Youngstown Synod Survey Insights, Part 2 ![]() What are the main challenges and most significant opportunities for young people in our Diocese today? The challenges that young people face are many and varied. The most common challenges in general listed were social pressures, such as negative peer pressure (40), bullying (12), and anxiety (12), especially around subjects such as drugs and alcohol (33) and human sexuality (8). School was also listed as a common challenge (10). These responses were concentrated among the high school age youth. For those in their late teens and 20s, the challenges shifted more so to challenges of finances (12), not being recognized as adults (9), jobs (5), relationships (5), lack of community (4) and finding one’s path in the world. In the Church context, a lack of faith was cited most often as challenge to staying connected (23). Specific issues with the Church included that it was boring and non-engaging (26), more so for the high school teens, a lack of connection or belief in God (17), and the perception that the Church was too strict (16). Lack of support from parents and leaders contributed to this disconnect for many, as well not feeling part of the community. When stating why young people drift away from Church, a sizeable portion listed the parents’ lack of faith and practice (13), while many did not feel engaged or an important part of the community for Mass. For the opportunities, the survey focused on the question of how young people are active in their parish. For those that took the survey, there were about 15 that indicated they were not active. The vast majority reported being active in at least some way, and many listed several ways they were involved. The most reported activities were: · Liturgical ministries (65), such as altar serving, choir/music ministry, Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, lector; · Volunteer and service (40), including parish volunteering and mission trips; · Youth ministry programs and retreats (26); · Catechetical roles (11). Editor's note: I am excited to see that such a great number of young people who are engaged in the various ministries of the Church took time to complete the Synod Surveys. There were also a good number (about 8%) who completed the survey stating they were Catholic but not involved; they helped give insights though on challenges (which we in ministry know we can work to convert to opportunities!) Personal invitation remains key for our ministries, so be sure to continue to be on the look out for talents of interests of teens and young adults then connect them to ways to utilize those within our faith communities!
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![]() I attended Catholic school from mid-first grade through my freshmen year of high school (St. Joseph in Cuyahoga Falls and St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron). I cannot recall in which year we had to memorize the Memorare, but I know that it was in grade school and to this day, when someone begins the prayer, my mind automatically continues on as the words are etched in my mind (perhaps even my heart, as that makes for a better prayer.) While memorization is difficult for many (at least for me), I do have to admit that it is nice to have some things ready to recite at a moments notice! I have been able to pray the Memorare (and MANY other prayers) in times of stress, anxiety, uncertainty and even boredom. Of course, as with many things in life, I will admit that I did not understand the prayer when I memorized it. Besides not knowing what implored or incarnate meant, as a child, I was fortunate to now have much need to "Fly" to her. However, as I lived a few more years, I experienced more need for a feeling of protection, and forgiveness, and help. I now wish that I'd had an opportunity to re-learn the prayer as a teen, with focus on a deeper understanding of what we were praying., Of remembering the need for God in my life, and the gift of having Mary to pray with and for me to her Son. Truly understanding that she will not give up on her children, and will help us really can boost our "confidence" of faith! With October being a month dedicated to Mary, what is YOUR favorite Marian prayer? (You can list it in the Comments section below.) Seek ways to break this prayer open with the teens and/or young adults with whom you serve. Dig for that deeper understanding of memorized prayers (and maybe even learn a new one!) While you consider this, why not pray the Memorare with me? Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, and sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother, to you I come, before you I stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate! Despise not my petitions, but, in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen. ![]() (Diocese of Youngstown Synod Surveys Summary, Part 1) The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of Youngstown created six distinct but related online surveys to gather information for the Synod as well as additional information to help guide the work of our local ministries. The surveys were intended for the following audiences (with the number of respondents for each category in parentheses): · Catholic Youth of High School Age (123) · Non-Catholic Youth of High School Age (7) · Catholic Young Adults (101) · Non-Catholic Young Adults (5) · Parents/Families (170) · Staff at parishes and schools (73) The office sent the Preparatory Document with survey instructions to each pastor and Catholic High School Principal, emailed the survey links to contacts for youth ministry and directly to young adults, and used social media (primarily Facebook and Twitter) to publicize the surveys. The surveys were posted on the Diocesan website for three months over the summer. A total of 479 people responded to the surveys. In addition, seventeen people participated in listening sessions at their parish, for a total of 496 people providing input. In addition to the input from these surveys, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry and the Office of Vocations provided answers for some of the questions. In an effort to highlight the direct experience of youth, these surveys were filtered to only include youth who are 16 to 29 years old, as defined by the Preparatory Document on page 8. A total of 155 responses were in this age range, consisting of 94 High School Youth and 61 Young Adults. The numbers throughout indicate direct responses. If people gave multiple responses to one question, their input was counted for each category of their response. Synod Question 1: In what manner does the Church listen to the lived situations of young people? Unfortunately, a significant number of responses were negative, either that they were not aware of how the Church was listening or that the Church was not listening This was the case for 44 parents/families as well as 15 staff at parishes and schools. A common positive response was there was youth ministry at the parish or listed some youth ministry activities (45), although few of these responses specifically mentioned listening to teens. There were ten responses of youth active in liturgical roles, but again not tied specifically to listening to youth. Eight responses included the participation of youth on Parish Council, which would imply listening to youth as one aspect. Forty-one responses focused on a person that was working directly with the youth – youth minister, CCD teacher, priest, or other caring adults. In the building of relationships, key adults are able to connect with the youth on a personal level and listen to their concerns. Significantly, eleven people cited the pastor or priest as someone who listens to youth. Many people responded that the leadership of the parish was an important factor for assessing whether or not they felt the parish listened to youth. In response to a question about what the Church should do for young people, ten youth stated that the Church should do a better job of listening to the input, suggestions, and opinions of young people. From the perspective of parents/families, staff at parishes and schools, and the youth themselves, the Church can do a better job of listening to the situation of young people. A sign of hope in this endeavor is the adults who are committed to ministry to young people, especially priests, youth ministers, CCD teachings and other caring adults. +++++++++++++++++++ Let us pause here to take a moment for prayer: Lord, Jesus, thank you for the gifts that young people bring to our Church - their energy, enthusiasm, questions, new ideas, criticisms, fresh perspectives and love. We ask that you help all adults in the Church to take more time to listen to the youth, and pro-actively invite them to opportunities for engagement and discipleship. We also thank you for the priests, youth ministers, campus ministers, catechists, mentors, coaches, and other caring adults who have taken the time to listen to and reach out to the young people. May they continue to do so and to inspire others to follow their example. We ask all this in your holy name, amen! ![]() At the Convocation of Catholic Leaders (July 1-4, 2017 in Orlando), I was honored to be one of the five delegates from the Diocese of Youngstown. The event included break- out sessions, one being "Youth on the Margins: Understanding Those Struggling with Depression, Suicide, Gangs and Discrimination." Obviously, the panel of speakers addressed each of those areas. They also discussed the opioid epidemic and how some of the heroin sold these days is immediately addicting. There is also an increase in reported anxiety issues with teens. It can be difficult to share the Joy of the Gospel (theme of the Convocation) when people are struggling to find joy in any area of their life! In an interview with Antonio Spadaro SJ in August 2013, Pope Francis said: “The thing the church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else. Heal the wounds, heal the wounds." As adults called to work with and for young people, we need to be available to assist as needed. In addition to just being available to LISTEN to a young person, here are a few suggestions: 1. Continue to pray for young people and their families, knowing that everyone is going through something or has a loved one that they worry about that is going through something. Pray that they have the strength they need to get through it and to rely on God. A few Scriptures to consider in your prayer: • “The Lord heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). • “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, thus declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 30:17). • “Come to me, all who are heavy burdened...” (Matthew 11:28) • “The news about [Jesus] spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24). 2. Have a "Referral List" handy and updated. To read more about how to create your list, see: youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/youth-and-young-adult-ministry-idea-sharing-blog/counseling-referrals-pastoral-care as well as an idea for helping parents connect for support: youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/youth-and-young-adult-ministry-idea-sharing-blog/been-there-done-that-box 3. Learn more about Pastoral Care so that you can better be of service. Once great option is called "Youth Mental Health First Aid." This is a quick course that covers the basics on identifying and working with youth who may experience anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders, suicidal tendencies, etc. It comes with a manual that you can keep on hand for reference over and over again. (Perhaps a good idea to reread a chapter each month as well as to have on hand as a certain situation arises.) The diocese is looking into the possibility of hosting a training for parish ministers, but I also found that there is a FREE option offered by the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board. One training day is coming up on August 25th in Warren. The flyer can be found below. If you are unavailable that day, perhaps contact them for future