4/23/2015 Learning more to Foster a Culture of Encounter With Young Disciples with 1,300 others!Read Now"The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus." (EG 1) After months of preparation with the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders (NACYML), I am so excited that the MOOC (Massively Open Online Course) has begun. We are now in week 2 and have already heard: -- The Most Reverend Frank Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, --Tom East,. Joan Weber and Angel Barrera with the Center for Ministry Development and --Dr. Ansel Augustine from the Archdiocese of New Orleans They discussed points from chapters 1 and 2 of the Holy Father's "Evangelii Gaudium" (The Joy of the Gospel). There have also been Live Chat/discussions on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET. Furthermore, these presentations are breaking open in our Networking Learning Groups, including the "Ohio Dioceses" group. And if that wasn't enough, quotes from the documents and speakers are being tweeted (#NACYMLMOOC), Pinned (https://www.pinterest.com/nfcym/fostering-a-culture-of-encounter-with-young-discip/ ) and Facebooked (https://www.facebook.com/NACYML). There are participants from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, etc. as well as from all over the US. Some are new volunteers, others have been involved in ministry for decades. I LOVE the variety as the different perspectives are helping me expand my own understanding. IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO GET INVOLVED! We still have 3 full weeks of class, and the past presentations and chats have all been recorded and posted. You can do this work at any time you have available (i.e. 5 a.m. over coffee before the household is awake....on your lunch break.... midnight if you are a night-owl) and it is FREE! Upcoming presentations will be by Fr. Joe Espaillat, Dr. Carolyn Woo and Bob Rice. If you complete the Learning Journals and submit them to me ([email protected]) for review, you can also earn hours towards your Catechist certification. Enroll now at: www.nacyml.org/moocRegister.htm For those of you already part of it: THANKS for join in. I hope you have been able to enjoy the presentations, discussions and insights shared. There will be time at the May 27th Youth Ministers Gathering for you to share some of your learnings with the group face-to-face. So, jot down a few notes on what has been inspiring you and what practical ideas you have taken from the course.
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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] 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) 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? While the component of Pastoral Care in ministries with youth is about helping to support healthy growth and development for the teen, often within a family setting, there can be times that we encounter youth with concerning situations. As trusting relationships build in ministry, we may find that people really open their hearts to us and share struggles that they are having personally or with a loved one. We might be told of substance abuse, addiction, unplanned pregnancy, depression, suicidal thoughts, physical abuse, neglect, violent behavior, excessive stress, bullying, rape, feelings of helplessness, serious parental conflict, and more. As caring people, we want to help....yet, when working with youth and families, it is important to recognize when you need to refer one for counseling. When you are in that situation, where do you call? Catholic Charities recently updated their list, so I am happy to share this with you to give you leads. I recommend that you give each place in your county a call and see how open they are (and welcoming they sound) for your referral needs. {See document below.} Also, be sure to see what resources you have in your own parish and a neighboring parish. Often psychologists, psychiatrists and counsels are members of our Churches. WHEN TO REFER David Switzer states that it is wise to refer when: 1. We simply don't understand what's going on with the other person, why the person feels and behaves as she/he does, even after we've had opportunity to talk with that persona bout what's going on. 2. We recognize that the person is psychotic or has a tenacious depression. 3. The person is suicidal or is making serious threats against someone else. 4. We suspect that the person may have some physical disorder, may need a physical examination, and/or may need medication. 5. A person is dependent on alcohol or some other chemical substance, including prescription drugs. 6. It had seemed as if this were a person appropriate to with with, but after a while we realize that no change is taking place, we're beginning to feel frustrated and we don't know what else to do. 7. We find ourselves beginning to shut the person out emotionally. 8. We feel consciously afraid because the person appears to be dangerous to us. 9. We feel angry at the person and aren't clear about the reason. 10. We want to take care of everything for the person and are not really helping the person to be responsible for him/herself. 11. We want to guard our relationship with the person and not let anyone else participate in significant helping with him/her. 12. The situation is primarily a family problem and the family pattern of interaction is complex. (Taken from Guides to Youth Ministry: Pastoral Care, edited by Sharon Reed) Thank you for all you do to help achieve Goal 3 of our framework for Catholic Youth Ministry:
