Totally Catholic Youth Ministers Lounge

Numbness

2008-12-23T10:37:00.003-05:00

On Friday, December 19, 2008 two people that I loved dearly were brutally shot and killed in an attempted burglary at their home. Both Jean Smith and her son Jim Smith were two of the best people that I know. Honestly.

The deaths have gripped the county, as Jean was the president of the choral boosters at her kids' high school (CD Hylton High School), as well as on county boards. I know her through Holy Family Church, where he volunteered in about 1.5 million different capacities. Many kids called her "momma Smith" and this title is quite fitting. She literally loved thousands upon thousands of kids in her short life on this earth and the best part is that she loved every single one of them like her own four children. Jim was equally important to so many. Having just completed his third term at James Madison University (JMU), was a practical joker with a huge heart. He sang in an a capella group there as well as various other choirs. In high school, he sang in multiple choirs and wrestled, but again, i know him through Church and through really watching them group.

My first exposure to the Smiths was probably about 10 years ago when I taught Sarah, the eldest daughter 7th grade religious ed. She was as amazing then as she is now. As I've looked back the past couple of days since the murder, I realize how much each member of the Smith family, down to the youngest son (I don't feel comfortable naming him here, as he has been out of the spotlight since the slayings...wow that feels weird to say), has truly impacted my life. They have sprinkled my life with sunshine and for that, I am truly blessed.

Jean taught me how to love "sky big" and in many ways with the heart of Saint John Bosco. She took the messy lives of kids and teenagers and adults, and covered them with her love, and tied them with a pretty bow. I am honored and blessed to have been loved in a very real way by her. I'll always miss sitting at her kitchen table sharing our lives over cokes. We had plans for Christmas Eve and New Years and I know I'll feel her absence on both of those days.

Jim taught me how to lighten up, laugh alot, how to tell inappropriate and distasteful jokes with great poise :), and how to have an infectious smile. I love that Jim loved his family so much and how he sang for the Church choir, even when it was uncool. I always appreciated that he let me be a part of his life and let me into his world, especially when he went to college. I remember when we worked together on a confirmation retreat at my home parish. I was touched by his maturity, by how much he cared about the kids in our group and how much he truly loved God. I am so glad that he was a part of life.

There's great graces from God in this and I feel his mercy and love in the sacraments. In running towards the Church, in the Sacraments,, I feel his love and see his hand in all of this. Everyone always says this, but I know I'm a better person because of them, but more importantly, I'm a better Catholic because of their love.

Jim: I wish I could have had one last check in with you or seen you perform one last time. Thanks for letting me be a part of your life. I love you.

I miss you alot Momma Smith and I would give anything for one more do over of December 19, 2008. Help me to be a good youth minister and help me to love my teens the way that you loved all kids.

Please pray for the remaining members of the Smith family, for their extended family, and for the community, as they need great strength during this time.

I also ask for prayers for their murderer. He is 17 and I fear great retaliation against them, which is not what Jean or Jim would want.

52 posts of greatness

2008-12-16T00:26:00.002-05:00

So, obviously, I haven't been the greatest at posting lately. A lot has come up, there's been a lot of joy and a lot of struggle lately, but all of it will eventually be for the greater glory of God!

Driving home tonight from work, I had the brilliant idea to post 52 posts between now and December 2009. I'm not trying to make this a new year's resolution, cause those are pretty much always broken, but I'll do my best to provide 52 moments of blogging greatness!

Hope your advent is going well and you're preparing the way of the Lord...

Merry Christmas and much love.

Funny things kids say...

2008-09-23T16:47:00.003-04:00

Hello Bloggers! I hope you're doing well. I'm sorry that I haven't been up to date on posting, it's been a little bit rough lately, and I've been totally slacking, so for that I'm sorry.

There's tons going on here. I'm choosing not to post all of it, cause really, I still need to think it through, but basically in the last month, I've been told by a parent that I do not meet their expectations and I'm a disappointment. Surprise surprise. I've spoken with the pastor, who's informed that I'm doing a good job, but still, I fear that this will not die and start to turn nasty with the mother. I hope not. Please pray for me. At most, I figure, if I'm not pissing someone off, I'm probably not doing my job so well.

I named this blog something different though, cause I get so much humor from listening to the things the kids say to each other....

So this one teen is talking to the other teens about how he's not wearing tee shirts any more and how he's doing his own laundry now and how his mom is shocked by that. It was funny. Later on I asked him why he wasn't wearing tee shirts any more and said, "Em, cause I'm a man now".

I tried not to laugh, but it's been the highlight of my week.

Keep fighting the good fight.

One year of Ministry

2008-08-18T16:49:00.004-04:00

A lot has happened in the last year...I became a full time Director of Youth Ministry and my world was rocked! I'm so unworthy to have had the year that I had, to have been able to minister to these kids and to love them and learn with them and to be a part of their lives.

Having gone to Work Camp, and World Youth Day has refreshed and renewed my zeal for my job. There's so much work to be done for our Church, but there's so much hope and both of these events have taught me that.

I promise more blogs in the future, but for now, I'm thankful for a year of ministry, for a year of fun and grace and love.

May Christ's peace be with you.

The POPE!

2008-05-06T10:17:00.005-04:00

So, as I sat here avoiding my impending to do list, I thought, I'd write a post at the very least.

Alot has happened in the nearly nine months since I've started. I've learned a ton and I'm way more comfortable in my own skin. Perhaps one of the best moments as of late had to be taking kids to see the Pope at his mass at the Nationals' Stadium.

I had the ENORMOUS privilege of taking three kids to the papal mass with me in April. It was THE singular most transformative moment of my life. Just being there, seeing the stadium full of 46,000 made it totally amazing, besides the fact that the pope was there! Getting up at 3 am, was not the most fun, nor was organizing a bus full of almost 100 papal goers, but the whole experience was almost indescribable. My kids were amazing, were never too far from site and posed for every CHEESY picture that I made them pose for. They were dolls.

At first, I was having a little pity party for myself because I thought that the experience would have been way better if I didn't have kids there. I felt like I could have prayed more, listened better and had a much better time in general. Then the Holy Spirit gave me a slap on the face. During the procession of the gifts and leading into the Eucharistic prayer, one of my kids looked at me and said: "Thank you Em" and it was in that moment that I realized that I was watching these kids' lives be transformed, for that, I am most thankful and completely unworthy. I have had the privilege to watch three (we had another kid tag along with him mom...so really four) kids' lives be completely transformed. That has brought me to my knees a lot lately. I also think that God used it to help me process that I'll have to work through being at work while I'm world youth day and let the Holy Spirit in.

The pictures are us after the papal mass...look at those smiles and then the other one is Benny obviously.

Come Holy Spirit! Thank you for the opportunity to be able to have you work through me to bring teens to Christ. I am unworthy.

Triduum

2008-03-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

May you have a very happy and holy Triduum, walking with our sweet Lord.

Remember to take some time for your own prayer during these holy three days.

Pier Giorgio Goes To World Youth Day

2008-03-11T13:18:00.004-04:00

Wonder what he's paying for airfare...jkjkjkjk!!

I did not know this until recently, but Pier Giorgio Frassati is an incorruptible, so because of his example of loving and choosing God, he will go to Sydney Australia to be venerated by the youth of the world.

If you are going to World Youth Day it is always good to talk about not only other young Catholics from around the world who are part of our same faith, but also others who have lived at different times who are still a part of our Communion.

Here are some links for Pier Giorgio Frassati. Seriously, the girls always fall for him and the boys want to be him. Not a bad man to imitate!
http://www.frassati.org/index.asp

http://www.frassatiusa.org/

Dom Bettinelli-ps hat tip to-has good info as well: http://www.bettnet.com/frassati/

There are books on him as well, which Dom has listed on his site.

A Truly Great Moment in Ministry

2008-03-07T18:29:00.002-05:00

So there's some good days in ministry and then there's some GREAT days. Today was one of those great days....

As many of you know, Our Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI is coming to Washington, DC in mid April. Getting tickets for the mass to be said at the Nationals Stadium has been quiet the production. Because I'm a staff member, my pastor has graciously given each of us a ticket as well as a ticket for a person of our choice, but I don't get an extra ticket.

I get three: to take three teens from my ministry with me to the Papal Mass! Woah. I got to call them today and let them know that they had been selected for the mass. The reactions were great..by far, my favorite was the silence on the other line and sheer Oh my gosh! I was amazing.

I'm so blessed to be seeing the Pope in person, much less to be able to watch three kids' lives be transformed by their seeing the Pope. This is what makes ministry worth it.

another day in paradise

2008-02-25T01:35:00.001-05:00

Sorry for not posting lately: Here's a little tidbit into the insanity.

Some days in youth ministry are harder than others. Today was one of those days. Let's just say I left the office at 12 am and that wasn't even the end of the day. Here I sit at 1:36 am pouring over what to do with a huge headache.

Why does your heart have to break in ministry? Obviously, I know this answer, but no amount of school helps you to understand this.

I promise the whole scoop later, cause really, I'll need your advice. But for now, pray for me that I can come to understand why any teenager would think it'd be okay to take keys from an office, sneak into a gym and play basketball after I've said no.

Thanks for the prayers, I'm about to scream.

Out Of The Mouth of Babes

2008-02-08T16:05:00.000-05:00

My 7 year old niece, talking to her dad during Mass one day:
"Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"...when Fr _____ prays over the food does Jesus like...um...like...jump? into it, or what? Like, how does he get in it?"

Age of reason indeed!

Confirmation Sponsors

2008-01-24T07:26:00.001-05:00

If you have read my blog for very long-esp in the early days-you know me to be passionate about Confirmation formation. Well, the sponsors are part of that formation.

Let me vent first: Why, kid of all of 15 years old, are you picking your cousin who is barely older than you? Why are you asking your brother who lives an alternative lifestyle in LA? Why are you asking someone who lives 10 hours by plane away? This person should be an active and faithful Catholic, someone who knows their faith-or at least is willing to learn-and is highly concerned about the state of your soul and how you life and how you are getting to heaven. Do you get that?

Ok, now that that's off my chest.

I think we struggle so much with the spiritual poverty that is in most of our Confirmation programs that it's just enough to get the kids to some sort of place to be ready for a Sacrament. I have formed programs and I get that. However we can't over look the role that the Sponsor has. If we start making them be more active than just showing up for the rehearsal (maybe) and the actual Mass we show both them and the kids that this is serious business.

I would tell the kids that their sponsor need to be in town, or can travel for meetings. When I got the groans and phone calls from parents I explained that this person should be an integral part of the kids lives, someone that they look up to and can learn from, so yes, someone in their lives on a regular basis. I'm sure Aunt Susie is great, but 1000 miles away??

As for the meetings themselves make them substantive. We do everyone a massive massive disservice if we think that they can't handle the truth. If for nothing else, God will ask you about that when you get to heaven and I'm not sure "I was afraid" is going to cut it. No, plan times where the sponsors come with the student and do an evening of Bible study or an interactive night on the Virtues or Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Have the sponsors come to service events with their Confirmandi. Give them a list of ideas of how to interact with a teenager. We do if for a living, they may be a little afraid of them sometimes. Give them materials to go over with the teen -maybe go see a movie together and have questions about how the movie brought out some aspect of the faith. Or read a particular book together. Or go to Adoration together.

This is an excellent time where you can, to some extent, assist in the formation of the Sponsor. We all know that sometimes we get really great sponsors for the kids and other times you are thinking "What??? Why did your parent allow this???"

So take advantage of the time to minister to the adults. If you have a solid core team, you could even consider inviting the sponsors to go on retreat and your team could pray over them. Most sponsors would be blessed by it- (after they got to the retreat, I know getting them there might seem overwhelming at first.)

And lastly, pray for them. Pray for their deepening conversion so that they can be strong witnesses of Faith to the teens that we are working with. Pray for the needs of their lives, for grace and mercy to be poured out upon them and for their active response to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Youth Ministry Almost Five Months Later

2008-01-13T00:09:00.000-05:00

Hello Faithful Readers! Thanks for reading. Jen and I have been lacking on posts, but we've made the commitment to get back to posting again. With that, I figured I'd give an official post, with a youth ministry favorite...highs and lows. So, in just five months, I'm able to say I have a high and a low for the week.

Low for the week: Other than the obvious low being that the entire office staff (including me) got the 24 hour stomach flu, I have another more ministry related one: Parish (staff) politics.

I knew they existed, but you're never really sure how much until you're in it. We're making renovations happen to our office, which means people have to move. I don't but my space might be shared. This of course leads to talk about who's going where, who has more space, why this person can't move there. Really, I'm just trying to not have my youth room trampled upon... I know this doesn't sound politics related but it all is. I'm a firecracker and i think that the rest of the staff is not used to someone who's so free about what she thinks...This is good and bad. I listen and I listen well, which means that everyone tells me their scoop. I just want for everyone to stand up for themselves, say when they have too much on their plate and learn to say no! Being Catholic does not mean being a doormat.

High for the Week: Although I could name a few (like going out to lunch with the associate director of youth ministry for the Diocese, or going out to lunch with Deanery 2 YMs) an obvious Holy Spirit moment takes the cake....The High for the week is about the Holy Spirit putting words into my mouth that must be heard.

