Following the 2014 Academy Awards, this lovely video began circulating of the winner of the Supporting Actress Oscar, Lupita Nyong'o Speech on Black Beauty Essence Magazine Black Women In Hollywood Award (See below, or visit this website:) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPCkfARH2eE#t=87 What a beautiful witness of her own struggle with a sense of beauty, and of self-acceptance. How many other young people do we know have these struggles? While it took the model Ilek Wek to help Lupita begin to see her own beauty, rather then just feeling the love of God, I am sure that God sent her that inspiration. It took seeing that model for Lupita to see that she was made in God's own image: Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them (Genesis 1:27 - 28a) How do we in our ministries help teens see that they are made in God's image? How can we help them to avoid the "seduction of inadequacy" as Lupita put it -- settling as being 'less than' or less worthy? We need to give up negative self-talk -- not like giving up for Lent, but giving up for Life. Miss Nyongo went on to say that "Beauty is not a thing that I can acquire or consume." This, too, is an important lessen we can help our teens to learn. Once they can see God in themselves, we can help them to see God in other people. Then comes the ability to look into someone's eyes with love. "What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion. Compassion for yourself and for those around you," she says. Compassion is an expression of love. And, since God is love (1 John 4:8), compassion is an expression of God -- what could be more lovely? "Get to the deeper business of being beautiful inside," Miss Nyongo stated. I add, and help others to do the same!
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"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! I was asked again recently, "What do I have to do for diocesan Child Protection certification or whatever it is called?" So, I thought I'd post here what I shared (so you can share it with others who ask you!) Our DCPP (Diocesan Child Protection Policy) compliance begins with a 4 step process to be done through one's parish/Catholic institution. 1. Read the Diocesan Child Protection Policy booklet (these are free and available through your parish/institution coordinator) 2. Sign and submit the booklet Authorization and Verification form to your parish/institution coordinator 3. Participate in a two-hour "Treasured Gifts from God" in-service (dates and location are often listed in the monthly "Communique'" email (http://www.doy.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128&Itemid=100 ) 4. Have your fingerprints done via webcheck at any Ohio location having the report sent to your parish/institution. (If you are new to Ohio, an FBI check will need to be done.) After these 4 steps, and a "clean" fingerprinting report is received by the parish/institution, the DCPP administrator submits a checklist to the Office of the Chancellor. Once the individual is entered into the diocesan data-base, that adult is found to be in compliance and can chaperon/drive/volunteer with/serve youth. Furthermore, for those serving in youth ministries, your parish/institution coordinator should be providing ongoing education in this area, perhaps more on recognizing signs of abuse, or how to create a safe environment, etc. So long as you stay in continuous service at the same institution, there is currently no need for re-fingerprinting. However, should you change locations or go inactive more than one year, then you are required to start the process over again. Our diocesan Chancellor is always available to assist as needed, just contact the diocese at 330-744-8451. Article from the Diocese of Orange Submitted by Armando M. Cervantes at http://orangeyoucatholic.com/blog/get-ready-year-biblein-movie-theatres How many times do we use movies as a way to engage the youth of today? Either you suscribe to using the culture to teach about morals and values and what Scripture and the church teaches. Or you shy away from the culture, hoping to instill in the younger generation a sense of distance from the "popular culture" and our faith. Well it seems the big studios are going to side with us in 2014, which seems to be a year of wonderful movies coming out. Below is a review from Jonathan Merritt who write on Faith & Culture for the Religious News Services (RNS) for some of the most talked about films coming out: “Son of God” | 20th Century Fox (February 2014) Reality TV pioneer Mark Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, shocked the world last year when their History Channel series “The Bible” set cable TV records. Now, the Christian power couple has taken footage from that series and partnered with 20th Century Fox to create “Son of God,” a film about Jesus’ life that will doubtlessly attract churchgoing Americans. As the first film on this list to release, it may be helpful box office barometer for the others. “Noah” | Regency Enterprises (November 2014) A flood of publicity has already been created around the “Noah” film and its impressive $130 million budget. The cast includes Russell Crowe, as the sailor himself, as well as Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly, and Emma Watson. Darren Aronofsky of “Black Swan” fame directed the movie. If the trailer is any indication, it should be visually stunning while taking massive artistic liberties in creating details not found in the biblical narrative. Watch the Trailer. “Heaven is For Real” | Sony Pictures (April 2014) Though not technically a biblical movie, Sony Pictures’ “Heaven is For Real” must also be mentioned because it will