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!
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Did you happen to see the article from the Catholic News Service a few weeks back about the "Pokémon Go" phenomenon? You can read it at: www.catholicnews.com/services/englishnews/2016/churches-among-those-swept-up-in-pokemon-go-craze.cfm Now that school is back in session, perhaps the traffic will slow down a bit with the Pokémon Go games that took the world by storm in July. However, there are some gamers still working towards "catching them all." So, what is your parish doing about it? Are any PokeStops or Gyms set up on your parish property? (You may need to talk to a youth or young adult playing and ask them to check for you.... many of the spots were assigned by the game or by players, so you may not have realized that could be why a bunch of folks are congregating in a section of your property!) Why not take advantage of the locations by letting visitors know that they are welcome to become part of your faith community.... or that you are willing to answer any questions they may have about the Catholic faith... or that you are willing to pray for any intentions they may have... Deacon Randy Smith in Massillon has talked with me about his planning to incorporate Pokémon Go at St. Joseph, and I've heard of a few other parishes considering it. I'd love to hear about what you do and how it went, so be sure to comment below to share your insights and ideas! The Diocese of Green Bay's Office of the New Evangelization created a short guide to assist parishes, for what they have called Pokevangelization. I've linked it below for your convenience. Ready.... Set.... GO! 25 C's for Evaluating Religion Internet Sites |
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:
- A-I — general patronage
- A-II — adults and adolescents
- A-III — adults
- A-IV — adults, with reservations (this indicates films that, while not morally offensive in themselves, are not for casual viewing because they require some analysis and explanation in order to avoid false impressions and interpretations)
- L — limited adult audiences, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling (replaced A-IV classification Nov. 1, 2003)
- O — morally offensive
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!
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN ANALYZING MEDIA MESSAGES www.projectlooksharp.org
www.namle.net
AUDIENCE & AUTHORSHIP
Authorship Who made this message?
Purpose
Why was this made?
Who is the target audience (and how do you know)?
Economics
Who paid for this?
Impact Who might benefit from this message?
Who might be harmed by it?
Why might this message matter to me?
Response
What kinds of actions might I take in response to this message?
MESSAGES & MEANINGS
Content
What is this about (and what makes you think that)?
What ideas, values, information, and/or points of view are overt? Implied?
What is left out of this message that might be important to know?
Techniques
What techniques are used?
Why were those techniques used?
How do they communicate the message?
Interpretations
How might different people understand this message differently?
What is my interpretation of this and what do I learn about myself from my reaction or interpretation?
REPRESENTATIONS & REALITY
Context
When was this made?
Where or how was it shared with the public?
Credibility
Is this fact, opinion, or something else?
How credible is this (and what makes you think that)?
What are the sources of the information, ideas, or assertions?
*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***
Cindee Case, MPS
Former Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021)
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