This week at our Sr. High Session we talked about the Epiphany and what it meant for God to put the star in the sky, about how stars give off light, how God used common things to help us know his love and of course, that the wisemen brought Sweet Jesus to the world. I had litebrites set up all over the room (they could win them if they answered questions correctly), which were cool and really the whole session was anointed. During my catechesis, I talked about how proud God was that his son was born and that because he wanted to show us Jesus, he put a star in the sky. What I say was: BOO YAH! God put a star in the sky. Now, this excited the teens of course...and they absolutely loved it. BOO YAH is right....God is BOO YAH! The Holy Spirit gave me that moment to make the connection with them. I love when he gives me little gimmicky things to say so that He seems more accessible to them.

Later on that night, we decorated wooden stars (they were meant to represent one way that we can always find Jesus when we're lost, and how we're meant to be his light to the world) and I thought many of them would write Matthew 2:2 on their stars, or something of the like, but what do they write....BOO YAH! It was awesome. I know it might not seem that way, but any moment, when they get it is just glorious.

If you're interested in this session, I'd be more than happy to email it to you. It was pretty FLY!

Promise to post more regularly...I'll pray for you. Pray for me.

St. John Bosco, Champion of Youth, pray for us.

Gladiator and the Martyrs

2008-01-11T22:03:00.000-05:00

I know it's an older movie, but have you seen "Gladiator"? It ranks in my top 5. Some days it is my number 1 movie.

My friends that are girls are galled at me: " It's such a violent movie! How can you stand all that blood and fighting"? But they miss what it is all about.

It helps that this movie is set during Roman rule. When he is fighting as a gladiator and the lions are released on him you can't but help think of the early Christians.

But the major thing I see in this movie is a man who is martyred for the Truth, for a dream that was Rome. He lost everything-he was a general meant to be murdered, his wife and child burned and murdered and his mentor and father figure Marcus Aurelius who was leading Rome as Rome deserved was murdered-all murders by Marcus Aurelius' hack of a son Commodus (played brilliantly by Joaquin Phoenix) who hates the principled hero Maximus-our Gladiator.

Throughout the movie there is always the chance that Maximus will be killed as a gladiator. Commodus had ordered him killed initially and tried to do it again and again. "Fate" would not let this happen. Maximus stays alive until his mission is accomplished. Other scenes show Maximus as a uniter of the gladiators (who are meant to compete against each other to stay alice) and they hail him for it. They rally around him to protect him.

Commudus, on the other hand is only out for himself. He whines that the crowd does not love him, tries to seduce his sister and plots to kill her son who is the heir apparent. His selfishness turns him in to a psychotic paranoid. I love how they show him in white-which to our imaginations means "the good guy"-but a very twisted white. He is pale white with shadows under his eyes and his white robes barely disguise a ruler gone bad-ghostly, barely human.

Maximus' actions spur many people in the movie to return to virtue and for the work of the good. I think the best line of the entire movie comes at the end when his fellow gladiator, Juba says "and now we are free. I will see you again...but not yet... ... not yet". It brings me to my knees every single time ('course the music behind the scenes just about undoes anyone listening, sung by the immensely talented Lisa Gerrard who doesn't sing words but "as the Spirit leads"). And the nearly last scene? With the doors? Good gravy get me a Kleenex, I just love the end the best.

My other favorite line-and I'm pretty sure I blogged about this awhile back-is at the beginning and is the theme for the movie and should be the theme of our life: What you do echoes in eternity. Isn't that a great line?!

I realize it is rated "R" , mostly for intense graphic combat but I would absolutely use this movie to inspire teens to greatness. You can use various scenes on their own, to be sure, but the entire movie is worth watching and then having a discussion on. We are in the business of forming future saints-and Gladiator shows the purpose and necessity of going through the rigors of this life for martyrdom for the Gospel .

PS What do you make of Maximus' reaching down to pick up dirt before each battle?

Happy New Year

2008-01-09T20:55:00.001-05:00

It's a new year! Did you have a good break-did you take a break? Please say yes.

It is a new year and you are half way through the school year. Well done! Being on the front lines is hard but know that God's grace is ever present. In those staff meetings where you wonder what in the world the liturgist is going to say next or wishing your pastor would approve your plan to take the kids bunging jumping (COUGHLiabilityCOUGH) or some mother has just ripped you up one side and down the other or a kid seems totally and irreversibly pagan, just keep going. Keep relying on the Grace of God to move you and be docile to his Holy Spirit.

You have our prayers!

Checkin In!

2007-11-15T23:14:00.000-05:00

Hello all you readers! Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been so busy. It's insane, but great.

So, three months in, I've learned more than I ever thought I would. It's incredible. I'm struggling to adjust to a non-school life. I miss homework, but I love being a grown up and having a full time job. I'm struggling spiritually too. Between everything that needs to be balanced, I'm struggling to make sure that I'm praying. Sometimes I'm shocked at how little I remember Sweet Jesus. Pray for me. Pray for the struggle to love on him some more and to really remember that he is the reason for this. He is enough and I have to remember that.

I'll post again soon, in the mean time...pray for me and I'll be praying for you.

Why We Need GOOD Catechetical Youth Ministers and Teachers!

2007-10-05T15:55:00.000-04:00

(major h/t Mark Shea)
AKA: How Millions of Ordinary Slobs Get Their Information about the Catholic Faith

WHOOPI GOLDBERG: Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back. I don't know if you guys are aware of this, but, you know, often times when our politicians are running, you know, the Church gets a little aggravated with that because there's quite a few of them have different pasts and sometimes the Church wants them to be more perfect.

JOY BEHAR: When you say "the Church" which church are you talking about?

GOLDBERG: Well, it's, it's all churches seem to have all kinds of problems with all kinds of candidates. But this particular problem comes when Archbishop Raymond Burke says no communication --

BEHAR: No communion, communion.

GOLDBERG: No communion for Giuliani.

BEHAR: Holy communion on Sunday.

GOLDBERG: Yes, holy communion, you know what holy communion is. For the Catholic Church, you go in on Sunday, you've confessed everything on Friday or Saturday, you're clear, they give you the host, they say you're cool.

BEHAR: Then you get drunk and go out and have fun.

GOLDBERG: Yeah, you're done. But because of Rudy's stance on abortion, he says he can not give him communion and he is persisting in a very serious sin. When asked if the Archbishop would deny those pro-death penalty, pre-emptive war, he says it's a little more complicated in that case.

BEHAR: Because they're adults and they've committed some crimes, they feel that, that's a legitimate reason to kill someone.

ELISABETH HASSELBECK: I always had an issue with priests denying communion. I remember someone in my family went through a divorce. Unless she got her marriage anulled, she wasn't allowed to receive communion. Her ex-husband wouldn't give her an anullment. He wouldn't show up for the anullment. So, then she was shamed, in other words, for not being --

BEHAR: Ex-communicated, yeah.

HASSELBECK: -pretty much not able to walk down and receive what is to be the most intimate, you know, part of the week with God and taking Jesus into your body.

BEHAR: What about Giuliani? He's been divorced three times at least.

SHERRI SHEPHERD: Has he had communion prior to this? Have they been giving him- is this an everyday thing?

GOLDBERG: I assume in other churches he wasn't having an issue or we would have heard about it.

BEHAR: Well, they don't exactly interview you when you're at the rail. The priest doesn't say how many times have you been divorced? They don't do that.

GOLDBERG: But if the archbishop is making that much noise, I assume that this is not the kind of story that would disappear. We would have heard something because it happened with John Kerry, didn't it?

BEHAR: Well, you know, just, just speak to the anullment problem. I remember when the Beatles were around, that you could, that you could buy an anullment. People used to buy anullments.

GOLDBERG: Yes

BEHAR: You know, the Kennedys and people like that could buy anullments, so it meant really nothing.

HASSELBECK: Our family didn't come from a lot of cash, so they weren't buying an anullment.

BEHAR: Well, that's my point. So, I mean, it's not exactly the most moral position.

GOLDBERG: It's very strange that when, when the Catholic god, you know, because there are so many different gods. I'll refer to the Catholic god at the moment. It seems that the Catholic god always says judge lest ye be judged. And always says if I-

BEHAR: They always say that.

GOLDBERG: If you come to me, I'm the only one who can forgive you. It doesn't matter what everyone else says. And yet a priest, the mouth piece to God, would say you can't --

BEHAR: There are amendments. Unless you do this. Unless you do that. (hand gesturing)

SHEPHERD: The priest has absolute say, because I don't know about Catholicism -

BEHAR: No the Pope does.

SHEPHERD: The Pope, okay.

HASSELBECK: No, the Pope does. The bishops are an extension of his, his abilities to say yeah or nay to certain things. There are a lot of rules in the Catholic, you know, Church.

SHEPHERD: So if he says I don't believe in abortion anymore, then he can take communion?

BEHAR: Well, the thing about is that Rudy Giuliani hasn't necessarily had an abortion himself. His wi- you know what I mean? His wife hasn't had one. I don't know if she has or not. He's not saying I'm going to get it or you should get it or you shouldn't get it. He's saying people should have the right to choose whether they want this or not. And that's his position is. The Church doesn't have that position.

[Applause]

SHEPHERD: But did they deny him for leaving his wife or cheating on his wife and marrying another woman?

BEHAR: No, no, no.

SHEPHERD: Why don't they deny him for that? Is that not a sin any more to leave your wife? Excuse my anger, but is that not a, not a --

BEHAR: It is a sin. But he wasn't running for president at the time, so there wasn't an issue.

HASSELBECK: I seems this archbishop needs a little pub. You know what I mean? He wanted a little publicity. He though slamming Giuliani would get him into the limelight.

BEHAR: You think that's it?

HASSELBECK: Yeah, they're all about it.

BEHAR: What about the vows of modesty? Don't they take that also?

HASSELBECK: Some don't. You should see the jewelry they wear. They're, you know.

SHEPHERD: Blinging! Bling, bling!

GOLDBERG: I just find it very interesting that, that, you know, it's like closing churches. I don't understand people who close churches because there's so many, you know, folks that go to church. You know, it's really a big deal for a lot of people. How can you live at the Vatican and say we have to close these churches because there's not enough money when we could, like, sell some stuff?

BEHAR: Well, the Catholic Church is, is in debt now for paying off a lot of the pedophile cases and they have to close all these churches.

GOLDBERG: There's a lot of stuff they could be selling.

HASSELBECK: And they were handing out communion to all those men who were molesting all the boys out there and they didn't have a problem giving them communion.

BEHAR: We were all raised Catholic here, so this is not some anti-Catholic rant that we're on. This is just factual information.

GOLDBERG: No, I'm a little bit on a rant. No you're right.

BEHAR: You can rant. But I was raised -- I had communion every Sunday. I received my communion, my confirmation, all nine yards. My daughter's been baptized, just in case, you know?

GOLDBERG: You are so funny.

BEHAR: And so this is just- these are facts about the Church right now that people have to either live with or reject.

HASSELBECK: That's one area. That's the Catholic Church. There are many other divisions of Christianity.

SHEPHERD: If you're a Christian, you can do communion if you sin.

GOLDBERG: Not in the Catholic Church.

And it came to pass that which was spoken through the mouth of the Prophet Chesterton:

The modern world will accept no dogmas upon any authority; but it will accept any dogmas on no authority. Say that a thing is so, according to the Pope or the Bible, and it will be dismissed as a superstition without examination. But preface your remark merely with "they say" or "don't you know that?" or try (and fail) to remember the name of some professor mentioned in some newspaper; and the keen rationalism of the modern mind will accept every word you say.

just checking in...

2007-09-24T21:18:00.000-04:00

Hey friends. Sorry for the lack of posts, but you know, your first month and a half in ministry is insanity.

Things are great, the parish is amazing, the kids are amazing and lots of fun. I'm loving the Diocese of Arlington. It's soo amazing! They are a great group of supportive people and amazing resources. It's so much fun to work for this diocese and to be part of the Arlington elite.

I'm struggling a little bit because I feel idealess. Here I was spending all this time at school studying and planning and coming up with great stuff, but now there's these souls that are actually real and attached to these plans, which makes me hate everyone of them. The desk has the amazing ability to zap all planning from me. I went out to lunch with my old youth minister, who's still the youth minister at my home parish and we talked through the semester and it was amazing. I gave her her entire semester's worth of plans....and named the group PULSE...and then we planned my stuff and I had nothing. We met today and promised to meet once a month for planning and I hope mentor ship...I know things take time, but really, I feel like whoa! What happened to all these ideas.

Is it normal for me to feel this way, is it normal to take some time adjusting before you can come up with a game having only toilet paper, tape and a chair at your disposal? I've never struggled like this before, I'm hoping it's just my adjusting.

Please keep me in your prayers as well. I'm fighting off the seeing me as a youth minister and seeing myself as a daughter of Christ, who's career is as a youth minister. Pray for me to fight the fight, just as I am praying for you!

The Human Experience Grassroots Films

2007-09-24T09:40:00.001-04:00

They posted the trailer on youtube. I can't wait to see the final product!

ATM-Steubenville Youth Conferences

2007-09-20T22:53:00.000-04:00

I'm in the middle of the Annual Team Meeting for the Steubenville Youth Conferences-the hosts and a few speakers and all of the organizers from all of the sites. We review the past year and take a look at many things-like did the schedule work, how can we improve the program, what worked, are we staying or straying the mission of the Youth Conferences.

One of the things that we are looking at is the role of the Young Apostle program. To be honest, from my vantage point, I didn't see their use to the conferences. We all recognize that it's become a chance for kids to be on stage rather than being servants. The conversation about it took over 2 hours. My preference would be to really make it a formative program which automatically includes leadership training, because we are all called by our baptism to be leaders and to serve.