dates. What else might you add to this list? Final thought, Pope Francis encourages us in taking the time necessary to journey with people as Church, "An evangelizing community is also supportive, standing by people at every step of the way, no matter how difficult or lengthy this may prove to be." (Evaneglii Gaudium #24) ~~~~~~ "Proclaiming Christ means showing that to believe in and to follow him is not only something right and true, but also something beautiful, capable of filling life with new splendor and profound joy, even in the midst of difficulties." (Evaneglii Gaudium #167) As I began to write a blog post about the October 2018 Synod on "Youth, faith and vocational discernment," I saw that CMD beat me to is, so I will share their thoughts: ![]() What do you think? By the way, those of you on my YM email list should have received the link with the Letter to Youth from the Holy Father. Thank you for sharing that with teens. Here is it again, in case you missed it: The Preparatory Document (Click for Inglese for English!)THE QUESTIONS:
Please indicate, where possible, the source of the statistics and make reference to the year. Other pertinent information can be attached to better understand the situation in various countries. - Number of inhabitants in the country / countries and the birth rate. - Number and percentage of young people (ages 16-29) in the country / countries. - Number and percentage of Catholics in the country / countries. - Average age (for the last 5 years) for marrying (distinguishing between men and women), for entering the seminary and the consecrated life (distinguishing between men and women). - In the 16-29 age group, the percentage of students, workers (if possible specify the type of work), unemployed These questions refer both to young people who take part in Church programmes, as well as those who do not take part or have no interest to participate. 1. In what manner does the Church listen to the lived situations of young people? 2. What are the main challenges and most significant opportunities for young people in your country / countries today? 3. What kinds and places of group gatherings of youth, institutionalized or otherwise, have a major success within the Church, and why? 4. What kinds and places of group gatherings of youth, institutionalized or otherwise, have a major success outside the Church, and why? 5. What do young people really ask of the Church in your country / countries today? 6. What possibilities for participation exist in your country / countries for young people to take part in the life of the ecclesial community? 7. How and in what manner is contact made with young people who do not frequent Church surroundings? b) Pastoral Vocational Programmes for Young People 8. How are families and communities involved in the vocational discernment of young people? 9. How do schools and universities or other educational institutions (civil or ecclesial) contribute to young people’s formation in vocational discernment? 10. In what manner are you taking into account the cultural changes resulting from the development of the digital world? 11. How can World Youth Days or other national or international events become a part of ordinary pastoral practice? 12. In what manner is your diocese planning experiences for the pastoral vocational programme for young people? c) Pastoral Care Workers with Young People 13. How much time and in what manner do clergy and other formators provide for personal spiritual guidance? 14. What initiatives and opportunities for formation are in place for those who provide pastoral vocational guidance? 15. What personal guidance is offered in seminaries? d) Specific Questions According to Geographic Areas AMERICA a. How does your community care for young people who experience extreme violence (guerrilla warfare, gangs, prison, drug addiction, forced marriages) and accompany them in various ways in their life? b. What formation is offered to support the engagement of young people in society and civil life, for the common good? c. In a world which is greatly secularized, what pastoral activities are most effective for continuing the journey of faith after the Sacraments of Christian Initiation? Sharing Activities1. List the main types of pastoral activity in accompaniment and vocational discernment in your present situation. 2. Choose three activities you consider the most interesting and relevant to share with the universal Church, and present it according to the following format (no more than one page for each experience). a) Description: In a few sentences, roughly describe the activity. Who are the leading characters? How does the activity take place? Where? Etc. b) Analysis: Evaluate the activity, even in layman’s terms, for a better understanding of the important elements: what are the goals? What is the theoretical basis? What are the most interesting insights? How have they developed? Etc. c) Evaluation: What are the goals? If not achieved, why? Strengths and weaknesses? What are the consequences on the social, cultural and ecclesial levels? Why and in what way is the activity important / formative? etc. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ While I cannot yet tell you how this information may be collected, please do start considering ways to collect the input at your local level. This is such a great opportunity to LISTEN TO young people and to have them help build the Church for the future! ![]() Prior to the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry, or NCCYM, in San Jose last month, I participated in a two-day "Youth Mental Health First Aid" training. (I am sure you will hear and see me reference this training a few times in the future!) One of the numerous ideas I noted was tis idea of a "Been There, Done That" box of index cards.... What you would do is to contact parents who have gone through some specific situation, issues or crisis, and see if they would be open to talking with other parents from the parish or school who approach you to discuss that topic. (I'd also suggest you ask these