(For more on this goal and the framework, visit this web page: http://www.usccb.org/about/laity-marriage-family-life-and-youth/young-adults/renewing-the-vision.cfm ) One of my favorite discussion starter stories (can be done with or without props, but does offer a simple visual): CHOOSE YOUR PATH... A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word. In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?" "Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they had gotten soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma, and then asked, "What's the point, Mother?" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water - but each reacted differently. > The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. > The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. > The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water. "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?" Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level? How do you handle adversity? Related Scriptures: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance Romans 5: 3 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4: 13 Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1: 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12: 9 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4: 6 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1: 2 - 4 What additional scripture(s) came to your mind? (Please share in the comments below -- thanks!) May we all be like coffee when we find ourselves in hot water! *** If you are the official Youth Ministry Contact for your parish within the Diocese of Youngstown and you did not currently receive the following as an email, please have your pastor or immediate supervisor send a request to add you to the YM Update List to <[email protected]> ***
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 Summer 2014 -------------------------------------- In This Edition: -- Mailing sent to your pastor -- Advocacy in Youth Ministry sign up -- The Fest -- PANERATHON -- Day of Prayer and Preparation -- DYC Update -- Status Quo? -- World Youth Day - Local Celebrations -- Lunch and Learn/Orientation -- NCCYM in San Antonio -- Office note ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For Your Information: I sent a mailing to each pastor/parish administrator with the following items:
I also enclosed an adapted listing of upcoming OY&YAM events which I have attached to this email. Perhaps your pastor has passed along these resources to you? If not, at least know that they are somewhere around the parish and I hope they can assist with your youth ministry efforts. I do have a few additional copies of each resource available for purchase. -- For Ages Unending is $14 (discounted from $15 plus shipping from D.C. ) -- Proclaiming the Good News is $8.50 (saves you on shipping from D.C.) -- The Pastor as Empowering Agent is only $1 So, just let me know if you need additional/your own copies. I can bring them with me to the Aug. 27th Day of Prayer and Prep as well as the October 22nd Parish Ministers Meeting. ======================================== The Component of Advocacy – Module #10 Youth Ministry Online Training (YMOT) Program September 1 - 22, 2014 @ A computer near you Following this course, participants will be able to engage the church and broader community in voicing and addressing the rights, responsibilities and needs of youth. Register by August 21st Module #11 on Leadership Development will take place October 13 – November 3 with registrations due by October 3 Form is attached and available at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/ymot--youth-ministry-online-training.html Module #12 will be for those who have taken modules 1 - 11 to prepare a portfolio for National Certification in Youth Ministry Studies. Looks for a revised program kicking off in early 2015! New content being added....easier schedule....webinar with each module.... Opportunities to earn a Certificate in Basic Youth Ministry and/or a Certificate in Intermediate Youth Ministry Studies! Look for this info in December or January. Thanks to everyone who has participated in these fun, interactive online classes! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ THE FEST August 3 Noon to 10 p.m. @Center for Pastoral Leadership 28700 Euclid Avenue, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092 I hope everyone from our diocese participating in the FEST has a great (and inspiring) time. We are so fortunate to be able to share in thie FREE event. Don't know what the FEST is? It is a one-day, FREE family festival for all ages held in WICKLIFFE, OHIO. Enjoy live, national Christian bands on stage, entertainment, games, kids' areas, opportunities for inspiring prayer, tents with vendors from all over our area, giveaways, and your favorite festival foods. Concerts and activities begin at noon and run until the 8:00 p.m. outdoor Mass. More than 30,000 people participated last year! Featured performers will be For King and Country, Colton Dixon, Mandisa, and Third Day. At 8:00 PM, join in the highlight of the day: outdoor mass, followed by a fireworks display!