Some sites seem to rely a great deal on their Young Apostles to work for them. I'd like to see sites offer kids the opportunity to serve, and not be dependent on them. On campus I could see placing them under our student leads so that they are actually doing something to serve the Conferences, but are also surrounded by great college kids who pour their hearts into their work.

But we'll see what develops...

All in all it's been excellent to be with the other organizers to support one another. There are some extraordinary people out in the trenches doing the Youth Conferences and the only way that we were able to reach 37,000 kids at 18 sites is because of their hard work and dedication.

Pray for us as we continue to work on making the Summer Youth Conferences everything that God wants it to be. Pray that we hear and follow his leadership and guidance!

The Meaning of Life

2007-09-20T22:52:00.001-04:00

Grassroots films is going to have another hit on it's hands.

Souless Perfection: Girls Who Hate Their Bodies

2007-09-18T16:18:00.000-04:00

This is a very interesting article from the Christian Science Monitor. I think it is well worth the read because it has to hit home to us, whether we are a woman or a man in youth ministry.

For us women, we know all to well the struggle it is to love ourselves. In fact, I think we never get out of it because within youth ministry we get to stay young and try to look "cool". What is cool? Thin is in. God love Queen Latifah and Mo'nique and yes, even Camryn Manheim who want to make it cool to be big. But in reality?

Thin. Is. In.

...In essence, they are crying out to our godless culture, showing us just how damaged a child can be who is thrown to the wolves of advertising and amoral media without any spiritual armor.
I'm not calling for a return to conservative religion or restricting dogma. I'm envisioning an inspired movement toward community where girls are nourished with dinner-table conversations about the values of kindness and charity; where girls undergoing puberty are encouraged to embrace the miraculous, complex, and perfectly imperfect bodies they possess; and where girls can find inspiration – not condemnation – in religious texts.

Men, this affects you to. You are the model to other young men of how you treat women. It is not just the pretty ones who should get attention. I'm not saying that it is your role to be a part of a young women's healing, but you can take notice of their hurt and find good, solid women to be role models.

I cannot say that I am above the lies quite yet. I can't say I think I'm "attractive enough" which then makes me think I'm not Good Enough. But I do recognize the lie, which is more than most teenage girls can do. I struggle with the lie and I've been honest with some of the girls I've been closer to about it.

I'm with this writer: There is more damage than we know when we decided taking God out of society was a good idea.

Speaking of Facebook...

2007-09-16T11:34:00.001-04:00

MYSpace, Facebook

2007-09-14T16:13:00.001-04:00

Are you on Facebook? Have a MYSpace page?

I'm on Facebook because I think it's funny-and ever since the inclusion of "applications" I've loved the creativity that Facebook affords.

But while it's the latest phenomenon in the new age of communication, it also speaks a great deal about our life.

Seriously-my space. Who is it about? Me. Even Facebook, which I have fun mocking is all about ME. Granted, you can give gifts, leave message on others' pages, share pictures, and all, but I think it keeps us separated from really sharing with each other in Reality.

Ok, I'm an adult-I HAVE friends on the outside. I use Facebook but I don't depend on it to tell me how popular I am.

But how many kids are getting their identity through it? How many are seeking real relationships and not finding them via the internet?

I'm not saying it's bad, I'm just saying it is a statement about our times. How lonely are we that we have hundreds of friends online, but maybe few in real life? How lonely are our kids who spend hours online?

In their study, Reader and colleagues asked people a series of questions about their attitudes toward friendships and found 90 percent of individuals said it was imperative to know somebody face-to-face to form the tightest bonds.
The key it seems is face-to-face interaction where people can interpret social clues such as laughs and smiles that help determine if others are friends to be counted on, Reader said.

I don't know. What do you think-help or inhibit kids' lives?

Frustration has set in

2007-09-05T13:17:00.000-04:00

A few weeks later, I'm still loving my job. It's becoming more real by the day, a little less idealistic then I thought, but nothing that I haven't expected, so that's good.

I need advice. I have a member of my "youth group" who follows every inquiry with, "well, Ryan did it this way "...Ryan's the old youth minister. I know that you can't go in changing things, I understand that (thanks Jen!) and I'm keeping things the same (not changing youth group times or structures etc). I guess the issue is that I didn't have youth group for the last two weeks (it was labor day and the weekend before was the day before Catholic school started) and that bothered this teen. He's like, "well, Ryan never cancelled youth group" why did you cancel? I understand his question and I was honest. I told him about school starting and that I needed to get organized.

My question is this: How much do I have to keep the same? Ryan left me next to nothing to go off of, so I don't know everything. Do I really have to spend my money on stocking sodas in the youth room? Can I put up a bookshelf? Can I organize my desk? I know there's Ryan worship, but at some point, I have to be able to do something to get my life in order in a way that makes sense.

"Transportation"

2007-08-31T13:27:00.001-04:00

Some of the yahoo's who I got to work with this summer...

Class of 2011 Mindset-Beloit College

2007-08-31T10:10:00.000-04:00

Every fall I look forward to this list. It gives us a big of a clue as to what incoming college freshmen are like, what their world was growing up and what they know-or don't know.

Some of things on the list blow my mind, like They've never seen Johnny Carson live. What? But others I can relate to: Jerry Springer has always been lowering the level of discourse on TV.

She's BAAAACK!

2007-08-24T16:15:00.000-04:00

Hello!
I am back from "ConferenceLand"!
Back and ready to rock and roll.

As you can see, Emily begins her adventure in the field. This is her first full time, professional youth ministry job. We look forward to all the joys and struggles that a first ministry job will bring to her. Em, God has many great things in store for you-and we can't wait to hear all about it!

For myself, I come back ready to share with you the more academic side of things, as Emily shares with us the practical application of all she's learned. I will also include articles and events I see happening around the country.

It is good to be back. I look forward to more conversations and bloggings more often!

One week in...

2007-08-22T21:38:00.000-04:00

This is my first post since starting what I like to call my "big girl" job. It's been an interesting week. I'm sorry that I haven't posted sooner, but a week in really isn't that bad.

I started on the Feast of Our Lady's Assumption. This was pretty much one of the best moves ever. How can you go wrong with Our Lady behind you?

The first day was a blur of meeting people, looking at what's on my computer, calling people because I have an extension, figuring out World Youth Day stuff, opening my desk drawers and then promptly closely them, hearing about the money counters who don't like youth group, learning about petty cash, and keys, sending a thousand emails to the guy who was the YM before me and a hundred other things. It was so nice though...No one rushed me, everyone was so kind and I have a sweet comfy office chair, and the staff, they're pretty much all stars, amazingly humble and so kind.

Since then, I've been full force. Some parts have been a blur, some parts have been insane (like spending five hours in the DMV to get a Virginia driver's license again so that I could get finger prints) and some of it has just been utterly refreshing. The last week in a nutshell has been an amazing and interesting week. I'm learning about church politics...apparently people who love youth can't do anything right with money, and apparently, I'll never make friends with the money counters...I guess from here I'll give the highs and the lows of the week.

I went to the Diocese's child protection training. It was graphic, but really good and I felt like it didn't waste my time. Nothing turns me off more than wasting my time by beating around an issue. I'm sad that we've had to come to this point, but I'm glad that the Diocese requires that you go. I truly learned alot. Plus, it was held at a BEAUTIFUL parish (St. Raymond a Pentefort) and it took my breath away. Thanks for that sweet Jesus.

The next day, my Godson was baptized. It's amazingly humbling to see a child become a new creation. It made me fall in love with Catholicism again. I mean really. Amazing! Here's this sinless child, grafted into the Body of Christ. Forever. I know there's some great theological discourse that could go on here, but basking in the moment really made me humbled and really showed me Christ in a new and radical way. I'm called to help this child get to heaven. I have to answer for him on judgement day. My salvation is wrapped up in his salvation (just like all Catholics), but it felt like this in a more radical way. My favorite part of baptism, is after the renewal of baptismal vows, the priest says "This is the faith. The faith of our Church". That's it...all wrapped up into a neat package. This is our faith, a faith people died to be a part of, and now I get to pledge that for a child. The big challenge in baptism comes for me when the priest says: "Wear this outward garment as a sign of your dignity, take it unstained to heaven"! (okay, that's not exact, but close...) Whoa, I mean whoa to that....God's really lit a fire under my heart in regards to purity and chastity, and what a better example of purity then this perfectly white garment on a child. I mean, of course it's going to get stained, because we're fallen people, but this shows our dependence on God. It was one of the happiest days ever. I get to walk with a child to heaven. I'm honored and humbled to walk this journey with Mr. Arthur Edison.

That night was our Blue Room Night (Youth group), to which I was hesitant to have, but still put on. I felt extremely unprepared to do it. I've been left very little by my predecessor, so I didn't really have a list of adults, so I wasn't really sure who'd come and help. We were waiting to hear from someone as to whether or not they'd lead it. They couldn't come, so I led it, which I should, because you know, I'm the youth minister.

The Blue Room Night was interesting. I had three adults come and help me out, and apparently, they come to like everything which is so nice. They were really welcoming and so amazing. They made me a welcome banner (which was sweet) and they kind of ran through what a normal session was like: sport, holy hour (which is really, a holy 45 minutes), and then a discussion in our youth room (it's painted blue...blue room nights....get it...). I knew we couldn't do a Holy Hour because Fr. was away, but they informed me that when Father was away, they just did some p and dub (praise and worship...) or a rosary in its place. The sports were okay, really it just turned into throwing around a football (by that I mean, they threw and I attempted, rather badly to catch...) and playing on the play ground (the key to the gym doesn't work and we ran out of time to fool around with it and the rest of the balls in the blue room are flat...).

After sports, we went to the chapel and prayed a rosary after p and dub. I was totally unprepared to be inspirational, so I said a few words about Our Lady's Assumption, which I hope made sense and led the rosary. It was okay, but I know that Jesus had his hand it in.

After the "Holy Hour" we went back over to the blue room. Normally, they have a catechesis and a discussion (from what I could gather), but since I didn't know anyone, we played some game and did some intro questions...(a truth, a lie and your momma went over far better than the last time I played it). It was really nice. I think they liked just kind of getting to know me and each other. It wasn't really time for me to launch into my depth of catechetical knowledge just yet. Of course we had pizza and of course, they ate it and we hung out and it was fun. It went so quickly I can hardly see each part of it individually. Overall, I don't think it was a bad night....but I did find a few things out that apparently REALLY bother me...alot more than I thought.

Like this for example: My office is in the youth room. I didn't think I liked that at first, but now I see it as very beneficial (kids can come in after school and study, I'm in the basement and people aren't walking in all day to find something out because I'm pretty much alone down there...so that is nice). So, I'm okay with it being in there. But I'm not okay with my teens being on it. One adult was updating the webpage which was okay, but the only counter space is near my desk...now near doesn't mean on it, but I guess it's close. So, we went to have pizza and a kid just plopped himself down at my desk and stuck his pizza on top of my desk. Like DIRECTLY on top of it, after he stuck it on top of my papers. There were plates right there...I mean really. Also, this teen went into my desk and was looking for scissors and said to me, "Hey, your scissors aren't where they normally are"...all I wanted to say, was...GET THE HECK OUT OF MY DESK, but instead I said...nope they're not. I don't want to go into the place changing everything, but I have to have some boundaries. I could hardly stand that they were sitting in my chair, going through my desk and putting pizza on top of my stuff. I realize that my desk is in the youth room, but it's my space. I'm going to have to set some boundaries, especially because a lot of confidential stuff could potentially be on my desk at some point. Besides that, it's my space to work and I need people to allow that area to be my space. I'm going to buy a room dividing screen and put it up during my blue room nights, so that they know not to go to my desk, also, a staff member suggested moving my chair out from my desk and putting it somewhere else, so that kids aren't sitting there...any suggestions?

Also, all of this movement from the field/gym to the chapel to the blue room really made it difficult to watch the teens. I went to the chapel and realized I was missing kids. Apparently, some of them leave after sports and they come in at various times during the night, which is okay, but maybe I should have them tell me when they leave. So, I realize not everyone's there and I go looking for the teens, because you know, I can't lose kids on my first night. As I'm firing myself in my head, because I lost kids MY FIRST NIGHT, I found them, waiting close to the edge of the Church's property. A boy and a girl, waiting for the boy's girlfriend. I was a little mad, but I kept my cool and said, hi, I need you to come back with me and stay where we are...I don't think I explained that they can't go off on their own. I was upset, but trying not to lose it. I mean, a boy and a girl together alone...whoa, not cool. They said sorry, so they must have known I meant business, but still who knows.

Apparently, these kids need boundaries, big ones, set on them, or at least different boundaries then before. I know I can do it in a kind way, but I'm so worried about resistance. They love Ryan (my predecessor), so I know they're already hesitant to let me in, although, they've all been so welcoming. So, after our kick off (September 16th), we'll be having Boundaries 101!

Monday was a blur..I was struggling to think...I don't know what was up. Tuesday we had a staff retreat. My staff is great, and I love Father. He's so amazing and so holy.

Today was the Diocesan kick off for youth ministers. It was great. By the way, in case you don't know, I work for the best Diocese in the world. The Catholic Diocese of Arlington is rock solid. I've loved it for a long time, and today was no exception. So many people were welcoming. It's a place where we were encouraged, where we laughed alot, had an insanely good time and we prayed. The day provided such a call to go back to God in prayer and for that to be our super power...that the EUCHARIST is our strength...awesome. I love this job, I love this diocese, I love that people are living it, faithfully and without fear...

