![]() I received a call today from a Youth Ministry Coordinator who wanted resources to use regarding talking with the teens about alcohol, underage drinking, binging, etc. I thought I would share a few of those we found during our discussion: Old "Youth Update" -- but where to go for help section is still valuable http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/YU/ay1191.asp Do Something - Facts about teens and alcohol http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-teens-and-alcohol National Alcohol and Substance Abuse Information Center Intervention help http://www.addictioncareoptions.com/intervention-help Partnership for Drugfree.org -- Parent's Tool Kit http://theparenttoolkit.org/ Why Teens Drink/Consequences http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/teen-drinking/MY00521 MADD -- Guide to talking with teens about alcohol (for parents - so you may want to tell them about it -- and there looks to be some stats and info your core team could pull out to discuss at tables) http://support.madd.org/docs/madd_handbook_email.pdf National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/MakeADiff_HTML/makediff.htm Students Against Destructive Decisionshttp://www.sadd.org/ Lifeteen articls "Thinking about Drinking" http://lifeteen.com/thinking-about-drinking-the-bible-alcohol-and-you/ NFCYM "Hot Button" issues - Resources listing http://www.nfcym.org/family/hotbutton_issues.htm (Please note that while I have NOT had time to fully investigate each and every linked page to the resources listed, and I do not necessarily endorse all that the related organizations represent, I am only drawing your attention to specific tools that look helpful -- please let me know if you have addition ones or even better ones. Thanks!)
2 Comments
![]() For those of you who heard Sr. Maureen Sullivan, O.P., PhD at the Evangelization and Catechesis Conference on Saturday (October 19, 2013), this information should sound familiar as I am reflecting upon a few of her words from that keynote address. She quoted Karl Rahner, "Mystery is not what which I cannot know of understand, but...which I cannot exhaust." I love this twist on the word as "mystery" seemed to be the 'answer' to any question I asked a teacher/catechist/priest/adult as a child. If they couldn't explain it or didn't think I could grasp it, it feel into the Mystery File in my head....How can God be everywhere? It is a mystery. Did Jesus know he would die even when he was a little boy? It is a mystery. Did Jesus ever get grounded? Ok, well, perhaps that is a mystery, but anyway, my point it that I love now considering it as something to be questions, probed, prayed about, and reconsidered over and over but that I man never have a complete answer. With this then comes the excitement of theology - to continue to look at information passed down from previous generations to look at again with the eyes of faith in this point in time. How is the mystery of God revealed a bit more in this time and place? What insights did her presentation open in your mind? What do you think of her thoughts and Rahner's take on Mystery? ![]() I did not want to forget about this page I found on the web today with PRAYERS - GUIDANCE AND WISDOM: http://cathedralofsaintmatthew.com/LifeResources/Prayers/PrayersForGuidanceAndWisdom.htm Even better was to see that this was just one part of a larger "Life Resources" section of the website for the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Houston. http://cathedralofsaintmatthew.com/LifeResources.htm What a great service to their parishioners (and others who find it) as it links to many good tools for families. Check it out. What might you add? What might your "borrow" for use at your own parish/school/ministry site? ![]() The "Missions" speaker at St. Joseph Parish in Austintown this weekend was Fr. Bridling, a priest from the Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri in Nigeria. I was amazed by the spirit of joy in his voice as he celebrated the Mass with us, as this man has seen harder times that I will even know. During the homily, he explained that Muslims settled into northeastern Nigeria in the 1500s and that is the predominant religion in the area. 2% of the population is Catholic. While there has long been tension, the comments made by Pope Benedict in a 2006 speech ignited things with some radical Muslims in the area: <<In September 2006, Pope Benedict XVI provoked outrage in the Muslim world with a speech given at the University of Regensburg in Germany. The lecture, entitled Faith, Reason and the University: Memories and Reflections, explored the historical and philosophical differences between Islam and Christianity, and the relationship between violence and faith. During his address, Pope Benedict quoted a 14th Century Christian emperor: "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." The pontiff then added that violence was "incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul". The remarks were interpreted as an attack on Islam and sparked angry protests in Pakistan, India, Turkey and Gaza.