(Do not forget to have your parental permission/release forms with you if you are taking youth!) Information posted at: http://www.thefest.us/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ PANERATHON 2014 The Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center was created by HMHP to deliver the most accurate prevention, early detection, diagnosis and support services available in an environment of compassionate and coordinated care. Want to support their work? Two options: 1. Be in Youngstown on Sunday, August 24th by 10 a.m. for the Panerathon. You can be part of the "Diocese of Youngstown" team by listing us on your registration at: http://panerathon.org/registration/ (We would LOVE to see youth groups, families, and young adults as part of the diocesan team, or even as their own team!) I will be walking the 2 mile (praying for the runners racing by me!) 2. Donate funds to support the work by visiting the fundraising page: http://www.active.com/donate/panerathon2014/cindeeDOY or mailing a check written to HMHP Foundation to Diocese of Youngstown, Attn: Cindee Case 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown OH 44503 Additional information at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/panerathon----runwalk.html Thank you for your support! -------------------------------------------------- Day of Prayer and Preparation August 27th, 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. @ St. William Parish in Champion (just north of Warren) Featuring a presentation by Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. followed by Q & A time (so be sure to bring your questions with you!) Brochure to be mailed out by the Office of Religious Education by the end of next week. I hope to see YOU there to help kick-off another academic year! +++++++++++++++++++ DYC'14 Update Sunday, November 2 12:30 - 7:30 p.m. @ St. Michael the Archangel, Canton Special note: we will NOT be providing t-shirts this year, instead, participants will receive a string back-pack and a reusable water bottle. However, each parish/group is invited to create a shirt! The shirt can feature your parish/group name -- it does not have to include the DYC theme "Amazed!" but it can. Perhaps your teens have a favorite bible verse....or Christian song.... or group logo.... an example of a shirt has been pinned at: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/521432463080057550/ Let your creativity shine! You can also chose to just ask all your members to wear a particular color, if you'd like to be able to find them somewhat easily, but allow them to decide on a t-shirt, sweater, blouse, or whatever they will feel comfortable wearing....it is up to you, Group Leaders! As the planning continues, updates will be posted at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/2014-diocesan-youth-convention.html Registration packets will be available for September (hoping by late August....) Registration deadline will be Friday, October 17th (mail by Wednesday the 15th. Please plan your local deadlines accordingly, usually 1 - 2 weeks before, depending on the timeliness of your participants.) As I pointed out to the pastors in their mailing, for only $200, your parish can send 2 adults and 6 youth.....a little more if you want to make group t-shirts and want to stop for brunch prior to the event, plus transportation....but how easy can that be to fund-raise? One good car wash (or windshield wash) in August, or "Take Stock in our Youth" drive in September, or just asking the Men's and Women's Clubs to each donate as sponsors. {Of course, your parish is more than welcome to send MORE delegates to the DYC, this was just to get you started in planning out YOUR group efforts!} ======================= Why Are We Empowering the Status Quo???? Saturday, October 11 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. @ St. Luke Parish, Boardman This question follows the realizations that the economy is recovering slower in our area of the country than we would like....we have fewer priests and religious... parishes have needed to close or cluster.... Catholic Schools have closed.... and young adults claiming "None" as their religion is growing.... But, what do we need to transform our faith communities? How can we challenge, evolve, shake things up??? Bro. Jim Zullo., PhD., P.C. will help give us ideas and inspire us to Empower New Possibilities rather than the status quo. He led the last Priests Convocation, and the priests liked him so much, we are inviting him back for a larger audience. Don't miss it! This will NOT be the Evangelization and Catechesis Conference you have known in the past, as we are shaking up the status quo! Please invite ALL leaders at your parish - in addition to staff, think about the parish council, your ministry volunteers, evangelization teams, etc. Look for registration materials by the end of the summer. But,please set aside this date on your calendar -- and the parish calendar -- now! (Event co-sponsored by the Diocesan Offices of: Evangelization, Missions, Religious Education, Youth & Young Adult Ministry) ======================== Local Celebrations of World Youth Day Affirming the gifts our young people bring to our Church October 26 You select time @ your parish(es) Take time to acknowledge our teens through prayer, thanksgiving and possible programming. This year's theme selected by Pope Francis is: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3).Planning ideas, the Holy Father's Message, and more can be found at: http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/world-youth-day-annual-local-celebrations.html ======================== LUNCH and LEARNs If you participated in these last year, please be sure to complete and return the survey to Carla soon. Thanks for doing that -- and for the great conversations! Here is the schedule for our "new year": Wednesday, November 12 on Budgeting and Fundraising Thursday, March 12 on Developing Parish Programs/Planning Tuesday, June 9 on Volunteer Recruitment and Mentoring These are generously included in your Parish Minister Fee with Rel Ed., and you must RSVP to Sandi, 330-744-8451, ext. 302 by a week before to have the book sent to you and be in the lunch count. *** Related news: If you know of any NEW (or nearly new) Parish Ministers who have not yet taken part in Orientation, it will take place on Thursday, September 25th this year. 