The first week, was sort of expected, sort of crazy, but definitely a story. I'm pretty sure I'm going to love St. Louis. I'm so glad I'm there, and not in Minnesota (what was I thinking). Please keep me in your prayers, keep my kids in your prayers. Pray for our kick off (I'm not having youth group for a few weeks to dig out of the piles in my desk, and closets etc) and that I can always decrease so that he might increase.

In everything, we do our work for the greater glory of God. May everything that we do be a moment that leads to glory of God. I'm praying for you, I'm praying for your teens.

It's more than a job

2007-08-10T01:03:00.000-04:00

Sorry that there have been far too few posts. Life's been busy. I'm not sure if anyone even reads these things anymore because we never blog anymore. Well things will change with that as I begin my job next week.

Jen and I went out to dinner tonight with a group of 35 other people (We said goodbye to me and three others, announced a pregnancy, and had a generally great time...oh, grown up, I can hardly handle it). During the course of our conversation, I mentioned my frustration at someone who I know who's looking into jobs in parishes.

He's not quite done with his theology degree, nor has he had any catechetics courses. He taught an RE class and led RCIA at a parish apparently. he feels that this qualifies him for youth ministry positions. Really, he's just looking for any job in a parish, near the Washington, DC area. My frustration comes not from his lack of catechetics courses (Hey, I think it's important, but I understand not everyone has taken them, and many can not afford an additional five classes), but instead from his total arrogance of the need and importance of youth ministry.

He had an interview a few weeks ago and basically came to the library and found me, and asked me what he needed to read to do well in the interview. I recommended Renewing the Vision, of course and told him to read it cover to cover. And then we looked at the parish's website, and let me tell you, this parish has got it together....Perfect you think, but then, he said the most disturbing words in a long time...I asked him if he was really sure if wanted to apply (because he really just wants a job in DC in the Church, but has NO PASSION whatsoever for YM) and he was like, "Well, they're desperate for a youth minister and I'm here, It's perfect". I was a little frustrating.

Youth ministry my dear friends is a call, it's a passion, it's what we live for. St. John Bosco said, "that you are young is enough for me to love you". That should be the attitude that we have for youth ministry in the Church. Instead of thinking that a parish is desperate and will hire you because of that, you should realize that the youth deserve far more than someone simply wanting to fill a position. He's convinced because it's a richer parish, the job will be easy. Youth ministry's not easy, you're supposed to be uncomfortable, you're supposed to work, and laugh and be sad and upset when kids hurt the Body of Christ, that's what it means to care about souls. Teenagers' souls are on the light, desperate is not enough.

I'm sadden to see that this is acceptable to his man, and I pray for him and his time in ministry. These kids deserve KICK BUTT, AWESOME YOUTH MINISTRY, not something just thrown together. I know I'm not an expert, I know I haven't set my foot in a parish full time yet, but still have some respect for people who are called to fight the fight in the battle.

What does this mean? I guess it's a call to me to live fearlessly, to do fearless ministry, to trust in what I've learned, and to most importantly affirm the rights of teens to receive the deposit of faith in all it's rigor and vigor with no mutilation (On Catechesis in our Times 30). Live it, and love them, and don't allow for people to do ministry as a job. You're worth it, they're worth it and sweet Jesus is worth giving teens this life saving ministry.

Thank you for your continued prayers for my upcoming start date (August 15th....Our Lady's Assumption!) I'm really excited and of course will be blogging. Please also look for a blog on something about postmodernism from my exit presentation and about inculturation!

Thanks for reading this rant, for loving ministry and for guiding my way. I'm praying for you, as warriors in the Army of God.

Tonight, someone said: You've put on the armor of God and you've been a faithful student for two years, you're ready and we send you back. We send you home to do his work.....Do his work and love it with everything that you are.

Big girl time!

2007-07-23T16:33:00.001-04:00

So here I sit, in the John Paul II library, working on my seemingly endless exit presentation, far behind where I should be in the process. In just one week from now, I will be done with the presentation....but in the mean time, the labor of love that's behind preparing it will be what I'm focused on.

The exit presentation is our capstone of the catechetics specialization. Having completed our catechetics courses, we're to create a project on a method for catechesis or really just do any thing about catechesis within the Church. I'm of course staying honest to my youth ministry background and venturing where no exit presentation goer has ever gone before....presenting about..youth ministry! I hope I dazzle. I'm presenting on forming a Catholic worldview through youth ministry or really in youth ministry...Pray for me. I need it, I'm excited, this pretty much every ounce of air that I breath right now and as I find myself searching through documents of the Church, I'm in love with Christ, with the wisdom of the Church, humbled by this lofty call, while at the same time, realizing that someone must answer. Please pray for me and that I might only glorify God through this project. Hopefully, by the time it's all over, Jen and I can find a way to post it up here.

Thank you for the prayers for our conference season. It is almost over, and the Holy Spirit has really been pouring his grace upon Steubenville. Thank you for that, Sweet Jesus!

woah!

2007-06-25T22:37:00.000-04:00

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted. I wanted to thank everyone for being so patient for my lack of posts. Conference season has taken over my life and it's been so busy, but I've found a few minutes before I get back to homework to write a post.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers. I feel that I should share that I've gotten hired as the Director of Youth Ministry for St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. It's in the Diocese of Arlington and I'm totally excited. It was one of two jobs that I was offered, (one was at an amazing parish out of state) and I am so excited to actually be almost a real live youth minister. I'm sure the nature of my posts will change as I get closer to the big day when I start and as I live my life as a youth minister (starting in August), but for now, much of my posts will be anticipatory.

I have lots of questions. I'm a little bit scared, a lot excited and totally amazed at the opportunity, which magnifies my questions by about 150 million. One question that I have that I'd love to know your opinion on is World Youth Day! I've never attended world youth day, so being able to go period is exciting, much less going to Australia...woah! Are you as youth ministers responsible for paying for it? Do you fundraise for it like your kids do? Does your parish supplement part of it? Can you tell what kind of fundraisers your parish does for WYD? I know that that's something that I'll have to work towards, so anything that you could help me with would be great.

I have one prayer request as well. Please pray for our conferences, most especially for our youth conferences and for an outpouring of the Spirit upon the conferences. The conference season has been amazing thus far and his grace is continually poured out upon the campus for the conferences. I hope you get the opportunity to bring your kids to a conference. I've never attended one, nor do I get to see them, as my job in the department does not put me in a place in which I see the conference. I do see the participants and i see how they are full of the Spirit. He's here, he's working and he's continuing to send his grace. Please keep us in your prayers...

Hand Motion Challenge

2007-06-24T23:20:00.001-04:00

This cracked me up when Bob showed it. Even more so because he and Chris Padgett did the Hand Motions in Heaven Song... extolling the insanity of hand motions... Bob, you kill me!

Sean Forrest

2007-06-16T15:30:00.001-04:00

I'm at our 1st (of 4) High School Youth Conferences and sitting in the back of the fieldhouse enjoying Sean Forrest. He's quite funny and rather talented.

I had heard of him years ago, but never kept up with his career. However, I think that if you are looking for a good musician and minister, he'd be a great choice. He connects to the kids very well and had a solid message. He'd be a great pick.

The Reason for Our Hope

2007-06-16T09:10:00.000-04:00

Have you heard Fr Larry Richards? If not, click here and listen to him. Better yet, make sure you either buy one of his dvd's or listen to him speak in your area.

Fr Larry did the Young Adult Conference two weeks ago and on Friday night he gave one of the best homilies on Confession I have ever heard. If you have never heard his talk on it, buy it SOON. He's a straight shooter, doesn't take any bs and his main concern is souls. Some people are put off by his in your face style. He's quite sarcastic as well. I say, in a world where we have SO MUCH coming at us, we need someone in our faces yelling HEY! YOUR MORTAL SOUL IS IN DANGER, GET YOUR BUTT INTO CONFESSION!

He's a great resource to have on your shelf. No, not on your shelf, to show to people, in your parish, to your adults, to your volunteers. Make sure you hear him preach.

His website is The Reason For Our Hope Foundation.

Pushing Porn

2007-06-14T23:46:00.000-04:00

One of the things I have noticed over the past 10 years is the move to normalize porn. I don't mean just a wink wink good ol' boys will do what they do sort of attitude. I don't even mean the acceptance of it in a sitcom or that women are now expected to look and behave like porn stars.

It's just simply not enough. No, it must be promoted! Like homosexuality, and dating being synonamous with sex. You can't even escape it when you are innocen t.

(hat tip, Barb Nicolosi-see "YouTube sleeze")

uugghh..

gee, I wonder what "US Catholic" (see below)would have to say about this in relation to their article that having sex outside of marriage isn't a sin. It's an easy jump to worse things when God's ways of how he created us to be are not upheld.

Youth Ministry in the United States

2007-06-11T19:59:00.001-04:00

One of the extraordinary perks of my job is the people I get to work with. I often wonder if that is the reason that God brought me back to Steubenville, is to meet up with these folks and begin talking about what is really important.

I had such a conversation with Mark Berchem, director of NET Ministries. Even though I'm working here at the University, my heart is still in Youth Ministry, particularly for the Youth Ministers. We talked about where youth ministry needs to go and what minsters are needing.

Let's just say I left that meeting with my heart pounding. I believe God is about a movement in our country. There are SO many excellent ministries for and directed at youth. It is not enough, yet, but faithfulness to the Church and her teachings is on the rise. I have dreams of going to a certain federation of certain "youth ministers" on a "national level" and telling them either get with the Church or get lost. No more can they be the guiding influence of youth ministry in this country.

YOU are in the trenches. You are more than likely wanting to be faithful to the Church but are often challenged by other youth ministers, your own pastor, parents and even the crummy stuff that is out there called "resources" (I'm thinking Center for Ministry Development, Generations of Faith, etc).

We can do better. We can be holier. We can listen to the Holy Spirit. We can be maleable and do God's will. It takes a willingness. Will you be willing? Will you listen? Will you, by the grace of God BE what he needs you to be-nothing more, nothing less?

It's Not A Sin If We Simply Change The Rules!

2007-06-11T19:53:00.000-04:00

My brother sent me a link to this article. What doofuses! (Would the plural be doofi?)

Seriously. I think "U.S. Catholic" really means to say "US Catholic".

Promises Promises

2007-06-11T19:52:00.000-04:00

We WILL do the Ecclesial Method, I promise.

But as Associate Director of these Conferences, I'm over loaded.

But I do have a few words to say, so I'll post a few notes.

Who Moved my Cheese ?!?!?!

2007-06-04T01:41:00.000-04:00

For the mini-mester, I took a graduate level youth ministry course with Bob Rice. In case you're unfamiliar with him, Bob Rice is a crazy, amazing, HOLY man who's semi-famous for his youth ministry skills at a LIFETEEN hub parish in Albany, New York. He brought LIFETEEN to Steubenville and for the last several years, he's been leading the music ministry for the Steubenville Summer Conferences. He's perhaps most famous however for his recent, "Hand motions in Heaven" at the NFCYM conference in Las Vegas, NV. Okay, maybe not the most famous, but it's pretty funny (look it up on youtube.com). Anyways, in all this fame, he still has time to teach classes at our fine university. I've had him for one class before, but for this minimester, he was brave enough to teach youth ministry to grad students. Even though there were only seven of us in the class, it was utterly amazing.

We had lots of reading to do and it was all great :). We read a few "business" books, because Bob felt that we had to understand a lot of business in youth ministry. He summarized the Seven Habits of Highly effective people, We read "the Five Dysfunctions of a Team", along with a few other really good books. The one that was super exciting to me was "Who Moved my Cheese?" It was great.....A friend of mine read it and recommended it to me in undergrad, but I didn't read it. The book is a super quick read (less than 100 pages), but in those pages, there's a ton of action. The book opens with reviews in which people are talking about how great the book is and how it changed their life. I scoffed, not believing that my life would be changed...I was wrong.

Read the book, it's pretty amazing, and it's all about how to respond to change. There's two points in the book in which I UNDERLINED, CIRCLED and put exclamation points next to. I think it's very applicable to all of life, but especially to ministry. I've listed them below:

1. What would you do if you were unafraid?
2. the way we imagine something to be is normally far worse then it really is.

I think this is some amazing food for thought. Fear paralyzes me and it's good to think about what you would do if you were unafraid. That right there, has made all of the difference to me. Get the book, read it, think about it and really, bring it to prayer. It's pretty amazing! I highly recommend it.

Overwhelmed

2007-06-04T00:14:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately! We've been incredibly busy with the conference season starting up and I had a class in the minimester, so life of course is crazy on this end. Hopefully, we'll be able to post a little more frequently.

On the eve of an interview for a position at a parish in Virginia, I'm less nervous than my last interview, a little more confident, and completely overwhelmed by God's love. I know that this seems to repeat the things that I've said previously, but the truth is, the closer I get to finishing my degree and working in a parish, the more overwhelmed I feel by God's love.

I've never been picked first for everything. I'm THAT girl. If life was a pageant, I'd be first runner up. Seriously, I'm always the girl that is in second place etc. Even when I applied to be an RA at my undergrad, I was chosen as an alternate. I ended up being called the summer before my sophomore year and asked to take the place of an RA. I did and tried my best to rise to the occasion. The thing is, I might be second place, or the second pick, but once I get it, I'll do everything in my power to show you that I want to do the job and that the decision to put me in that place was worth it. Being an RA was incredibly rewarding and one of the best jobs I've ever had. I like to think I rose to the occasion. So, imagine my surprise to have parishes persuing me. It's an unreal experience! A few parishes think that I'm at least worthy enough to interview me. One parish is even flying me out of state for an interview. I can't believe it. It's hard for me to understand how I could ever be worthy, how is it possible that I get to be in this ministry? I don't want to sound naive about being a youth minister. At the same time, I'm kind of just in that WHOA stage. To quote papa, "I'm just a simple laborer in the vineyard of the Lord". It's crazy to see my education and my experience coming together, that there's the potential for me to be working at one of these parishes. Even more amazing to me is the concept of God working through me, being and instrument that will bring people hopefully to him. It's overwhelming, it's exciting, it's humbling and it's so HUGE, while at the same time so small. Being small is something that I'm coming to realize every day. This job search has brought me to my knees, I can't imagine what it will be like in full time ministry. I'm young, I love me some Jesus and I'm full of hope for our Church. Keep me in your prayers. I am so unworthy and that just overwhelms me! I'm praying for you. Keep the faith and keep on loving those teens.

Parish Politics

2007-05-23T23:29:00.001-04:00

When I first started in youth ministry, I naively said "I don't believe in parish politics". Now I say "I don't like parish politics".

I think dealing with others is one of the most frustrating aspects of ministry, ironically. As John Beaulieu said to me the other day "the Church would be great if not for it's sinners".

Politics amongst the staff and in the parish are a reality. It's why I started this blog, in a way, to deal with the issues that would often arise. There are parents who want things a certain way, volunteers who have done it this way for 20 years, a pastor who has way to much on his plate, but may still feel the need to tell you how to do your job, a liturgist who is God (no, really!!) and the secretary who, lets face it, you had better be always on her best side.

Leadership Journal has a good but short article on politics. I think one of the things they are dead on is that our lives must be above reproach. We are watched at all times. Even when we want to gossip or agree with something that may be against the pastor we have to hold our tongues.

I have known many youth ministers who have inadverdently shot themselves in the proverbial foot because they became to enmeshed in the politics. You have to hold your tongue. Find a place outside the parish to relax and deal with the pressure. Pray like mad. Choose right. Read the article.

Boulder High School

2007-05-23T23:22:00.000-04:00

This would be one excellent reason why you have to teach sex and marriage very very well.

Oh....yeah!!!!!

2007-05-23T17:57:00.000-04:00

I've decided to diminish the picture because folks tell me the movie STANK.

The "Next Generation" Of Charismatics

2007-05-15T21:32:00.000-04:00

I grew up in the Charismatic Renewal. My parents had us kids "baptized in the Holy Spirit" when I was only 7 years old and we were a part of an ecumenical charismatic prayers group.

The short of the history is that the Holy Spirit has been around since day 1...duh. And we know that Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to lead an guide the Church and that there are many gifts-as well as fruits-associated with the Renewal. In the late 60's Patti Mansfield, then a student at Dusquene University, said yes to God and he poured out his spirit on her and Dave Mangan and this was the beginning of a renewal within the Church that has transformed the Church and the lives of it's members.

Fr John commented to me that when the Renewal began, those involved had grown up in a Church that was secure in its identity and that the focus of the renewal was a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This was very good and very needed, as it responded to what Vatican II was challenging the lay to do: Lay hold of your baptism and put it to use. (short, very short abbreviated version there)

My generation, the GenXers and GenY have not grown up in a Church secure in it's identity. Our catechesis has been hijacked and priests and bishops and teachers have felt free to dissent openly with the Church and teach her members all sorts of things that are not and have not led people to freedom in Christ.

So we tend to find our security in the teachings and laws of the Church and want to be sure that everything that we do and say is exactly in line with the Church. Not many of our generation have found a home in the Church, but those of who seek really seek hard for the teachings of the Church and seek obedience in Her arms.

I think there is a need to bring a theological depth and understanding to the renewal, as well as take the renewal and the charisms to a new depth. I think that the implications of this means that we take this Holy Spirit and all his gifts and use them to renew, evangelize and catechize the Church whether we do this in a parish and ministerial setting or we are lawyers, secretarys, office workers working in the world.

I'm giving a workshop at the Charismatic Conference (at Franciscan University) that I am both excited for and rather nervous for. I want to bring together this Next Generation and have a forum in which to challenge others to keep taking it forward and explore new ways in which the Holy Spirit wants us to bring Christ to the world.

Prayers would most certainly be appreciated. Hey, come! It will be well worth your while.

I am not knocking this, to be sure. But I think we

The Ecclesial Method: A Proven Plan for Catechesis

2007-05-15T20:29:00.000-04:00

As youth ministers, it is part of our responsibility to do Catechesis. It is one of the 8 components (Renewing the Vision) and in all reality, we cannot inform our students that we are trying to evangelize without the content that catechesis provides.

In his book "The Mystery We Proclaim" (see book on left side) Monsignor Kevane gives us a definition "Catechesis is the transmission of God's word to invite people to personal faith".

Wow, there is so much in this book I'm having a hard time keeping this short

Anyway...

Why is catechesis so important? Why this series on the Ecclesial Method? If you are 40 and under you have to realize how crummy your own religious education was growing up. It's a joke that most of us make, but what is not funny is the reality that there was a deliberate effort to undermine the transmission of the faith to thousands, even millions of us growing up. So, we have been left with an anemic faith and an "American Catholicism" that thinks it is independant from Rome. ""Well the Church says...but I think/believe/feel".

It is important because it reminds us that we can have security that it is God who initiates. It is God who comes after us crazy, stubborn sinners. It bonds us to the Church and when we teach, we must be faithful to the Church and her teachings. It is not in our "right" to decide what is right and what is wrong. If you remember, that's how Adam and Eve got into trouble.

No, our choice is to choose the Truth and we cannot take that away from the students we work with. It is not our place to decide what is true and teach it. It is only our place to present the Church's teaching and let them choose it. It just may be a wonderful coincidence that we are able to give testimony to the teachings of the Church.

The goals, as Kevane lays out are easy to remember: 5 C's: Conversion, Community, Content, Contemplation and Commitment.

Conversion: This would be the main goal, and as we know it is a life long process.
Community: "...has the responsibility of welcoming them into an environment where they can live as fully s possibly what they have learned" (Pope John Paul II)
Content: Two words: Be Faithful. Seriously. Read above paragraph
Contemplation: Kevane teaches us that "Awakening those who participate in our programs to the Transcendent as a lived experience must be a goal...While liturgy is the source and summit of Christian life, the quality of our participation in and profit from its celebration is linked to the depth of our prayer life". There is the learning, then there is the praying of it.
Commitment: And then there is the living of it.

In the days ahead, Emily and I hope to pass along to you not only the theory known as the Ecclesial Method, but also many practical tips of how to put these parts into your work.

What we cannot loose is that we are fortunate to be called to serve God and his young people. With this call comes a responsibility that we can not escape. Souls are in our hands and we have to do all we can to invite them and get them to heaven.

Do good work!!

Fr. John Gordon

2007-05-10T23:04:00.000-04:00

This afternoon we found out that Fr John Gordon has been recalled back to his diocese, the Archdiocese of Newark by Archbishop Myers.

Fr. John has been at the University serving as the Director of the Pre-Theologate program, and is a speaker at many of our Youth Conferences as well as the Priests/Deacon/Seminarians conference and Charismatic Conference.

On campus, he is known as "that really Charismatic priest" and indeed he is. He has been involved in the Renewal for years and brings that into his ministry as priest. His preaching is always firey and direct and he tells it like it is.

He's also known to be one of the most gracious, giving, self-effacing ministers. As John Beaulieu says of him "He always has time" and the students know him to be available and practical in his advice, not to mention great to pray with.

On a personal level, I am extremely sad and disappointed. Fr John has been someone I've come to rely on and love bouncing ideas off of-as well as getting my wit handed to me on a platter as he outdoes me in friendly barbs. Not once I've walked into Mass late and up there on the alter is Fr John. He catches my eye then looks at his watch, tries not to grin and then shakes his head. I have gone to him for prayer, for very personal difficulties and direction, especially when it comes to the Charismatic Renewal and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

I know that this is not what he expected either, but in true form, he will obey and return to Newark.

I hope they know what a gift they have in him.

Catechesis Methods

2007-05-07T22:39:00.000-04:00

As some of you may know from reading past posts, I am of the mind that Youth Ministry HAS to be all about the 8 Components. At one time I had a serious on the 8 Components and was discussing each of them-then I lost some of the blog and it got wiped out.

I'd like to return to that one day, but for today, I'm going to share about Catechesis.

What? I don't do that in youth group! you might have just said. ACKKK! If you don't think you are doing catechesis or that it's not "part of your job" then honey, you are dead wrong.

Whether or not you have Religious Education or Confirmation prep as part of your job responsibilities you are absolutely responsible to pass on the faith to others. You don't know how?

Let me share about it with you!

It is vital that you find a way to actually teach kids the faith. The days of youth group on Sunday nights just talking about feelings or favorite movies has to go. Comprshensive youth ministry has many facets, many ways of passing on the faith. Direct teaching of the faith is inherent in your work.

I had the privilage of teaching a 9th grade class one year. I absolutely loved it. I highly recommend that if you aren't in charge of the Religious Education that you teach a class:
1. It will get you "in" good with the Religious Education folks (who says RelEd and Youth Ministers don't get along?!?!)
2. You get to know the kids, their lives, their families, their siblings...you have a waiting audience to minister to.

In the next few posts, I hope to talk more about Catechesis. I've learned some great things this past year and even though I'm a veteran in youth ministry and I had already read a lot of the texts I learned things that will sharpen my skills and make me a more effective youth minister and so I'm sharing these things with you, that you can serve God and his youth even better!

Blessings! Know that you are often in my prayers. I may not always know you by name, but the work you do needs protection and prayer. While I can't be directly in ministry right now, I pray daily for those of you on the front lines. Be strong and take heart!!

Prayer for Paul, Again

2007-05-02T08:46:00.000-04:00

Hi All
Please say a prayer for my brother, Paul. He's the eye doctor who recently went to Ghana to do medical mission work.

He has a pretty big test today for opthomology. He flew to Florida yesterday and is taking the test down there. This comes right on the heels of their move to a new home last weekend-and the usual craziness that comes with having three kids!

So, if you would, lift him up in prayer that the Lord would grant him peace, clarity of mind, and joy in the midst of all that is coming his way.

Teaching Moral Virtues

2007-04-28T17:06:00.000-04:00

Today half of the class gave their presentations. I'll have to say that they were all excellent and I'm sure Sister gave them high marks.

But the one that really stood out to me was the one our classmate Christie did on the moral virtues. Maybe because it is because it struck me where I'm at in my life or that Christie is simply classy and has her act together. Either way, she floored me.

Christie first showed a montage of pictures of Jesus enduring his passion, his face, and various pictures of the Sacred Heart with Josh Groban's song My Confession (which, by the way is an EXCELLENT way to teach and prepare kids for the Sacrament)

She quickly reviewed the first stage of St Therese of Avila's Interior Castle and went on to teach about the second stage. She talked about how the first stage was where sinners recognize and see the sin that is pulling them down and the second stage, sometimes the most painful, is where you work to apply virtue to remove those sins. (Obviously I need to read it...)

Not to knock anyone else, but I really enjoyed her presentation. I hope she gets a chance to actually use it.

Divine Revelation

2007-04-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

Since Jen wrote about her catechesis on "God, the Father", I felt like I should write on mine. Like Jen, I was not so thrilled when I got "Divine Revelation" on my index card. I like to say it found me, not that I chose it. If there's one thing that I think I would never teach in a youth group setting, Divine Revelation, would be it. But I don't get to be ignorant like that. I walked around with an attitude for a couple days about it and then I got over it. The truth is, we don't get to pick and choose which parts of the deposit of faith we catechize about. We owe all of our kids the truth....the whole truth. So, I snapped out of it and am now digging the depths of the Catechism and reading about Revelation. There's so little that we teach about it and sometimes we come to forget it, but the truth is, we could know very little about God without it.

Revelation is Amazing! I know you guys know that, but having this as my catechesis is amazing. Try breaking down Revelation for a bunch of high schoolers...that's right friends, I'm using the Princess Bride, Matt Maher's "Love has Come" and of course a "gift" to show that God reveals to us gradually and in stages. Perhaps my favorite example that I've come up to teach Revelation is that God has given us everything that we need to know to win salvation. He's not going to start a game with us, and then half way through change the rules, and that friends is amazing. He's laid out for us the clearest path to him: his Son.

In fact, if there's one thing I want them to walk away with, it's this: LOVE HAS COME TO SHOW THE WAY!

I can't wait to teach this tomorrow and I hope that I can only give him Glory and Honor through my words. They will never be enough to describe him, but they are what we have. Please say some prayers for Jen and I as we go outside of the comfort zone to catechize our Church.

As soon as it's done and presented, I will try and post it up here. Jen and I are looking for a place in which we can all post things and have those resources available.

God the Father

2007-04-26T18:55:00.000-04:00

For class, we have to teach for 50 minutes on a topic that was quasi assigned to us. I drew "God the Father".

At first I was not too excited, but the closer my presentation time comes the more excited I am. One of the things that often bothers me is the absolute refusal of folks to refusal to call God Father-even though his Son did so.

Have you ever had to teach this lesson? At first I was going to start with the relationship between God and his bride the Church. And while this is true, I realized that I had to start a little further back than that. I had to start with the fact that God is neither gender, he is above and bigger than gender.

Which is where the trouble starts.

Have you ever read this passage in the Catechism and gone "hm. How do I get around this?"

