Week of February 21, 2010

22^nd TAPT retreat deadline fast approaching:  The deadline for the annual diocesan TAPT Lenten retreat for HS teens is this Monday, March 1st. 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 networking survey: OYYA is exploring the possibility of organizing a simple, centrally-located, monthly gathering for youth ministry leaders. The goals would include: Networking • Idea-sharing • Fellowship • Prayer • Knowledge about events & opportunities for development • Free coffee! Interested? Please complete a quick survey on meeting days and times. Survey, click here. Thanks!

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.

YMC’s shiftin’:  It’s always both a challenge and a blessing when a parish transitions from one youth ministry coordinator to another. Join me in praying for these communities who have welcomed new leaders to their programs: Our Lady of Consolation (Merrillville) brings in Joe Kern, a vet of diocesan events & formerly of St. James (Highland) to head its HS pgm. Judy Wirtz takes over the reigns for middle school ministry. Succeeding Joe at St. James are Matt & Milly Virus, who are presently in the diocesan lay ministry formation pgm. St. Mary (Griffith) recently appointed AnnMarie Keene, a member of the TAPT Advisory Board, to lead a revamped effort there. Sue Castaneda recently assumed YM duties at St. Maria Goretti (Dyer), taking over for longtime YMC Kim Hoogeveen, who shifts to an increased religious formation role there. Our Lady of Grace (Highland) has appointed Daniel Barry to coordinate its youth outreach efforts.

Pre-CYX Friday night event plans take shape:  As you by now know, CYX begins on Saturday morning and ends Sunday afternoon, a move to one overnight. Many YM’s felt it could be a great chance to do a “kick off” event on the Friday night before the conference. We are pleased to announce that OYYA will host a pre-CYX outdoor concert and bonfire event Friday, July 23, 7-10pm at Nativity of Our Savior in Portage. Acts to be announced. There will be little if no admission costs. CYX attendees are not required to attend the event, nor are persons attending the event required to attend CYX. It IS a great way to get teens xcited for a great Catholic Youth Xperience.

The young prefer Facebook to blogging, Twitter: (USA Today) A new report paints a picture of how teens and young adults are using social media these days. Teens are eating up Facebook but are not so keen on Twitter, and they are not blogging as much as they used to, according to the Pew Internet Project's report, "Social Media and Mobile Internet Use Among Teens and Young Adults." The report highlights data gathered from teens ages 12-17 and a second survey of adults 18 and older. Blogging among teens and young adults has plummeted to half what it was in 2006. "There's been a move from MySpace, which put blogging front and center, to Facebook, which doesn't have that," researcher Amanda Lenhart says. The report also indicates that wireless connectivity is high among adults under 30, and social networking continues to climb. (Web/email: full report here)