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chancery. Sandi is taking RSVPs for this as well. The Lunch and Learns were first created to serve as on-going orientation for the new Parish Minsters, but found that Parish Ministers of any length of service wanted to be part of the discussions and so it came to be! The mix of newer and "experienced" really added to the conversations. ======================== The National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (A.k.a. NCCYM) -- December 3 - 7, 2014 @ San Antonio Convention Center Continuing education opportunity for all in middle school and high school youth ministry as well as campus ministry, young adult ministry and pastoral jovenes. Inspiring prayer experiences, opportunities for networking and great exhibits add to the learning and amazing keynote sessions. Look for information at http://www.nccym.info/ Registration is now open (Youngstown IS an affiliated diocese, so take that discount!) Let me know if you will be seeking a roommate so I can try to help you connect with others going. I know of 4 from our dioces already registered....and 4 more planning to go.... will you join us? This is a great time for YOU to build upon your knowledge, skills, faith, network and faith! Keynote Presenters: Sr. Helen Prejean, Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, Dr. Timone Davis, Mr. Roy Petitfils. Closing Mass with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller. Select up to 4 workshop break outs, various prayer experiences, and time at the numerous exhibits. Watch the promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBekBnV3-48 ================================== Office note: The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will be "Closed" July 28 - August 5 and then August 8-11 as I will be on vacation! (While I dream of white sandy beaches....I will actually be in St. Louis. I have not yet been, so I am excited to finally see the Gateway Arch! And then up near lake Erie, so a brown sandy beach will do!) Since this is vacation, I do not plan to check voicemail or email, so please be patient for a response. Thanks for your understanding. I hope you have also gotten some time off to enjoy the summer. May the Lord richly bless our final weeks of our summer season! -- Cindee Case, Director Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (OY&YAM) Catholic Diocese of Youngstown 144 West Wood Street, Youngstown, OH 44503 phone: 330-744-8451 X 280 fax: 330-744-5899 http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com 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 Thanks to Ansel Augustine of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Black Catholic for posting this to their blog site: http://nolacatholicexperience.wordpress.com/2014/05/21/national-federation-for-catholic-youth-ministry-in-nola/#respond We worked hard but enjoyed GREAT hospitality while there. Thanks NOLA...and thanks to the NFCYM for all you do to support youth ministries around the country and in the Diocese of Youngstown! ---- If you are not familiar with the NFCYM -- then perhaps you should check out their websites: http://www.nfcym.org/ http://www.cymsource.org/ And conferences For adults (in even numbered years, i.e. THIS December) http://www.nccym.info/ For teens (in odd numbered years, look for information in Spring 2015) http://www.ncyc.info/ Wow, hard to believe that it is Prom Season already -- but as I see pictures posted on Facebook, it is here! So, here are two quick prayers for teens to use -- one for those going to prom and one for those not going to prom.... In either event, know that I am praying that you (teens) -- please, stay safe (and don't do anything you'd be embarrassed to tell your grandma all about!!) --Cindee +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A Prayer for All Going to Prom Lord God, thank you for this opportunity to get dressed up and have fun with friends as we eat, dance, and laugh at Prom. Please keep us safe this evening, and give us strength to avoid temptations for any and all activities that would harm our relationship with you. May we be good role models in how we act, in what we say, in what we do and in how we dance. But also rejoice with us as we have fun. We pray this in your holy name, Amen. ======================================== A Prayer for Those Not Going to Prom Lord God, even though I will not be going to the dance tonight, I ask that you watch over and protect those who are. May they be safe and able to stay faithful to you. I also ask that you watch over me and all those who are not going to prom either by personal choice, parent's choice, or not being invited - no matter what the reason, please grant us a fun evening as well. No matter what I decide to do tonight, help me to look back with fond memories. Thank you for all my blessings Lord. In your holy name, I pray. Amen. |
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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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