239 By calling God "Father", the language of faith indicates two main things: that God is the first origin of everything and transcendent authority; and that he is at the same time goodness and loving care for all his children. God's parental tenderness can also be expressed by the image of motherhood, which emphasizes God's immanence, the intimacy between Creator and creature. The language of faith thus draws on the human experience of parents, who are in a way the first representatives of God for man. But this experience also tells us that human parents are fallible and can disfigure the face of fatherhood and motherhood. We ought therefore to recall that God transcends the human distinction between the sexes. He is neither man nor woman: he is God. He also transcends human fatherhood and motherhood, although he is their origin and standard: no one is father as God is Father.

If your kids are like some that I've had, they will take that and go "see?"

If you are looking for a good-though short-answer to this question, read this by Mark Brumley at Catholic.net . I came upon it in the archives and is concise answer with depth.

Responding To VA Tech

2007-04-26T18:23:00.000-04:00

I don't mean to be so slow on this topic, but I've thought a great deal about this.

How do you deal with these issues with your crew?

When 9/11 happened I was doing YM in inner-city Boston. We had scheduled a jr high dance for that evening (boy. was. I. excited.). I called Fr Tom, who was then the director of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese-what do I do?

I ended up canceling the dance, though the kids still came, expecting a dance. It was a very weird evening and I wasn't sure what to do with them. We circled up and I asked them some questions-do they have family in NYC, what are they thinking, what was going on with them...

And they were squirly as all get out. Some wanted to talk, some wanted to just start the dance, some - well, were just spastic junior high kids that didn't know up from down.

Recently I read a post on a blog that I can't remember (tell me if you know) and the mother was asking her son about Virginia tech. She was a little baffled that he and his friends continued playing video games and relaxing. He responded (paraphrasing) that he couldn't be there, he couldn't do anything but pray, so he'd said a prayer and it was as much as he could offer.

Lest you think he was unfeeling, I wonder if some kids respond that way. It's not real until it happens to me, or you. Or my school, or to my friends. It's just simply not real.

At the same time, it sometimes seem that insanity like this is ... common. And that is sad.

I found this from the Source. I like a lot of their material. It is an interview from a youth pastor who had students at Columbine High School and went through that horror 8 years ago. He has some good insights and advice.

Exam Time

2007-04-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

So Em and I have been feverishly slaving over homework and burnin' the midnight oil to get everything done by the end of the semester.

Ok. I'm not. I had one class that wasn't hard. It was a great class, but not difficult by any stretch of the imagination. Really-consider coming to the St John Bosco Conference to learn more about doing Catechesis. YES, even you, you youth minister type.

I knew I was a little above average as a youth minister, in some regards, because I wasn't in youth ministry because "I want to work for the Church and I don't know what else to do". That and I actually went to school to become a youth minister. That and I'm great with people (true) and administrative tasks (false). AND I'm so humble.

But enough about me. I'm going to post a few things from Youth Specialties that I hope you'll enjoy.

City on a Hill: The Purpose and Identity of Catholic Higher Education

2007-04-19T23:20:00.000-04:00

If you haven't heard, the University is hosting an academic symposium on the purpose and identity of Catholic Higher Education.

I think this is absolutely extraordinary.

The University invited over 100 Presidents and academic deans from Catholic Universities in the United States and around the world. Our keynote speakers include Archbishop Miller, the Secretary of the Congregation on Catholic Education at the Vatican, Honorable Mario Mauro, the Vice President of the European Union, Fr John Jenkins, CSC, President of the University of Notre Dame and Fr Garanzini, SJ President of Loyola University, Chicago.

Yeah, I know, huh?

Archbishop Miller spoke tonight about Ex Corde Ecclesiae and it was outstanding. He made me chuckle because he'd state a point then kinda shrug his shoulders as if to say "these are my words, these are THE words". He took questions afterwards which was quite interesting as well.

The crowd gathered is a mix of people with varying positions on what Catholic Higher Education should be. I'm working the Conference, so I get to go to nearly everything, however, I can't say I'll understand everything.

What I am excited about is that it is a forum for discussions and debate about a rather touchy issue, especially for the US. Say a prayer that all goes well, that everyone gathered, as well as those of us non-academics-all are renewed in our Faith and have a deeper love and drive to deliver the Gospel message.

For more info, go to: http://franciscanconferences.com/CHED/index.asp

MLA...I Shoulda Knowed Ya

2007-04-18T22:18:00.000-04:00

So, I stayed up all night writing my first 15 page paper in 8 years, having heart failure because I have so much to say and wondering how I'm going to fit it all in.

And then I thought, I really should check out MLA to be sure I'm doing it all correctly. So I do. And I read through the requirements.

And realize that I have written a 30 page paper.

Yes, folks, I stayed up all night researching, developing and writing a 30 page paper.

Who forgets about the glory of "double space"???

Virgina Tech

2007-04-17T22:11:00.000-04:00

May the souls of the faithful departed
Through the mercy of God
Rest In Peace

Can You See Me Now?

2007-04-15T08:03:00.000-04:00

Em said that on her browser the left side there was all smushed to the bottom. However, it looks fine on mine (I am on a mac using Firefox), so I wouldn't know where to fix the problem.

How does it look on yours?

Any tech help out there?

heh!

2007-04-12T20:20:00.000-04:00

LOST:One Of Us

2007-04-11T22:34:00.000-04:00

ok. I will admit. I'm hooked. Seriously hooked.

WHO LOVES TONIGHT'S EPISODE OF LOST?!

ok for starters, Sawyer and Kate? Not sure who Kate loves, but sure I've never seen Sawyer's face in love. Or an honest moment on Ben's face.

Now, do we like Juliette? Hmmm. She did baaad things. BUT she is the only one of "the Others" whose backstory we know. And it makes us feel compassionate for her.

THE Best part is that we are finally learning what the others were about, what they knew, how they knew everything...since we learned that there were "others" we've wanted to know what the heck they are doing on that island.

I'm so excited I'm actually blogging during the show.

UPDATE:
OH. MY. LORD.

Evaluating Culture

2007-04-10T22:26:00.000-04:00

Don't quite know what else to call this post. It's going to be a label because Em and I are writing papers for class half affectionately called "Magnum Opus" or as Sister says "your best work yet".

The goal is to take something that the culture says is true, good and beautiful and prove that it's not.

I think it is vital that we, as youth ministers, really examine the world that we live in. Many of us, by now, have lived with "pop culture" being "the culture". Seriously: we all know things like John Hughes movies, punk rock. rap, MTV, reality tv, rubics cubes, xbox...we live in it and barely even recognize it.

Now, I'm not sure I can pitch it all out the window. I think my parents, in their own way, helped us kids discern what was worth bringing into our lives and what wasn't. ...even if sometimes it was that they wouldn't let us have it at all. But I'd have to say that most of Gen X and Gen Y do not have the ability to critique the culture we live in. I think most of us go along and don't even see it.

However, we not only have to recognize it's affects on our lives, but we have to teach the kids we work with how to evaluate what they are bringing into their world.

I'm sitting here writing this post and watching TV to evaluate commercials for my paper. I've tried to watch a variety of channels, knowing ads are different depending on the audience. Tonight's night is MTV. (Ok, so I watched Gilmore Girls on the CW first...I know, it fits into that genre Should I Really Be Watching This?). You don't even want to know what their own commercial is. You are going to die.

Pardon the digression here, but for starters, their slogan is "maturity is overrated". And...the commericals have to do with...mature content. But to the slogan: Doesn't this say so much?

So back to the evaluation of culture: We have to learn how to see it with a critical eye. The world isn't going to train us. We can't simply throw things out and just tell the kid "That's baaaaad". We have to be able to articulate HOW we, as Christians, can use the good in our culture, but how to be critical of what is not good in our culture.

How do we do that? Well, stay tuned for further posts as Em and I research and formulate our papers!

Being Catholic Rocks

2007-04-10T15:09:00.000-04:00

Okay, I know that you guys all know that being Catholic rocks, but if you ever get a chance, come to the Easter Vigil at Franciscan University. It's unlike any other. It literally takes your breath away.

Today in class, we spoke about the Easter Octave. What other religion gives you the chance to celebrate Easter for eight days? None! That's why it's awesome to be Catholic. Easter's what we live for, the Eucharist is what makes us whole. This is what we see in the Easter mystery. Celebrate! Rejoice! Have an Easter celebration with your youth groups. It's amazing to see so many people in this place so full of the Holy Spirit in a radical and unreal way! The spirit moves you where he wants you go to, we just have to listen. I recently spoke with a friend who said he cried his way through mass on Sunday. When I asked him why, he said he didn't know, but the truth is that we do know. We're touched by his unending love. We live for his death, because it is in his death and his resurrection and acsension that we come to have life and live it more abundantly. Alleluia!

Please keep Jen and I in your prayers. We have a major paper due a week from today and we're both in need of many, many prayers. Thank you for your help!

He is Exulted!

Abba Pater

2007-04-03T08:29:00.001-04:00

Of the few I browsed this morning Dom's is actually my favorite. Thanks Dom!

(PS I'll admit it-I still well up with emotion at things like this. I still hope to meet him for real one day!!)

Pope John Paul II: Two Years Later

2007-04-02T10:59:00.000-04:00

When I went to Rome one of the things I was determined to get to was Pope John Paul II's tomb. It would be the closest I had ever gotten to my hero.

I felt a little bad that I was strolling right by so many other Popes. We have an extraordinary history with our Popes. However, being raised by John Paul, I felt the most connected to him and that I owed him so much of who I am to him.

I'm not going to lie. When I got there, I couldn't hold back the tears...again. Even two years later, I still found I miss him a great deal. There must be lots of pilgrims who need time with him because there is an area that is roped off so that people can sit and pray...or cry, as I did.

For me it was a graced time to sit and thank JPII for his sacrifices, prayer, encouragement, love and teaching. It was the closest, in body, that I've ever been to my hero, though I love that I can talk to him anytime I want now.

What really blessed me-and will stick with me for a long time-is watching the pilgrims going by. Many of the over 50 crowd seemed to meander on past his tomb. Now, maybe they weren't Catholic or weren't as attached to him as I am. But nearly every pilgrim who was 40 and under stopped, said a prayer, blew him a kiss and took some time at his tomb. Even better was watching high schoolers shush each other and say a prayer. They didn't have to be told: They got him. They knew he loved them. They know what he gave them. And they are our next leaders.

When the Holy Spirit Calls...

2007-04-02T08:18:00.000-04:00

You might want to answer.

Several months ago I was involved in training for our student workers. It was a fine presentation, but I knew that they were going to forget the content as soon as they walked out the door. If they remembered anything it was "be nice to our participants". I knew I had to offer them something more.

I began to think about a program I did when I was in parish ministry. It is based on the 7 Habits for Highly Effective People and ties them to the 7 virtues. After each habit/virtue is learned, you do an activity that reinforces the idea. Participants more likely remember the activity than the lecture.

So I was thinking about it and more and more I felt "God saying You need to do this. Really, I'm not kidding, you need to pursue this. " So I put together a proposal and the short of the story is that Steve Colella, from the Archdiocese of Boston (and co-creater of the program) came out to do the training.

I was anxious that no one was signing up, and quite anxious about what the boss would say. Most bosses want the bottom line to be successful, and in my line of work, success is having people show up.

And 4 people showed up.

You'd think that would bother me. I think it bothers the boss. But Steve's visit to the University is going to be a package that will take a long time to unpack.

The program itself was a success in that the 4 people who went through it were impressed and enjoyed it-so much so that they said that they would have their students (or friends, we had one student) go through the program. The thing is, it's not "just another leadership program" it is a way of life. Since we are all baptized, we are all leaders in the Church, which means we need to continually grow in virtue and holiness. So, it is good for every kid, every staff and every baptized Christian.

Besides the "program", Steve was able to meet people and make contacts, which is what his boss wanted. I think it is the beginning of a beautiful relationship between Steve's employer and mine...

In the end, both of us said that the weekend was a rousing success. I know that I answered the call of the Holy Spirit and excellent things happened. I know that more could have happened if others had responded to the call as well. However, I cannot be responsible for that. I can call and invite, but others need to respond to that call . The lesson I learned is when the Spirit calls, answer, and get moving.

Bishops Give The Smack Down (And They All Said YEAHHH!!)

2007-03-27T10:25:00.000-04:00

Being a catechetics student under Sister Johanna is a real delight. This woman, as I've shared before knows the "movers and slayers" of our national catechesis-and is rightfully incensed by them. Moran and Groome are two that she has analyzed and shreds their theory on "process" over content. That is, how people reach the faith and honoring whatever conclusion comes to them from that process, rather than taking the truth of the faith, the content, and catechizing in such a way to effect conversion. (REAL conversion). I mean, her doctoral dissertation is gonna knock them outta the ball park.

So when this article came up, I noted it, but I don't think I understood it's real impact. I was not aware of who Maguire was, but she said he's one of the usual suspects along with Curran and a few others (I don't have my notes with me-Em? help?).

Folks, this is HUGE. This guy has the guts to send this tripe to the Bishops and expects for it to go through??? But this tells you how LAX the system has been! That he really believes that in sending this to them it will change anything.

I know, we're not used to the USCCB layin' the smack down, but with Bishop Lori as chairman (who says he "grew up"with Sister, is a usual at the Bosco Conference and loves the University. He has a real drive and love for the Church and for real catechesis. Stick with him, he'll take you great places!) we can know that at least THIS committee is on the right track.

(PS Bishop Vigneron is also on the Commitee and has been a presenter for our Applied Biblical Studies Conference)

Keep an eye on his story.