kind, brave parents willing to discuss their situations to pray for any parent that does contact them... and perhaps pray WITH them!) Examples include: -- teens breaking curfew and how to deal with that in a healthy way -- incarcerated youth -- dealing with underage drinking -- child diagnosed with a special need -- kids who struggled through their divorce -- custody issues -- teens cutting school (Start brain-storming as you reflect on questions parents ask you! What a wonderful resource this box can be as you help connect people that support each other and build community.) Please be sure to keep this information confidential, but have them on hard for support. Of course, you could keep this information on a spread sheet on your computer or tablet. And, obviously, for anyone who needs professional help, make that appropriate referral. However, often, parents just need support -- someone to listen someone who understands and sometimes some ideas and advice. This seemed like a great idea to share with you all as you approach Pastoral Care with youth and their families. Let me know if you do this and how it works for you. Add any helpful tips in the comments below. ==================================== Here is a prayer from Loyola Press for Parents: A Parent's Prayer Loving God, You are the giver of all we possess, the source of all of our blessings. We thank and praise you. Thank you for the gift of our children. Help us to set boundaries for them, and yet encourage them to explore. Give us the strength and courage to treat each day as a fresh start. May our children come to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. May your Holy Spirit help them to grow in faith, hope, and love, so they may know peace, truth, and goodness. May their ears hear your voice. May their eyes see your presence in all things. May their lips proclaim your word. May their hearts be your dwelling place. May their hands do works of charity. May their feet walk in the way of Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord. AMEN. For those of you unable to read this article published on December 7, 2016 on LinkedIn at:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/breaking-our-assumptions-teens-mark-mann?trk=hp-feed-article-title-like I am sharing this for your consideration and thoughts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Today’s new insight comes from Sharon Galgay Ketcham: “Helping teenagers imagine how they might contribute to God’s redemptive movement in the world [unveils] their potential. When parents, youth pastors, and church leaders train their eyes to look beyond [society’s] ‘dominant problem narrative’ (that is, most teenagers are broken, deficient and in need of our help), to recognize teenage potential and provide a place in the church for teenagers to practice using their gifts – teenagers will find a meaningful purpose in the church. “The busyness of teenagers is connected to the longing of adults to help problematized teenagers make it into adulthood. Imagine if we saw teenagers as Christ does: full of potential to join God’s purpose.” I would add to see youth as Christ does means to recognize and affirm how teens are already engaged in God’s work in the world. I do not wonder that many young people are engaged in making a difference for good in their schools, their work places, their families, their circles of friends, in the local communities. Church leaders do not necessarily see it because all of this is taking place outside the Church. And teens may simply lack the religious language to explain it to us. But the Second Vatican Council affirms that “the laity ... make the Church present and operative in those places and circumstances where only through them can she become the salt of the earth” (Lumen Gentium, no. 33). Now this is not to say that some young people are not experiencing problems or even crisis at this moment in their lives and they are in need genuine care. But adolescence itself is not a disease. Ketcham proposes that we flip the script. What would the Church’s ministry with youth look like if it started from a place of affirmation? Teenagers are not a problem to be solved; they are the possibility for parents and youth ministers and church leaders to recognize how God is at work in the world… and perhaps, more importantly, at work in our lives. [The quote is an extract from an interview with Sharon Galgay Ketcham, published in "The State of Youth Ministry", a report from Barna in partnership with Youth Specialties and YouthWorks, 2016.]
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) have been working on a fantastic video series that we can use for FREE to help share the elements of our Catholic Social Teachings. The videos are brief (3 - 5 minutes each), beautiful and informative. They have been posted on YouTube, so can be easily shared via social media or used in classrooms/meetings. Below, please find direct links to the first few videos, and look for future videos (and additional resources) to be posted at: http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/index.cfm Rights and Responsibilities The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. More on Rights and Responsibilities http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/rights-and-responsibilities.cfm Call to Family, Community, and Participation The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. More on Call to Family, Community, and Participation http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/call-to-family-community-and-participation.cfm Life and Dignity of the Human Person The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. More on Life and Dignity of the Human Person http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/life-and-dignity-of-the-human-person.cfm Option for the Poor and Vulnerable A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. More on Option for the Poor and Vulnerable http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/option-for-the-poor-and-vulnerable.cfm Care for God's Creation We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of Gods creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored. More on Care for God's Creation http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/care-for-creation.cfm Videos forthcoming.... > Solidarity We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice.1 The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. More on Solidarity http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/solidarity.cfm > The Dignity of Work and the Rights of WorkersThe economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in Gods creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. More on Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/the-dignity-of-work-and-the-rights-of-workers.cfm Descriptions shared from http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/seven-themes-of-catholic-social-teaching.cfm - (c) USCCB ![]() Youth Ministry Update The Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Informing adults who minister to, by, with and for high school teens in the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. Cindee Case, Director September 2016 -------------------------------------- In this Edition: > Faithful Citizenship Workshops next week > DYC'16 Invitation period (Registration deadline October 19) > Deadline for March for Life Youth Rally Ticket Requests > NCCYM > Young Adult Activities > 2017 events for which to plan ahead ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you did NOT receive a postcard from my office in the mail recently, then we do not have you in the diocesan database as a contact for youth ministry for your parish..... be sure to talk with your DRE or Pastor about updating the personnel report if you SHOULD be a primary contact for youth ministry there! A copy is attached to this email FYI. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship There are only a few days left to register online for the upcoming Faithful Citizenship sessions on Wednesday, September 21st (pick 1 - 4 p.m. in Canfield or 6 - 9 p.m. in Canton) - click the link below or call 330-744-8451 ext. 302. http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/forming-consciences-for-faithful-citizenship.html All interested in the political process and our Catholic faith are invited. While the events are FREE, we do request preregistration to provide adequate materials and refreshments. Thank you! ----- “Mercy Begins with Me” DYC’16 Invitation Period now, Registration period early October As you should already be aware from a previous YM E-Update, participating in the Day of Prayer and Preparation, reading the September Communique' and/or receiving a phone call from one of the planning team members: all the Diocesan Youth Convention 2016 Registration materials have been posted online at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/dyc-2016-leaders-page.html September is time to invite your high school teens and adult chaperones to participate (and maybe hold a fundraiser to help offset costs?) Then in early October, you should be collected completed registration forms and payment so that you can check them for accuracy, make copies and send the originals on to the diocese before October 19th! The planning team had a conference call with Ben Walther from OCP Spirit and Song who is excited to kick off the day with us at St. Michael in Canton, and Bishop Murry will end the say with us during a Conversation period and Closing Mass. In between, there will be ten workshop options from which to select and dozens of inter-active stations. We will also feature Mr. Mike's pasta dinner again (gluten-free for those who need.) Participants will each receive a string backpack, water bottle and convention materials. All this for only the cost of one day and $25. (Requests for financial assistance are due to the OY&YAM by next Friday.) THANK YOU, group leaders, for helping organize a delegation from your faith community.... it is appreciated and hopefully you will see fruits of the effort born back in your communities after the DYC experience! If you will be going to the Paul J Kim presentations at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on October 2 and your have your registrations ready, you can turn them in at the OY&YAM info table there ;-) ----------- The Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family did a direct mailing to all parishes earlier this month with the information and request form for those wishing to get tickets for the March For Life Youth Rally in Washington, D.C. Note; the deadline is September 30th. If you have misplaced the information, you can find it posted at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/march-for-life-with-youth.html ----------- National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) December 1 - 3, 2016 in San Jose, CA This brief video will give you a small overview of the conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kgi48lfHJc It is time for YOU to take time to nourish your our mind, heart and spirit as you learn new skills or ideas to bring back to your parish, Catholic school or Catholic agency. Find out more at: http://www.nccym.info/ We currently have a male from our diocese seeking a roommate for the conference.... let me know if you are going! There will also be pre-conferences, including the National Young Adult Ministry Leadership Forum. ----------- Activities for Young Adults are posted on a virtual calendar. Please help us inform Catholics in their 20s and 30s of this: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/young-adults-20s30s.html They can "subscribe" which will email weekly noticed of upcoming events like Theology on Tap, Spirits and Spirituality, Marked by Faith and area retreats and conferences. And please email all the pertinent info for any event you have for young adults around the diocese and I would be happy to share it on the Up To Calendar! ----------- Planning ahead in 2017: * Youth Ministers Epiphany Party celebration, prayer and merriment for adults serving in youth ministries (spouses also welcome) Friday, January 6, 2017 @ Cindee's house in Canfield RSVP for the address, and share what side dish or dessert you'd like to bring to share....and if you will bring a wrapped White Elephant for the gift exchange game! http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/youth-ministers-gatherings.html * Course 2: Cultivating a Culture of Encounter for Adolescents through Evangelization, Catechesis, and Faith Community This course examines how to invite young people to faith and encounter by examining the processes and methods of evangelization and catechesis, as well as, the development of community among youth, their families, and the parish faith community. Register by December 16, 2016, if possible, due to Christmas break. 2A-Fundamentals of Evangelization and Catechesis with Adolescents Orientation week –January 2 – 8, 2017 Course work: January 9 - 30 Assignment due by February 6. 2B - Forming a Consequential Faith in Adolescents Prerequisite: Course 2A or precious program M4 and M6. Course work: February 6 – February 27, 2017 Assignment due by March 6 http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/ymot--youth-ministry-online-training.html * Mass for Life Sunday, January 22 Look for more information to come from the Office of Pro-life, Marriage and Family * Eagle of the Cross Nomination Deadlines Mail by Wednesday, February 15 or deliver to the OY&YAM by the 17th. If you know an outstanding upperclassman that you would like to nominate for the annual Eagle of the Cross award, be sure to write up a form in January or early February. While only a few will be selected, all nominees receive a certificate and letter so they will know that you identified their giftedness and Christian leadership abilities! http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/eagle-of-cross-awards.html * CMD National Workshop Series: Generation Z Tuesday, Marcy 7 Location TBA, but mark your calendars now for a day of learning and discussion with a staffer of the Center for Ministry Development. * NCYC Packet Pick Up For group leaders to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, November 16 - 19. Two options, immediately following the CMD workshop on March 7 and after the Office of Religious Education In-Service Day on March 23 Additional information will then be posted to the office webpages. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Did You Know? The monthly Diocese of Youngstown newsletter, The Communique' is posted on the diocesan website for your convenience? Be sure to bookmark the page so you can always find great info from the Chancery and diocesan offices.... so many opportunities and resources! http://www.doy.org/index.php/news-media/communique ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Best wishes for a beautiful weekend and Happy Catechetical Sunday ![]() Hopefully, you are all aware of the two sessions being offered by the diocese* regarding "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" on September 21, 2016, and hopefully you will all do your best to participate in one of the sessions.... However, it seems unlikely that many teens will attend, especially since many cannot yet vote. However, during middle school and high school there should be discussions had and prayers prayed. Teens see and hear the mainstream media and the social media and are concerned for their futures. Why not help them learn ways to infuse their faith with their patriotism and civic duties? The U.S. Bishop's website features session plans prepared especially for middle school and high school audiences (parish and school settings). There are 4 session plans, and they can be adapted to fit your needs. Each session covers a section of the document, so they can easily be used for inter-generational/family faith/Generations of Faith sessions as well (you can find elementary session plans posted as well!) Be sure to check them out and bookmark the site. www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/junior-and-high-school-age-student-lesson-plans.cfm Perhaps your group is interested in devotionals? Then be sure to check out the Novena for Faithful Citizenship as well: www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/novena-for-faithful-citizenship.cfm (Read or listen to podcasts!) The Bulletin Inserts are also created for discussion... if your parish distributes these, then by all means, make use of them with your teens! If your parish does not use them, you can download them. There are two that summarize the Forming Consciences document, one that instructs on communicating with elected officials, that these two that might be of even more interest: > Conscience Formation: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/parishes-and-schools/upload/Conscience-Formation-bulletin-insert.pdf > Civil Dialogue: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/faithful-citizenship/parishes-and-schools/upload/Civil-Dialogue-bulletin-insert.pdf Have fun exploring the many resources, and be sure to continue praying for our country and pray for all elected officials and for all voters! Here is part of a middle school/high school session prayer, which seems perfect to pray together now: Let us pray. Father of all creation, You made humanity in your image and likeness. May we see Jesus' face in those who are hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, and stranger. Spirit of justice, help us and all your people to seek respect for the dignity of all people and work to protect the common good. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Sponsored by The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown Offices of: Campus Ministry, Catholic Charities, Catholic Schools, Continuing Education for Priests, CTNY, Lay Ministry Formation, Pro-Life, Marriage and Family, Permanent Diaconate, Religious Education, Social Action, Vocations, Worship, & Youth and Young Adult Ministry |
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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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