Week of February 28, 2010

TAPT late fees waived, dates extended:  A number of you have shared with me that for whatever reason TAPT is the one event that seems to “creep up” on teens, and by the time they’re ready to register, the deadline is passing. I have heard that enough to reconsider the late fee policy, both this year and in future years, as it certainly is little incentive to get teens and their parents to register early! So the $10 late fee has been waived, and we will accept registrations through Monday, March 15^th. However all registrations must be received by March 15. "Walkup" registrations are not allowed for this event, as time is needed to place teens in small groups, arrange for food counts, paperwork, etc. TAPT formation is underway, and I am honored to be working with an amazing group of teen and adult leaders. I especially salute new small group leaders who are leading TAPT for the first time this year, including Emily Blasio (St. Mary/Otis), Janet Lashinis (Sacred Heart/La Porte), Teresa Lekan (St. Matthias/Crown Pt.), Amy Satoski (St. Mary/Kouts), Tara Ward (St. Joan of Arc/Merrillville), Joe Kolosci (Our Lady of Sorrows/S. Haven), Matt Virus (St. James/Highland), & Jason Yurechko (St. Teresa of Avila, Valparaiso).

TAPT Reunion Mass open to all:  You are all invited to attend the TAPT Reunion Mass (aka TAPT Closing Mass), Sun. March 21, appr. 11:15am at Camp Lawrence. A special invitation to youth leaders who have teens attending the retreat: Teens leave TAPT on fire for the faith and ready to live it! Be there to show your support for them and to show them that you are ready to join them in mission when they return to your local community. Also, former TAPTsters are invited as a visible link to past, present, and future. Please plan to arrive a little early to allow enough time to arrange for seating, host counting, etc. Come as early as 10:30 to enjoy social time with current and former TAPTsters.

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. Click here for more info.

Worth your while! Youth ministry leaders attending the Catechetical/Liturgical Day will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive one complimentary CYX registration! Use it for an adult or teen, it’s up to you. A great day of formation, and a chance to save someone around $100 (final price not yet finalized, but that’s my best ballpark as of now), can’t beat that!

Matt Maher returns to NWI: Songwriter, recording artist and worship leader Matt Maher brings his infectious spirit and powerful music back to Northwest Indiana on Friday, May 14 at St. Paul in Valparaiso. It will be Matt’s third visit to the parish, and since his last visit in 2006, Matt has racked up numerous awards, risen to the top of the Christian Contemporary charts, and earned perhaps the greatest honor to date: he is currently on the road as the opening act for legendary artist Michael W. Smith. Just last month, Matt was nominated for six GMA Dove Awards, including Praise & Worship Album of the Year (“Alive Again”) and Worship Song of the Year ("Alive Again")  Tickets: $30, $20 (with student ID), $20 group rate (groups of 15 or more). Tickets on sale now: contact Meghan Conley (YMC, St. Paul/Valpo) at 219-465-7762, email: mattmahertixATyahoo.com, www.itickets.com (search “Matt Maher” under “Find events”). Proceeds benefit St. Paul’s pilgrimage to World Youth Day 2011 in Spain.

Catholic Youth Igniting the Fire Lock-in:  Teens from across the diocese are invited to attend the “Catholic Youth Igniting the Fire” lock-in retreat April 10 (3:30pm) – April 11 (7:30 am) at St. Matthias (southern Crown Point, adjacent to CPHS & St. Anthony Med. Ctr.). The event is a joint effort of the YM programs of St. Matthias, Our Lady of Consolation (Merrillville) & Nativity of Our Savior (Portage). Open to both middle and high schoolers. Cost: $10. Participants must complete registration packet, available online (OYYA Youth Ministry page, “Around the Diocese”) and submit by April 4. The planning team asks teens: Where can you stay up all night, hang out with friends, talk, eat, have a great time and your parents won’t care? Our Youth Ministry Retreat, of course! Hosted at Saint Matthias! Come enjoy an overnight experience with youth from across the Diocese as we celebrate our Catholic Faith and Embrace the leadership skills in all of you! COME FIND THE FLAME IN YOU!