>> (From BBC news) And Nigeria! The Muslim radicals bombed the Churches, homes and public places Christians visit. A few Churches were rebuilt, then bombed again in 2009. Now, the diocese has depleted funds, but the people are "steadfast in their faith and are determined to live it," said Fr. Bridling. While I do recall the news story from Pope Benedict's speech, and knew that it "upset" many Muslims, I guess I just pictured (relatively peaceful) protests in the streets.... I hadn't thought about people DYING -- nor that they continue to die. Fr. Bridling said that the "Boko Haram" anti-Christian radicals still terrorize people and have been kidnapping young Christian girls. How scary it must be to walk to the store, take a walk, or be at Church. But how deep the faith of those Nigerians who have not denounced their Catholic beliefs, yet live it - despite possible death. These stories are the kinds that our teens hunger for each day. They want to see how the early Christian story relates to today. (Anyone else see the unfortunate parallels with the persecuted Christians in Rome?) Teens need to learn of the realities around the world and think about our connection in this universal (or catholic) Church. What do they feel about this story? What can be done? I now picture myself trembling in the Upper Room, like the Apostles after the Resurrection but before Pentecost. Would I be hiding out, afraid for my life? Or, am I filled enough with the Holy Spirit to go forth and share the Good News? Do I take the Eucharist truly to heart to become the Body of Christ in the Church to live it in the world, no matter what the cost? It is easy to wonder here in the relatively peaceful United States of America. Even when I lived in the South with some people who were anti-Catholic, they were at least Christian and not threatening my life. I travel from home to work, the store, restaurants and Church without fear of bombs, fires or kidnapping. How much do I take that for granted? I have much to pray about. Much to think about. Here are a few Scriptures for reflection: Be strong and steadfast; have no fear or dread of them, for it is the LORD, your God, who marches with you; he will never fail you or forsake you. (Deut. 31: 6) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) for he has said, “I will never forsake you or abandon you.” Thus we may say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper, [and] I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” (Hebrews 13: 5b - 6) Now who is going to harm you if you are enthusiastic for what is good? But even if you should suffer because of righteousness, blessed are you. Do not be afraid or terrified with fear of them, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered* for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. (1 Peter 3: 13 - 18) Over one hundred times we read "fear not" or "Be not afraid" in the Scriptures. I suppose that God and his selected Biblical scribes knew our human tendency to fear. And our need to be reminded that "for God all things are possible” (Matthew 26), so why be afraid? Thank you, Fr. Bridling, for not only giving me the opportunity to financially and prayerfully support you and your fellow Nigerian Catholics, but for challenging me to reflect on my faith and to show my appreciation for religious freedoms by living my Christianity! ![]() 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! ![]() I wanted to share a couple of the online prayer aides that I have used that help remind me to take time for prayer in the midst of the numerous tasks of the job. It helps that I can receive email reminders: + Loyola Press 3-minute retreat A different daily theme with image and Scripture. If I cannot find at least 3 minutes to pray, then I am in the wrong line of work ;-) Here is today's: http://www.loyolapress.com/3-Minute-Retreat-wounded-healers.htm?updatedate=7/7/2013%206:30:09%20AM&utm_campaign=3-minute-retreat-daily-email&utm_medium=link&utm_source=email-link + The Five Loaves A weekly reflections "between Sundays" with reflections from various ministers with related song. http://www.thefiveloaves.com/ + St. Anthony Messenger Saint of the Day A brief bio of a saint celebrated that day along with a prayer. I often post these on my Facebook page for teens and young adults to read as well. http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/SaintofDay/default.aspx And one for your teens: + Any Given Sunday from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, a free weekly, lectionary based reflection by various youth leaders and artists. I have posted a few of these on my Facebook page as well for teens. http://www.anygivensundayproject.com/ Let me know what some of your favorite online resources are as well! ![]() I was recently asked, again, about the perimeters for God-parents/Sponsors in the Catholic Church. I thought it might be helpful to have the Canon Law sections posted for when you are asked as well: CHAPTER IV. (Baptism) SPONSORS Can. 872 Insofar