Week of April 25, 2010

Excellent DYC Meeting:  Diocesan Youth Council reps know they are to meet with their YM leaders once a month to process each meeting. This month YM leaders will especially want to spend some time really processing the activity I led them through at the April 18 mtg. As a followup to the Feb. mtg in which reps assessed their program through the lens of Renewing the Vision (US Bishops' document on YM), reps were encouraged to develop an event, program, or service that addressed what they perceived to be an area of need in their parish. Reps were then encouraged to meet with their YM's to discuss the thoughts and ideas that went into this process. Notes from the meeting are posted at the DYC site (tu.nu/dyc), where you can also get a blank copy of the Planning Process Outline that was used.

Kev’s soapbox on another eye opening young adult study: On the heels of Generation Christ, our Feb. symposium for Catholic young adults, we read yet another study that tells us what most of us already can guess: nearly 3 in 4 young adults say they are “more spiritual than religious” (study: LifeWay Christian Resources). It should be noted that it appears from my initial research that the survey is overwhelmingly fundamentalist in its approach (stands to reason: Lifeway is the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention). Thom Rainer, LifeWay president, said if the trends continue, "the Millennial generation will see churches closing as quickly as GM dealerships." It’s worth a read, as at best our Catholic young adults are living and working alongside Christian fundamentalists, and at worst have similar feelings toward church. I admit some consolation knowing we Catholics aren’t the only ones struggling to keep our flock. But I have often questioned that overused term “more spiritual than religious,” because both terms have to defined by their context, and more often than not if one is forced to explain his/her faith, spirituality and religion are not separated. Time and again we read how today’s youth and young adults are as “spiritual” as ever. In fact, I posit that if “spirituality” = “personal belief in a Creator,” and “religion” = “human flawed institution,” then we should see the glass half-full. Young people aren’t turned away by God, they’re turned away by us. We can fix that by doing and being better church. Rest assured outreach to young adults has become a major priority for the Office for Youth and Young Adults and we aim to continue to search for ways to connect and reconnect them to both their spirituality and religion. Read the Bishop’s latest column in the NWIC, “Recognize the value of young adults in parish life.”

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. Matt has risen to the top of the Christian Contemporary charts, and 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") Newly added: opening act: P.J. Anderson (YMC, St. John the Evangelist, St. John)! 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. Click here for PDF flyer

Boat drinks, anyone? For all you Parrot Heads out there, you have the ultimate chance to walk away with a 4-pack of lawn seats to see Jimmy Buffett on May 15 at the Verizon Music Center (Indianapolis). St. Teresa of Avila (Valparaiso) is selling raffle tickets.  Tickets are $5 for one, or five for $20.  Tickets may also be purchased directly from the office by stopping in.  Proceeds benefit the teen service team heading to Catholic Heart Workcamp in Boston this summer.  Call Phil Dietrich to arrange purchase: 219-464-4042. Winner chosen May 9, and will be notified by phone and/or email.

Breath of the Spirit Award: Each summer at the Catholic Youth Xperience, OYYA awards the Breath of the Spirit Award. The award acknowledges youth who go above and beyond to fulfill their baptismal call, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through them to build the Kingdom of God. If you would like to nominate a teen, please complete the nomination form and submit it on or before June 1. The decision will be made by the CYX planning team. Winner will be notified and will receive a complimentary registration to attend CYX. Visit catholicyouthx.com and click “Award.”

CYX Learning Sessions offered in Spanish! We are taking steps to make CYX as inclusive as possible. We want the biggest YM event in the diocese to be a true reflection of the diversity that exists throughout the Diocese of Gary. We are many parts, we are all one body! While all general sessions will be presented in English, we will offer a Spanish-speaking track of Learning Sessions. These sessions will address topics relevant to Latino/a Catholic youth. We are thankful for the assistance of the diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry in this project. Details coming in the Registration Book for Gp. Leaders, which is due online in the next few days, and will be mailed next week.