And for the love of God, avoid anything by Groome. And Moran. And Jane Reagan. (And, frankly Bill Huebsch while I'm at it)

Visual Profile

2007-03-20T20:11:00.000-04:00

This was totally cool: Better than any of the other tests!

What is your visual profile?

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Roma!

2007-03-20T19:49:00.000-04:00

Rome was awesome!!

The travel there and the travel back were insane, but being in Rome was extraordinary.

My friend and I also took a side trip to Assisi which was probably the highlight. That and getting to be at John Paul II's tomb.

I'll blog more on it later, but suffice it to say that all in all, travels to and there included it was a wonderful and amazing trip.

Interview

2007-03-15T21:54:00.000-04:00

I went to the interview, it's under my belt! I'm not so sure how I did, but I feel good about it. I'm glad that I have it under my belt and know a little bit about what to expect from future interviews. The parish was nice, the pastor was nice and things seem to be good overall. Of course, we'll see how they go. Thank you for your prayers everyone. I really appreciate all of them, I know that I was lifted up in prayer and I am so blessed because of that.

Jen's been having a blast in Rome, really enjoying herself too much, and my spring break's been delightful. I went on a confirmation retreat with 85 7th graders and a handful of high schoolers (the Diocese of Arlington confirms in the 8th grade) and it was great. I've done these retreats for a long time and it's been so amazing to be God's instrument for all of these years (Since I was 13) and it was definetely a good last retreat for me. (Pretty much, it's going to be a little nerdy to go to another parish's confirmation retreat if you're a YM somewhere else. I can see myself coming up to prepare lunch or something, but not leading it as a small group leader). Seeing all of the kids that I've watched for years grow up and give some amazing talks was amazing, I got to spend time with three amazing people I worked with two summers ago but most of all, planting those seeds were amazing. The retreat was good, the kids really got it and it was leaps and bounds better than one of the last groups who we retreated. It's so great to know that Christ's love is shining so brightly in this way. Everyone should check out "Who You Are Makes a Difference" (type it into a search engine. Learn it, love it and live it), we make blue ribbons and hand them out to the kids..maybe something you want to try.

I had a great meeting with the youth minister from my home parish Toni and it was utterly refreshing. It's always so nice to bounce around ideas and to hear people's support of me going into ministry. Breakfast with her was so nice and really helped us to talk about a lot of ideas for stuff at my home parish. This break has been great! Thanks again for the prayers!

Tomorrow's the day

2007-03-13T14:31:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow's my big interview. I'm a little scared, but definetely excited. So many people are praying for me and for God's will in my life. I just got off of the phone with the youth minister there, it was very fruitful and gave me some ideas about where to go in the interview and what his Youth ministry is like. Seems interesting and I'm very excited. Please keep me in your prayers for tomorrow. I really need them, so that I might serve Him in the best way. The youth of the Church deserve it :). I'm open to any last minute suggestions about questions to ask. Thanks!

In Him through her,
Em :)

And, She's Off!

2007-03-08T07:29:00.000-05:00

I'm off to Rome today!! Going for 8 days and plan to NOT stay on a diet, drink any wine I want and see as much as possible! I can't wait.

Enjoy Em while I'm gone. She's so delightful. And Em, we're all praying for your interview!

Test post

2007-03-07T09:33:00.001-05:00

This is a test post to see if I can post under my own name now.

And so, the journey begins

2007-03-07T01:13:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends! I'm Em and I'm going to be posting for Jen while she travels to Rome. I hope that I can be as interesting as she is.

As for a little bit about me. I met Jen for real in class this semester, before I just saw her in passing in the halls. As I'm sure you can tell from previous posts, we are in Catechetical Methods together and it has been sheer joy holding down the youth ministry end of catechesis in a class full of future high school teachers. Being able to work with Jen and bounce ideas around has been amazing. I'm currently studying to get my MA in Theology with a specialization in Catechetics and I will be done in August. From that point on I hope fulfill the lofty call that He has given me to be a youth minister for the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. I grew up in the Diocese and continue to be in love with it's sheer orthodoxy and love of the truth.

Jen's asked me to post while she's away, however, you'll see me when she's back as well. Her vision to get a network of YM's going is sheer brilliance and she has asked me to be the new YM and post my experiences and adventures in YM here. I hope that I can bring some fresh ideas to the table and that I am able to learn a lot from this site.

And so, my journey of life and love for Him, begins here. I'm going home for spring break in a few days and I am so nervous. I have been asked to interview for youth ministry position in Stafford, Va (great location to my parents house, where I will be starting off). I'm scared, but excited. I'm not fearful, but instead scared. It's that good scared where you know that you can not do anything with Him and you being a complete and utter servant to Him. It is this that brings you to your knees every night. Teens souls are going to depend on me (not all on me) and my goal's to get them to Heaven. How awesome and scary is that? I know there are many seasoned YM vets, who read this. Do you have any suggestions? Any MUST ask questions you care to share? I'm eager to share this journey with all of you.

New Youth Minister Blogging!!

2007-03-06T23:58:00.000-05:00

As some of you know, I have been hoping to get some active youth ministers on board to start blogging. It is with great joy and anticipation that I introduce Em!

Em is just beginning her career in youth ministry. What I love about her is that she is doing it because she loves youth, not just because hey, what else ya gonna do with that theology degree? No, she really has a heart for youth-and they for her.

She is gregarious, charming, and very loving. She has an inordinate love of cows and has never heard the song "I'm Proud To Be An American" even though she grew up barely a 1/2 hour from the Nation's capital. Not shy, she is also very real about life and is a well grounded woman. She loves Jesus Christ with all of her heard and is awed by the chance to share that love with others.

Oh, and PS til we figure out how to actually add her with her own name, the post below really is from her. Not me, TCYM Lounge.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our new blogger!!

Youth Masses part 858673086

2007-03-04T16:58:00.000-05:00

I keep bringing this up because I'm still working through it. And I LOVE the comments that come, it really ends up being a great discussion. REALLY. Even those I've disagreed with, I've always learned something. I'm all about intellectual honesty. ok, usually...!

So we were in class last Th and D asks the magic question to Sister: What do you think of "Teen Masses".

Now, a little context for "D". D is a convert from the Protestant faith, where he had a great deal of the Christian Praise and Worship. He was nervous because he sees the depth and beauty that the Church has to offer and does not want to short change the youth.

I was nervous for Sisters' response, because I was sure that we were going to clash on it. I mean, she has validated everything I've thought so far, but I really really thought she was going to look askance on the whole P&W at Mass thing.

I was delightfully surprised. She was quite fine with it. "D" was surprised too, I think. She did say that the music needs to be appropriate to the Liturgy. The words and such need to match what is going on in the Mass.

I was psyched!!! If Sister thinks it's ok, then seriously folks: It's fine. She is a stickler about making sure people receive the fullness of the faith. And to be sure even youth from age 0-100 have a right to the Truth.

So it made me think: We need both. We need praise and worship because we are called to praise the Lord. All throughout the Psalms are praises to the Lord God Almighty. We European types do that rather stifffly, but not the Psalmist! He was dancin' and playin' all kinds of instruments! I know, I know inculteration and all that. But the praise, well led, leads to a deep contemplation we call "worship". A yearning, a groaning of the Spirit.

We also need the high beauty of the hymns and the gorgeous pipe organ music. I am NOT opposed to making sure the kids have a healthy dose of it. However, it is like feeding steak to kids. You can give them the essence of the meat, but in a way that is digestable. Praise and Worship in it's own is an excellent form of prayer in itself, and it is a digistable way to pray.

And yet we need the solemn hymns and the gorgeous poetry of those songs. We need both, and I believe one is not better than the other, but maybe even complementary.

Roma!

2007-03-04T16:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm taking myself on a vacation. As you all know, working for the Church rarely affords you the cash to do a major trip like this. AND we tend to work ourselves to the bone and never take a retreat or time off or even comp time.

Am I talkin' to the right crowd??

All of the above is me. While I miss ministry so very very much, there is a real freedom in a 8-5 job (with hour lunch breaks!!). I've saved a little nest egg and am going to go blow it!

PS If you ever travel to Italy and want to stay in a convent or monastery, use www.monasterystays.com. They are not a travel agent, but a little business that helps travelers find places to stay in monasterys (let me tell you how much i've mispelled that word!). I found a great place about 5 miles outside of the Vatican for only $30 a night! You already know how much I enjoy spending money *ack!*.

So, blogging will be sparse. I may ask someone to fill in for me.

Actually, I'm looking for someone who has been in youth ministry a long time to join the club. If you are interested, shoot me an email at catholicyouthministers@hotmail.com.

Blessings!

Somebody Stop Her!

2007-03-02T17:18:00.000-05:00

So each Friday the three execs of the Outreach office go to the Chapel and pray for the staff and for the Summer Conferences. It's really a great thing.

If you're not exhausted.

I was praising when I heard myself say "praise to you guys". Thought "just stick to tongues, jen. less embarrassing, really".

So Much To Say AGAIN!

2007-02-27T16:24:00.000-05:00

Remember that Dave Matthew's Song?

There has been so much going on, so much info I've come across and no time to blog! I have to work to support this habit, afterall!!

I've:
Gone to the Amazing Grace Conference in Detroit, to celebrate 4o years of the Charismatic Renewal
Bought a computer (which means more regular updates yeah!!)
Bought a plane ticket to Rome
Found a monastery to stay in in Rome for $30 a night
Found a buncha articles on the Pope and Sin. That is, him reminding us to rid it from our lives.
Found a book on Beauty that is a MUST read
Found a book on youth and legal issues that would be good to keep around
Talked to Fr Mike about the Renewal, which is always fun
Talked to some of the TOR Sisters about what is next with our generation and the Renewal, totally cool.
Perused a great deal of Catherine of Siena Institutes' blog-and fellow disciple and minister Keith Strohm's blog who also posts on Siena's blog.
Started a new project for class
(PS Got an A- on the last one! woot woot!!)
And started a new diet that is really really great.

So, I'm whipped.

But when that new toy comes, I'll have much to share!!

If Only...

2007-02-22T16:37:00.000-05:00

Give Confession top priority, Pope asks priests
Vatican, Feb. 19, 2007 (CWNews.com)

At a February 19 meeting with confessors, Pope Benedict XVI remarked on how the "limitless renovating power of divine love" is realized in the sacrament of Penance. The Holy Father was speaking to the father-confessors of the Roman basilica and the officials of the Apostolic Penitentiary, led by Cardinal James Stafford. He told them that the priest, as confessor, is an "active instrument of divine mercy."The task of the confessor, the Pope said, is to help the penitent "recognize the gravity of sin," and resolve to avoid sin in the future, while provide "the comfort and consolation of Christ.""How many penitents find in confession the peace and joy they were seeking for so long!" the Pope said. (emp added)
He encouraged priests to help the faithful use the sacrament properly. To do so, he said, confessors must learn as much as possible about the background of their people, the problems they face, and the spiritual problems they encounter. Above all, the Pope continued, "We cannot preach forgiveness and reconciliation to others if we do not experience these things personally." He encouraged confessors to make frequent use of the sacrament themselves, so that they too have a fuller appreciation for the forgiveness offered by Christ through his priestly ministers.The sacrament of Penance, the Pontiff concluded, "is a specific ecclesial service to which we must give priority."

If only Anna Nicole and Britney had this in their lives.
As Sister says "Do Good Work".

Stations of the Cross

2007-02-20T16:59:00.000-05:00

Part of formation demands that you observe the seasons of the Church and if you are leading others, you would do well for their soul if you assist in their observation of the Church seasons as well.

But I''m sure you already knew that.

There are lots of things to do with Lent. One that I've done is Stations of the Cross, so here are a few ideas on how to do them:

1. Scan pictures into your laptop and do a power point. Play music in the background for a prayer experience. You could use just pictures or pictures followed by a short meditation, read or on the power point.

2. Play music in the background-nice, soft, reflective music and have them draw the stations. I would give them bibles so that they can thumb through or use a book of stations for ideas

3. One year my crew, who many were in the drama club, decided to act out the stations for the parish. We put up a sheet, and the actors would post in a scene and we'd shine a big light from behind them so that a shadow appeared to the congregation on the sheet. We would click the light on and off in between stations and had a reader give a meditation during each station. The kids wrote it, prepared it, directed it, and got quite into it. The kid who played Jesus was particularly affected as he began to reflect on what it must have been like for the Man he was portraying.

Here are some resources for the Stations. BTW, the Stations are not a liturgical event, they are a prayer, so don't get all caught up in doing the "right" stations. Like the Rosary, there are various ways to pray the stations. We have our usual 14, but there are many out there that use other images and scriptures, some starting with the Last Supper.

Stations By Newman but please use these carefully. Newman is wordy. And deep. Might be best for personal reflection.
Mary's Way of the Cross. Seen from Mary's perspective.
John Paul II's Way of the Cross
The Way of the Cross for Young Christians (Generally I'm wary of 23rd Publications, but if I believe this is a pretty good book for teenagers)
Variety from Creative Communications Sister said sometimes you need to peruse Creative Communications like you do 23rd Pub, but she did like some of their Lenten materials. So does Amy Welborn, apparently. So, there's two thumbs up there.
Speaking of Amy, I'm always trying to send folks over to her. Her stuff is outstanding.

Please share your ideas with the rest of us. Because really, isn't youth ministry really about taking each others' ideas? !!

Lent: Don't Miss This Opportunity!

2007-02-19T18:08:00.000-05:00

Do you have a plan for Lent?

