A few thoughts gathered for the Office of Religious Education in-service tomorrow "Reaching Out In Mercy to Those with Special Needs") 1. Meeting with one-on-one with parents/guardians, both, if possible. Questions to ask: 1. What are your child’s interests? 2. Are there any sensory needs or dislikes that we should know about? 3. Is there anything that your child finds upsetting or uncomfortable? 4. Is an aide required? (Sibling, parent, or professional care-giver?) Will the aide, if an adult, be willing to complete the Diocesan Child Protection Policy steps to be present with youth? Assure them you are honored to be part of the team with them and appreciate their patience as you and team members learn some of the things necessary. Together, create a file that outlines any specific needs the student has, including medical issues, behavioral issues, or psychological issues. 2. Meeting one-on-one with the teen (and parents or aide) so s/he can get to know and feel comfortable with you. Ask: What are your interests? Ask: What are your concerns, if any? Try to find a specific way the teen can be of service at your Church (i.e. if s/he is good at singing, pair him/her with your VBS music group to help; if s/he has great computer skills, then ask him/her to work with a team to create a PowerPoint prayer service for a youth event, etc.) 3. Check your facilities to see if any alterations need to be made to better accommodate the youth with different abilities (may also want the parents to check with you as they will have additional insights and suggestions.) Consider access to rooms in use, restroom facilities, doorways, outdoor activity terrain, etc. 4. Ask if any of your youth ministry team members have experience or expertise in working with youth with disabilities? You may be surprised at the wealth of expertise available at your parish when you consider:
Would they be willing to either work directly with the teen or train someone else how to assist the teen? 5. Prepare your team members/catechist/volunteers – see what resources they may need to be able to comfortably integrate the youth. Good news: Because of the main-streaming trend in school systems, most of our teens will already be fine with members of differing abilities… So that will help! You may find teens very willing to volunteer to be a buddy with the new teen to assist at an event. Keep lines of communication open with the teen, his/her parents, and your team members. What additional suggestions would you have to add?
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In 2014, Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) surveyed a number of youth ministers in the USA and asked them to define effective parish youth ministry. It is important to take time every year or so to reflect on this question, as the answers change a little with each generation. Consider that every 5 years you have a whole new batch of teens with which to serve. How might YOU answer that question? OSV then created this list from the responses: Effective Ministry with Youth is Personal ◗ It calls teens to a personal relationship with Christ, helping them understand the Catholic Faith, first and foremost, as an intimate relationship with Christ and his Church, more than a mere list of rules. ◗ It seeks to meet teens’ hunger for intimacy by building meaningful relationships within the youth group and parish. ◗ It creates small, faith-sharing groups, where teens can learn to let themselves be known and where adults can more readily listen to the teens’ struggles and questions, witness to Christ through their actions and help teens identify their gifts and charisms. ◗ It doesn’t presume the struggles of iGeneration teens in general are the struggles of one group of teens in particular. It listens, then responds. ◗ It reaches out to teens as individuals, issuing personal invitations to participate in events and not just relying on Facebook invites. ◗ It recognizes that it takes time to build relationships and earn trust, so it seeks to maintain continuity by retaining effective youth ministers and volunteers. Effective Ministry with Youth is Sacramental ◗ It helps teens engage more fully and fruitfully in the Church’s liturgy. ◗ It provides regular opportunities throughout the year for confession. ◗ It brings teens to a face-to-face encounter with Christ in the Blessed Sacrament, providing them with ample time for silent prayer and reflection in Eucharistic adoration. ◗ It seeks to include parish priests in as many events and activities as possible. ◗ It seeks to help the whole family, not just individual teens, encounter Christ more fully in the Church’s sacramental and liturgical life. Effective Ministry with Youth is Formative ◗ It forms teens in the teachings of the Faith, helping them grow in their knowledge of Church doctrine through effective catechesis. ◗ It forms teens in Christian prayer, teaching them what prayer is, how to pray, and providing them with opportunities to pray both as part of a community and on their own. ◗ It forms teens in Christian living, helping them see how the teachings of the faith are applied to the circumstances of everyday life. ◗ It forms teens relationally, teaching them how to build friendships, listen to others, make sacrifices and communicate who they are in face-to-face interactions. ◗ It forms teens culturally, helping them better understand how to use technology and discern messages in the media. Effective Ministry with Youth is Challenging ◗ It doesn’t treat teens as the parish work force, including them in parish events simply to do the set-up and clean-up work. ◗ It doesn’t treat retreats or youth group events as items on the pre-confirmation checklist. ◗ It addresses the hard questions and hard issues teens face. ◗ It doesn’t water down the Church’s teaching or soft-peddle the Christian faith. ◗ It issues specific challenges relevant to teens’ lives, calling on them to stop watching pornography, avoid gossip, not cheat in school, be kind to those who others abuse, date chastely, dress modestly, give to the poor, support their parish and help their parents. ◗ It never wastes time. It strives to make every activity, even games and ice-breakers, purpose-filled. ◗ It encourages them to serve the less fortunate in person, going on mission trips, organizing activities that bring them in contact with the local poor and taking them on visits to hospitals and nursing homes. (See full article in which this information was included: _ https://www.osv.com/OSVNewsweekly/Story/TabId/2672/ArtMID/13567/ArticleID/14409/Plugging-teens-into-the-faith-A-how-to-guide.aspx ) It seemed like a pretty good list to help us all reflect on our youth ministry offerings. Do you agree? Anything you would chance in this list? Anything you would add to this list? How are the opportunities for teens in your parish related to these elements? 