as possible, a person to be baptized is to be given a sponsor who assists an adult in Christian initiation or together with the parents presents an infant for baptism. A sponsor also helps the baptized person to lead a Christian life in keeping with baptism and to fulfill faithfully the obligations inherent in it. Can. 873 There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each. Can. 874 §1. To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must: 1/ be designated by the one to be baptized, by the parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function; 2/ have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause; 3/ be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on; 4/ not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared; 5/ not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized. §2. A baptized person who belongs to a non-Catholic ecclesial community is not to participate except together with a Catholic sponsor and then only as a witness of the baptism. and related: Can. 879 The sacrament of confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith. It imprints a character, enriches by the gift of the Holy Spirit the baptized continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to the Church. CHAPTER IV. (Confirmation) SPONSORS Can. 892 Insofar as possible, there is to be a sponsor for the person to be confirmed; the sponsor is to take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament. Can. 893 §1. To perform the function of sponsor, a person must fulfill the conditions mentioned in ⇒ can. 874. §2. It is desirable to choose as sponsor the one who undertook the same function in baptism. ![]() Perhaps you take some time for prayer before you break groups up into cars with Diocesan Child Protection compliant adult drivers with the liability & release forms from the parents and send them off to Kenny Wood, Cedar Point, or other amusement parks....of maybe you take advantage of an hour or three on a bus with ice-breakers, prayer and an instructional video to include some catechesis in the day of fun.... but do you intertwine catechesis or prayer into the amusement park? It seems natural when someone is usually yelling out, "Oh God" as a roller coaster nears to the top of its largest hill or once a spinny ride has been going for over a minute. How can we encourage teens to see God in their experiences (besides praying for a long long to move quickly or for the rain to hold off a while longer!)? Here are just a few suggestions -- and I welcome others to be added: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Prior to your event day, be sure to get a list of the amusement park attractions. You may be able to play on the names of some rides so that they can think about that when they ride, while they wait, or even as they walk by it. Examples: + Cedar Point's Blue Streak coaster -- are your teens familiar with the old term about someone 'cussing/cursing up a blue streak' in that a lot of foul language is used? What does the Bible say about cursing? What about the catechism? When they see the Blue Streak, can they pray for God to help them keep clean mouths? A few Bible verses to get you started: Ephesians 4:29 No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear. Ephesians 5:1 - 4 So be imitators of God,* as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. Colossians 3:8- 10 But now you must put them all away: anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths. Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator James 1:26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is vain Colossians 4:5 - 6 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one. Exodus 20:7 You shall not invoke the name of the LORD, your God, in vain. For the LORD will not leave unpunished anyone who invokes his name in vain. + Cedar Downs Racing Derby -- Talk about St. Paul's analogy of "Running the Race" in our faith journey (Philipians 3: 12 - 16) + There is a LOT that can be done regarding the Waters of Baptism to be reflected upon on any water ride at Kennywood ( Log Jammer, Pittsburg Plunge and Raging Rapids), Cedar Point (Shoot the Rapids, Snake River Falls, Thunder Canyon), anything at Wildwater Kingdom..... or at your parish festival dunking booth ;-) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Challenge your group members to seek out the good -- look for people helping others, i.e. picking up something some else dropped.....helping a parent with a small child....holding a door or gate open for the next person.... can they find at least ten different examples before lunch? During lunch, have them share the examples they witnessed. After lunch, challenge them, can they then do ten nice things for strangers around the park? Perhaps reading from Matthew 5; 13 - 16 can help: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OK, your turn to share some ideas..... Best wishes for a safe, fun, and spiritually enriching summer! |
Details
*** 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
July 2021
Categories
All
|