Week of February 14, 2010

Youth Ministry resources for Lent:  I have posted some links for you to use as you minister to your teens during Lent. They are at the front page of garyoyya.org. Included: USCCB Lent site, message from Pope Benedict XVI, prayer services, facts, catechetical resources, etc.

22^nd TAPT retreat:  A short February means that the deadline for the annual diocesan TAPT Lenten retreat for HS teens is fast approaching! Don’t let March 1^st creep up on your teens- remind them to register ASAP! No money is needed at registration, although if parents wish to pay, they may do so using the online registration system for their convenience. remember that unlike CYX & Grásta Dé!, individual participation is allowed for TAPT. However we cannot do TAPT without you, the youth minister! We need you to assist in promoting this transformation ministry experience. It will also enhance your ministry, as teen come back fired up and ready for more. All YM’s of teens attending TAPT receive processing resources as well. If you have not done so, please spreading the word. Use the following for your bulletins, emails, Facebook posts, etc.:

YM's invited to Catechetical/Liturgical Day: Make the 2010 Diocese of Gary Catechetical/Liturgical Day part of your efforts to build a stronger YM program. This year’s keynote address, “Word of God the Transforming Power of Ministry” is presented by Dr. Carole Eipers, who asks, what is the place of Sacred Scripture in catechesis and liturgy? There is plenty for YMs! Youth Ministers ARE Catechists, and as such you will find lots of content throughout the day to assist you in building a better ministry. Included: Confirming the Faith of Adolescents, Sexuality and Chastity Education & more. Featured YM presenter: Jim Chesnes. As a YM AND a licensed counselor, Jim talks to YM's about tackling those difficult situations and facing your hurting teens, and how to provide a healing response. Cost: $15 pp. Visit garyoyya.org for more info.

New Orleans looked like fun, huh?!  You couldn’t turn on a TV the last few weeks without seeing lots of people having fun in New Orleans, between Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl Champion Saints. Kinda’ makes you want to visit, huh? What if you could visit NOLA AND experience the largest conference for Catholic YM’s in the USA at the same time? This year’s National Conference on Catholic YM (NCCYM) will be held Dec. 9-12. This is NOT NCYC (that’s for teens), this is for YOU, the adult leader, YOUR chance to be ministered to! NCCYM forms and transform adults ministering to youth in the Catholic Church. Thousands of YM’s, campus ministers, catechetical leaders, scouts, performers, musical artists, and volunteers from every level come together for four days of inspiring keynotes, workshops, dynamic prayer and worship, critical networking, extensive resources, and good-hearted entertainment. I’ll be there, and as always will assist you if you are interested in attending. Preliminary estimates, a flyer & more can be found at the YM page of garyoyya.org (click on NCCYM link on left).

Source & Summit 2010: Immerse your teens in a Eucharistic-centered retreat, think about bringing them to Source & Summit 2010. This retreat weekend is jam packed with lively talks, inspiring music, celebration of Holy Mass, Reconciliation opportunities, small group workshops, fellowship and more! A presentation of St. John the Evangelist (St. John), Source & Summit is scheduled for April 23-25, 2010 at Andrean High School. Promo packets were recently mailed. If you need one or require additional materials contact P.J. Anderson at 219-365-5678 x254, and check out sourceandsummitretreat.org .

Grásta Dé! Date announced:  This year’s Grásta Dé! Middle School Youth Ministry Day will be held on Sunday, October 24. More and more DRE’s and YM’s are working together to enhance the total Catechetical experience they provide 6-8 graders by including this event as part of their programs. Give me a call (or have your DRE give me a call) if you’re new to Grásta Dé!

YMU Dates announced: The next “semester” of Youth Ministry University will be held on two on two consecutive Thursdays, Apr. 29 & May 6, 5:30-9:30pm both nights, at Nativity of Our Savior, Portage. YMU trains YM coordinators, volunteers, and anyone working with young people in middle and high school. The content is based on the comprehensive model of YM advocated by the USCCB in Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry.