catholic News Services --CNS continues to work begun by the U.S. Bishops Office for Film and Broadcasting by reviewing movies through the lenses of our Catholic faith. The rating system they use: CNS classifications:
Visit the website to see the ratings given in current and older movies: http://www.catholicnews.com/movies.htm B. Franciscans Media movie reviews (I am not sure if they add original reviews, or just post the CNS reviews from above? But the format for reading might be easier on some screens.) http://www.americancatholic.org/movies/ C. Sr. Rose Pacatte - Daughters of St. Paul community member Sr. Rose has taken the 5 Things the National Director for Catechesis says about media (see image to the right). She reviews and writes for a number of outlets to help Catholics chose movies wisely: RCL Benziger (publisher) has "Sr. Rose Goes to the Movies" video reviews posted for catechists, educators and parents at: http://sisterrosemovies.com/ Articles on movies posted with the National Catholic Reporter (newspaper): http://ncronline.org/authors/sr-rose-pacatte Pathos Faith Channels also has "Sr. Rose Goes to the Movies" for all ages at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/sisterrosemovies/ OK, so once you have previewed a movie (perhaps twice or with a team), decide that it is worthy of pursuing as a parish activity, have checked the movie ratings and see that reliable Catholic leaders support the film, please remember that if going as a youth event, you must follow all the guidelines regarding permission forms, Diocesan Child Protection Policy compliant chaperones and drivers.... then get some popcorn and enjoy! 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. 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. 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 Evangelization 101: Have you invited someone to go to Church/religious event with you? According to Barna research, only 4% of unchurched adults were invited to church by a friend and actually went, 23% were invited but declined, and 73% were never invited at all. These adults cannot possibly have been recalling high school days, right? Our youth ministries are great at inviting....aren't we? Teens know they are welcomed and when they can bring their friends to our programs, activities and events...correct? Perhaps we need to take time to evaluate our invitation styles, tools, and skills. Here are just a few questions to help evaluate: -- Do on our flyers, posts and announcements explicitly state WHO is invited and if friends can come? -- Are our flyers, posts and announcements placed in locations that teens and their parents will see them? -- Do we have adults helping us personally invite youth to be part of programs/activities/events in person, by phone call, etc., or do we rely on flyers, posts and announcements? -- Do parents have enough information to know that they WANT to encourage their sons/daughters to participate in the programs, activities, events? - Have we empowered teens to invite others by making sure they have the language necessary to offer invitations to friends, neighbors, relatives, etc.? Of course, enthusiasm will spill over, so when our teens feel valued, excited, and engaged, they will naturally want to share the spirit...so be sure each and every participant is welcomed and treated to genuine hospitality once they have said "YES" to an invitation! Then, just maybe, if Barna polls again in 5 - 10 years, that last number will be closer to zero (and if we really show we are Christians by our love, maybe that top number will be higher as well!) Let's get to inviting! |
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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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