likely riff on popular Bible themes such as heaven, Jesus, and salvation. The film is based on the New York Times bestselling book by the same name and stars Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilley, and Thomas Haden Church. This story of a little boy’s life-after-death experience is not so coincidentally scheduled to release just before Easter. Watch the Trailer. “Exodus” | 20th Century Fox (December 2014) Twentieth Century Fox has kept a tight lid on Ridley Scott’s “Exodus.” All we know is that the film is an adaptation of the biblical story of the ancient Israelite people’s liberation from Egypt. Christian Bale will star as Moses, and Sigourney Weaver will co-star. Critics won’t be able to help themselves from comparing the film to the 1956 movie “The Ten Commandments” starring Charlton Heston. The question will be whether this film can duplicate the classic’s box office success. “Mary, Mother of Christ” | Lionsgate Films (December 2014) The long awaited prequel to “The Passion of The Christ” is scheduled to arrive before Christmas after a long set of delays. The cast includes the late Peter O’Toole, Sir Ben Kinglsey, Julia Ormond, and 16-year-old Israeli newcomer Odeya Rush as the holy mother herself. The hefty cast combined with a serious budget from Lionsgate and the backing of several Christian notables (including mega-church pastor Joel Osteen who gets an executive producer credit) give this movie serious box office potential. ---------------------------- Thanks Armando and Jonathon! We will have to wait to see which will be rated G, PG or PG-13 for our teens, and which will be rated R for our younger and older adults to see. From the 2012-13 Parish Youth Ministry Reports submitted to the OY&YAM, these were listed as the most "successful" youth ministry programs, events, or series by the parish contacts. Please note that "success" does not mean the most people attended, although that is some times true, it means that there was an impact on the youth in regards to their understanding of Christ, faith and our Church. These are merely listed in the order they were received, at to not seem like I am picking favorites! But, I do like seeing that the most frequent seem to be service activities and mission trips. Also popular were retreats, learning, fun and larger-Church events. I posted these in the "Youngstown Youth Ministers" board on Facebook, but wanted to repeat these here as well as to be a 'spring board' of ideas for your local consideration! THANKS for all your positive efforts to share the Gospel with teens! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Appalachian Mission Trip in July Celebrate (retreat program) YDisciple "pilot" year at St. Charles a kick-off picnic for the high school teens and their parents: Late morning Mass, food, meet and greet and games. Halloween party Our 1st Annual Community Day -- 10 teens and their families do odd jobs/service at our home-bound parishioners’ homes. Our mission trip to KY was also a great experience The 30 hour famine Community outreach projects such as work for the elderly in Rake n' Run Parish Fall Festival work at Kid's Game & volunteer in dining room Vacation Bible School attracted a number of Youth Group volunteers the Diocesan Youth Convention October Caramel Apple Making Session End of Year Senior Blessing end of year Celebration of Youth preparing and serving lunch at the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Hall caroling at St. Joseph's Hospital Living Stations The Easter Flower Delivery An Overnight Youth Retreat - including Mass & Reconciliation The Youth Ministry Famine The trip to Appalachia. Regency Bingo, held monthly The Laser Quest Outing and Bowling Party with Stark County Emmaus Retreat Kairos Retreat K Day Mission Travel to Kentucky, Youngstown, Ecuador and Kenya "Soup" Kitchen days Monthly Masses and Music Ministry Groups Theology of the Body Program for grades 7 and 9 LifeNight Cedar Point When the students voice what topics were of interest to them. Preparing treat bags for younger students "A Christmas Pageant" for parents, followed by Christmas Family luncheon (K-12) Narration of the Gospel with younger children acting out the roles at the 4:30 Children's Mass Christmas Caroling Retreat preparing for Confirmation DVD 7 deadly sins, 7 lively virtues -Fr. Robert Barron Collecting food for the Emmanuel Care Center on Super Bowl Sunday DYC Steubenville Youth Conference a Wii Tournament I ask you to pray for the 175 delegates from our diocese traveling to Indianapolis next week.....but I would like for you to personally check out a virtual session, and invite your youth and their parents to take advantage of the online sessions as well. At the times listed below, just log on to http://www.ncyc.info/index.htm and look for the Live Streaming section (Know that our very own Bishop George V. Murry, S.J. is scheduled to lead the Friday morning prayer, so that would be a great one for you to check out!) Note: all times are approximate depending on schedule adjustments onsite. Thursday, November 21
You may catch some of our delegation sporting the diocesan hooded-sweatshirt seen above. Praying for each of us to be ever grateful that we are "Signed.Sealed.Delivered" -- Blessings, Cindee One of the biggest questions that seems to follow a "Treasured Gifts from God" or other Child Protection Policy related session is in regards to "Well, then what CAN we do besides seal ourselves off from kids?" While we adults working with youth MUST be cautious and sincere about providing safe environments for the kids, we can still be pastoral and caring....we just have to think! We also need to help teens understand 'appropriate touch' as well for use not only with adults, but their peers and when they assist with smaller children. Here is a basic list that we use for guidelines for diocesan youth events: + behaviors are generally* considered appropriate at youth events and activities:
- behaviors are generally considered inappropriate at youth events and activities:
* These are generalizations as each individual varies in comfort in regards to 'personal space' and we must do our best to read the signs/behaviors s/he displays. Remember, the point of our restrictions is to help provide safe environments for youth. But the point of our ministry is to help pass on the faith and help youth know, love and serve our Triune God. That means there are times and reasons were appropriate touch are necessary! God realized that people need to engage our human senses, and this he sent Jesus as a real person -- one who we've heard touched people: Matthew 8:1-4/ Mark 1:40-42, Luke 5:12-13 --The leper Matthew 9:20-22 -- The hemmoraging woman Matthew 20:29-34 -- The blind man Luke 22:50-51 -- The high priest's servant Matthew 9:23-26 -- The young dead girl just to name a few. So, touch can be healing, comforting, and loving. In our ministry settings, it should never forceful, scary, or intimidating. Be the gentle hand of God...appropriately! As ministers, paid or volunteer, it seems as if we seldom have enough time to keep up on current information, trends, tools and trainings. While I fully endorse and encourage participation in our diocesan opportunities like YMOT (Youth Ministry Online Training Program), Christian Formation Series, Liturgy Day, Evangelization and Catechesis Day, in-service, etc., there are so many more opportunities for you -- some as close as your computer! Webinars are online (web) seminars that allow students from all over the country/world to participate together with an expert, teacher, motivator, author, leader or facilitator. "Live" participants who join the webinar in "real time" often have the chance to ask questions, offer additional insights or respond to questions during the session. Many of the sessions are recorded and made available any time. Key advantages of webinars are: 1. No travel time to and from the session. 2. Shortened commitment time then without the travel involved. 3. Can be done about anywhere you have an internet connection, so that can be in your office, at home, or (with earphones) while you wait for your child involved in a sport, dance, music, etc. 4. You can learn from speakers who may never come to this area. It is incredible to be able to ask an expert a question and get his/her direct response! 5. You can learn about almost ANY topic, if you search long enough. 6. Affordable -- most of offered inexpensively, and many are FREE. 7. You can interact with participants from all over the region, country or world, depending on the webinar. So, check your internet connection (speed, bandwidth) and computer/tablet/smartphone sound, and if they are compatible, then start looking for the topics you most want to learn about via webinar! I shall offer a few suggestions: + Members of the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders receive FREE access to monthly webinars with topics directly of interest to our ministries with teens. Membership is only $60 for the year and has additional benefits like discounts on conferences and resources, membership news, etc. Check out the current webinar listing at: http://www.nacyml.org/oncoursewebinar.htm For membership, click here: http://www.nacyml.org/join.htm -------------------------------------- + For only $25 per session (discounted in bulk), the Center for Ministry Development offers monthly topics related to ministry with youth, young adults, and families. You can also review past sessions and get the handouts. See their listing at: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=t7vhojcab&v=001hgLWFIFcpZ0JYanF1r5qEJcoDgSIbQDbOqRCmNzLl1eueeO61O6UWORSLGnSdmY0Lpwf5FffWpn1G48DSGdifs_ieRotp-CgKige_4MVuFg-qF7NSYIP9TPXChuu-OqCAaokmvJJLEmVKHW6f-HkrdgGL5j5_34n28ei2IBxSeEAjXTzkciersKNfr6qAtLVQVOEOZfK3ZPzdenP3LM92IaPQel3t_iHg5O0NXcG6U4ZxweLtpr2VnyqhfKj2K9HuLVHlx4eGsSIM8tMxmY_FXdFWtfKZVLMwABBgFa7SG4dHO129pDI3cD2L6xbfDfk5YQue84M7jwFQV_vaqBwChxlojy2QkmdJMQY9T82RFFBaNMZRPzRR-Yhf-FIEagcUM-EfXlZyv_do6E7iV4R0Q%3D%3D -------------------------- + Paulist Evangelization Ministries (Paulist Fathers) offers sessions during this Year of Faith with helpful ways we can deepen our personal faith and share with others. Most (all?) have been free of charge, but you must pre-register. Check out upcoming topics at: http://www.pemdc.org/yearoffaith/ ------------------------------------------ + St. Mary's Press offers a number of webinars that help make use of tools they produce See their offerings at: http://www.smp.org/webinars/ ----------------------------------- + Joe Paprocki offers insights on his Catechist's Journey site. While he has worked mostly with DREs and children's programs, there are topics of interest to those of us working with 'older children' as well. http://catechistsjourney.loyolapress.com/webinars-2/ -------------------------------- + Ave Maria Press offers free webinars for parish minister's professional development. https://www.avemariapress.com/webinar-videos/ ---------------------------------- WHAT OTHERS MIGHT YOU RECOMMEND? How have webinars helped your ministry? How have webinars helped your personal growth as a minister? What new things have you learned by participating in a webinar? How have webinars helped you encourage continued formation with your team, vo 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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