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 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. 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] 9/26/2014 A Year in Youth Ministry (One sample of calendar items to include in YOUR planning)Read NowOne Year in Youth Ministry: Listed are just a few things to be on the look-out for each month as well as some ministry ideas that fall into place at certain times. What would you add to the list? January · Happy New Year! Encourage youth and families to celebrate the New Year with Mass as it is a Holy Day of Obligation. · Epiphany is great time to encourage teens and families to share their gifts with Jesus by sharing with the community. · Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a great time for service (perhaps before skiing, sledding, and other popular outdoor activities.) · March for Life in Washington, D.C. February · Eagle of the Cross nomination deadline · Summer trip planning for missions, work camps, conferences, etc. · Consider sending last year’s high school graduates a care package during Valentine’s month to them at college, military or even still at home working hard! March · Lenten activities – be sure the youth are included in larger parish offerings like a Parish Mission, Reconciliation Services, Stations of the Cross, etc. · Discuss our Lenten practices and see how well the teens can describe them (catechize where they need clearer understandings.) · Look for the NCYC information in odd-numbered years (registration packet, deposit due dates, etc.), or preliminary DYC info in even years. April · Usually Holy Week and Easter related activities – the most holy times of our Church. Do your teens/families participate in the Triduum events? How can you better include them? · Eagle of the Cross ceremony – Mass open to public, banquet by invitation only. May · Go to the Parish Ministers Spring Retreat · Blessing of Prom goers (and prayer for those not going to prom?) · Mother’s Day · Prayer before exams and ending of a school year · Pentecost – Happy Birthday Church – evangelize and share the Good News! June · Baccalaureate Mass for graduating seniors · Teens helping at Parish VBS program · Father’s Day July · Summer mission trip, conference, or other outing · Teens help at the parish picnic and/or county fair August · Back to school Blessing of students and teachers · Collect school supplies to donate to a Pack the Bus or similar project · Register for the NCCYM in December or the OCEA in October, as appropriate September · Parish Youth Ministry Report form completion · Look for Diocesan Youth Convention registration packets in even-numbered years. · Request tickets for the D.C. March for Life Youth Rally, if hoping to attend · Religious Education kick off – intentional catechesis done in CCD style or in mini-courses, LifeNites, home study, Generations of Faith, Bible studies, etc. October · In odd years, attend the Ohio Catholic Education Association (OCEA) Convention · Homecoming blessings – players, cheerleaders, band, etc., as well as court and dance-goers (alternate activity for those not wanting to go to dance?) · Local Celebration of World Youth Day on 30th Sunday of ordinary time (usually around Halloween) – how will your parish celebrate the gifts of our young members? · Look for a diocesan conference for you as a catechist/minister to attend. November · Diocesan Youth Convention OR National Catholic Youth Convention · Thanksgiving holidays December · In even years, attend the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) · Advent activities – waiting in joyful hope! · Pray at the diocesan Advent Day of Reflection · Christmas activities – maybe your teens will take Giving Tree tags? Offer gift-wrapping or babysitting to help busy moms? Christmas Carol at a nursing home? This article seemed hidden on another page, so is copied here to be more easily accessed. Also be sure to pull up the Diocesan Child Protection Policy page to assure you have all your adults ready to serve with the youth!
"Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4: 9 - 11) CONSIDERATIONS in planning Mission trips or service trips: All projects, whether local or distant, should involve the following elements:
These program elements are widely adaptable to service opportunities that are suited to different regions, cultures, age groups, education levels, and issues. They are essential to ensuring that all young people who participate, whether they serve through their place of worship, school, or community group, benefit from the experience. (Much of this article was taken and revised from "Summer of Service: A New American Rite of Passage" by Shirley Sagawa. It was published by Innovations in Civic Participation, Washington D.C., www.icicp.org) ******************************* Check out the additional items posted on the Service and Justice page of this site: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/service-and-justice-with-teens.html "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! 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! 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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