I just finished my project and found myself connecting it to Lent.

The assignment was to teach a doctrine using the Rites of the Church. This is very important because everything we teach needs to be centered on our Liturgy. If the center of our faith is the Eucharist, we should always be pointing to those rites, and the sacramental rites.

I chose the doctrine of Eternal Life and used rites from the funeral Mass, Baptism, Penance andthe preface to the Eucharistic prayer for the 1st Sunday of Lent. The objective was to teach the reality of Eternal life and that what we do in life determine that reality, with the grace of God and the sacraments, naturally.

My proclamation was "What we do in life echoes in eternity" and yes, I used the film Gladiator as well.

With Lent approaching I included a project to challenge the kids to think about what they are doing. Middle AND high school students are old enough to do more than "give up candy". I made a picture of a grave marker. On it they would put their name, qualities people would say about them at their death and then qualities they WANT to be said about them when they die. On the flip side they would put their lenten resolutions that would get them in the habit of achieving those qualities. I made it a "lift ticket", complete with wickets. You could either use name tags or glue the two pieces of paper over a wicket.

If I have the chance I'll post the whole lesson.

In any regard, be sure that you are preparing your students to enter into Lent. This is a marvelous opportunity to assist in the formation of your kids and get them thinking about putting to death those things that do not assist them in the goal of heaven and start thinking about ways of living holy lives to get to heaven.

What are you doing? Share with the class!

Chocolate, Not Contraception

2007-02-18T20:41:00.000-05:00

I've heard of the practice at college campuses where they give out condoms with chocolate during Valentines day.

A. What a stupid use of a lovely day
B. What a tragic use for chocolate.

Having said that, I saw over at Dom's site this group that is spreadin' fred about the realities and lies of contraception, and handing out chocolates of their own:

"The Chocolate bars were wrapped in flyers with a message about the possible harms of contraception on relationships, and were an analogy about how "without contraception, you can get so much more" in comparison to the small Hershey's kisses that the "Condom and a Kiss" campaign normally hands out...
Our Mission is to empower college students to be actively involved in educating their peers through public awareness campaigns and discussion on the physcial, social, economical, and other affects of hormonal birth control and other population control methods. Simply put, we want our generation to know the truth about sex drugs and make smart choices from that knowledge."

See more of their extraordinary selves at: www.theprojectplus.com

Baby Got Book

2007-02-15T16:29:00.001-05:00

This is so ...umm...hey, you gotta laugh at it.

I'm outta here-going to the Amazing Grace Conference. Have a lovely weekend!

Video Clip Ideas

2007-02-14T15:52:00.000-05:00

Here is a good place to go for clips from movies to use in your lessons. It is from "The Source for Youth Ministry" website. They are not Catholic, but many of their clips won't be problematic. Someone has spent a lot of time compiling some great ideas.

New Project

2007-02-14T14:28:00.000-05:00

You knew I would beg your assistance again. I'm still in class!!

So, yes, I have another project due: Be creative in coming up with a way to teach a doctrine using the Rites. I have chosen Death.

Ok, so death isn't a "doctrine" per se. I need to think more about that. But purgatory is. Life after death is. Heaven and hell are.

We got talking in class a couple of times about how well Catholic die. I have to admit that the funeral Masses are extraordinary. We start with the person's baptism, have Communion and then commit them to the earth. Birth-Nourishment-Death. I don't know if you realize this, but the Mass doesn't end until the commitment at the grave site. Well, there are the concluding rites at the end of the in-Church part, but it continues at the grave.

I was going to do virtues because I think the virtues are a very lost concept for today's world. There is no comprehension of "virtues". Doing what feels right to you has become the ultimate. It is so ingrained in us. However, I was finding it difficult to come up with a creative way to teach the Cardinal Virtues and the Theological Virtues, so unless one of you have a great idea, I'm going back to "death".

How have you handled death with the teens? Has it been after a tragedy? Have you thought about teaching it independantly of a highly charged emotional environment? Have you given thought to prepping the kids in the event of a death? Even their own?

How do you get the point across? How would you have a youth group on death? Or a religion class on death?

Happy St Cyril and Methodius Day!

2007-02-14T14:23:00.000-05:00

I'm serious!

Young Apostles Needed!!

2007-02-12T16:11:00.000-05:00

You are going to want your kids, esp your boys to be involved in this:

Greetings in Christ!

I hope all is well. I am sending this letter to ask your help in recruiting for the Young Apostles program for the upcoming summer. We are below average on applicants overall and way below on young men. If you know a teen who is ready to be trained in their faith and take it to the next level, please encourage them to apply online franciscanyouth.com . The Young Apostles program exists to further the training in both Christian leadership and evangelization for today's Catholic teens. Thanks for your help and please pray for our ongoing efforts.
Peace and blessings.

John K. Beaulieu
Director of Youth and Young Adult Outreach
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Blvd.
Steubenville, OH 43952
(740) 284-5873

Spending Cash

2007-02-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

If I spend over $40 I have heart failure. I'm not kidding. I'm the kind of person who signs up for Consumer Reports and figures out exactly which gizmo is right for my money.

So, when I spend $700 on a plane ticket and $1500 on a lap top in one month, you can bet I'm hyperventalating.

Can someone please get me a paper bag?? Someone?

Pope Benedict XVI To Youth (World Youth Day)

2007-02-07T16:09:00.000-05:00

Pope Benedict speaks to the youth on the occasion of World Youth Day 2007, Palm Sunday:

Everybody feels the longing to love and to be loved. Yet, how difficult it is to love, and how many mistakes and failures have to be reckoned with in love! There are those who even come to doubt that love is possible. But if emotional delusions or lack of affection can cause us to think that love is utopian, an impossible dream, should we then become resigned? No! Love is possible, and the purpose of my message is to help reawaken in each one of you - you who are the future and hope of humanity-, trust in a love that is true, faithful and strong; a love that generates peace and joy; a love that binds people together and allows them to feel free in respect for one another.
...
My dear young friends, I want to invite you to “dare to love”. Do not desire anything less for your life than a love that is strong and beautiful and that is capable of making the whole of your existence a joyful undertaking of giving yourselves as a gift to God and your brothers and sisters, in imitation of the One who vanquished hatred and death forever through love (cf Rev 5:13). Love is the only force capable of changing the heart of the human person and of all humanity, by making fruitful the relations between men and women, between rich and poor, between cultures and civilisations.

It's a short but powerful read. Take it to your Religious Ed classes and read it for a prayer or to Youth Group or whatever you are doing with the kids. He is so accessable to read and understand and this letter is practical as it is beautiful.

LOST

2007-02-06T16:47:00.000-05:00

Oh, yeah, Baby!

One more day!!

Virtual Youth Ministry

2007-02-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

Now here is something that is quite interesting.

The Sion Community in London, England do a "Virtual Vigil" It is an online presence for several days in a row. You can chat live, get prayers, do evening prayer, be part of an interactive drama, talk in their forums...they have a whole bunch of stuff going on.

Make sure to visit them in the next few days. The Virtual Vigil has them live for about 5 days. I'm guessing because of the cost and energy they can't maintain that sort of presence every day, but it's an outreach using the medium of the internet.

The Sion Community is a group who do evangelization. They have a community and do various kinds of evangelization, one of which is youth ministry. Go check out the Sion Community website as well.

Go say hello and introduce yourselves. Or send your kids over there. It's what they are there for!

Online Presence: Good Thing Or Not?

2007-02-01T16:25:00.000-05:00

A reader asked me to ask ya'll what you thought of starting a blog with his group. I began thinking about some of the other ways that are available to us online-myspace, facebook, iming, gmail, etc.

Are there things to be wary of? Have you done these things with your kids? What are some of the benefits? What are some of the pitfalls?

U2-Charist

2007-01-30T17:30:00.000-05:00

mmmm. No.
I'm a huge U2 fan. I am a huge Eucharist fan. Huge.

But they are not nearly the same.

Love you, Bono, Edge, Larry, Adam. Love you. Even love The One campaign. Love you. Buuuuuut, No.

From a fan:

"It makes you, like, warm inside," says Bridgette Roberts, 15, who is a Roman Catholic and attended a recent U2 Eucharist at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. "Usually at church, you love Jesus and everything. But this way you can express how you feel."

Well, I guess that's what counts at Mass...

Books, Links, Resources

2007-01-26T15:26:00.000-05:00

I need to update the side over there. Before I start that project, do you have anything you think would be of help to other youth ministers that we can stick over there? I'm looking for books, websites, websites for games, theology, ym ideas, retreat places, workcamp, camps, etc. Anything you think might be helpful, shoot me an email, I'll review it and stick it up. I'll give you props, too, don't worry...

That's Props as in, uh, not skit material. As in, Hey, awright, this person gave us this...

Introduction To Christ by Steve Harvey

2007-01-26T14:52:00.001-05:00

Preach it, Brother! Amen!

Hope In Trials

2007-01-24T17:09:00.000-05:00

That is the title of the talk I've chosen for the Youth Ministers' Retreat this coming weekend.

What trials have you experienced? What trials are you experiencing currently?

Where have you seen hope in your ministry? How have you experienced hope in a trial?

Prayer For Paul

2007-01-24T16:42:00.000-05:00

My brother has gone to Ghana to do a medical missionary trip. He is an ophthomologist (an eye doctor) and took up an opportunity to go and give eye care to the villages of Tema and Accra:

I'm so proud of him, but a little nervous as well, as it is a third-world country. His main concern was picking up a parasite or some other diseases. He was even concerned about going to Mass there, which I would be too, frankly. But pray for their protection, success and that the Lord woud work in the hearts of all of the team to be ministers of Jesus even as they are performing medical procedures.

Paul at breakfast with host. And Dr. Paul doin' his thing

Paul in front of the Tema Christian Eye Center

Ghana, Africa

Confirmation Retreat Ice-Breakers

2007-01-18T17:43:00.000-05:00

Hey, what are some good Confirmation Retreat Ice Breakers? Some good folks in Eaton Rapids MI are looking. Ok, that would be my sister. Give it up for the sistaH!!!!

Insane Talk Titles

2007-01-16T14:06:00.000-05:00

John is breathing down my neck, waiting for a talk title. If he could reach in my brain and pull is out, I'm sure he'd prefer. I just can't seem to find what I'm aiming for.

In my punchiness over this, I have come up with these:
Being Outsourced By God
Graced By God
Graced By God The Gardener
Halt You Hoser: Being Graced By God The Gardener
IHNI (I Have No Idea)
INRI (I’m Not Really Interested),
WIMI? (Who Is Most Important?)
I’m Not Sure What I’m Doing
Help! I’m A Youth Minister!!!
Who Said Life Would Be Easy?
The Internal Life of a Minister
The Real Life of a Minister
The Insane Life of a Minister
Why Am I doing This?
Graced and Grouchy
Graced and Grumpy: The Insane Life of a Youth Minister
This is for the birds
It’s My Ministry.
Life-sucking Programs
Life Giving Resources
What does Christ have to do with Ministry?
What in the world are you taking about?
I’m fine, you’re fine
I’m insane
You’re insane
Burnout and You

I have spent the better part of my working day trying to figure it out. That's why these are so bad!! Calgon take me away!!

It's a PROCESS not a PROGRAM!!!

2007-01-16T10:03:00.000-05:00

ARGH!

Youth Ministry is NOT a Sunday Night Event from 7-9pm or LifeTeen Mass at 6, pizza at 7, Lifenight at 7:30, done by 10. It's not even going to their games. It's not just hangin' out after their school hours. It's not planning a fun Friday night social.

I was chatting with some friends, one of whom is going into Youth Ministry. And God love her, she really knows how to relate to the young people and is taking courses in Catechetics. But because youth ministry is so narrow, still, in the United States, people keep talking about Sunday Night Youth Group.

When I was a teen, I did not fit into the group that went to Sunday Night Youth Group (SNYG). I didn't know the kids, I never felt comfortable or reached out too. I was visible in the Church, in that I cantored and was an EM, and I went through Confirmation. People knew I was there, but I never was invited to join and when I did show up on my own it was awful!

Ok, so my experience is several years old. But in some churches not much has changed.

This friend and I were talking about LifeTeen. Now, I love LifeTeen for what it is. I'm annoyed by it for what it isn't.

That is why I always bring up the 8 Components of Youth Ministry. This is THE BEST way that I have found to bring about a comprehensive formative process in which to engage teens in nearly any way just as unique as each kid. But it also goes hand in hand with the "Bosconian" (really, I should say Salesian, I guess) approach to youth ministry. It's about reaching out, it's about laying down your fears, it's about talking to kids that don't know you, it's about being intentional when looking at their lives and finding a place for them in your ministry plans.

I don't even care if a parish does LifeTeen. I will say that their Confirmation and classsroom material is THE BEST I have seen out there. It is user friendly for teachers and is a solid balanced mix of teen culture and Church teaching (most are either too teen friendly and have pablum for Church teaching or are mega-heavy on Church teaching and leave the kids in the dust). But I care little for what program they are "using". I want to know that youth ministers are thinking comprehensively and sacrificially. That they are going outside of their comfort zone to bring kids in. That they are making plans that will invite kids of all shapes, sizes and interests into the life of the Church.

Am I making ANY sense here???

Decaf - Handmotions in Heaven

2007-01-12T21:40:00.001-05:00

I just love it when these two work together.

This was at the Youth Ministers' Conference. Yes, the one that was in Las Vegas. Hello planners???

Anyway, this is hysterical.

Enjoy!!