Youth Ministry in Harmony with God's Creation
Easter is so very early this year. Signs of spring and rebirth, nature’s ever present symbols, are as likely to be covered with snow in the Midwest as visible to the celebration of the Resurrection.
 This issue of NACYML News may greet you enjoying an unseasonably warm day or turning up the thermostat, both signs of the wonder of God’s creation and our ever changing and challenging climate. The environment is on the minds of many these days.
Environmental stewardship is something we are called to as Catholic Christians. It is also a topic that many of us need to spend time exploring and learning. Environmental stewardship is an issue about which young people are passionate and proactive.
This issue will offer insights from colleagues who have accepted the environmental challenge. People who offer ideas on praying with nature, going green in your parish, and are willing to share some of the theology involved in environmental spirituality.
As the Earth begins to show her annual signs of renewal, share in these thoughts and make a connection to youth and the environment. |
Heartfelt Thanks
NACYML gratefully recognizes three members of the Leadership Team who are completing their term of service: Pat Clasby, Chris Weber, and Mary Harrison. Each has made outstanding contributions to both the Leadership Team and NACYML.
- Pat Clasby and Chris Weber not only served on the NACYML Leadership Team but were also members of the NFCYM Task Group that moved NACYML from a concept to a reality.
- Pat Clasby was a member, and chair, of the Marketing Coordinating Committee. It was Pat’s creative genius that produced the initial NACYML promotional video shown at NCCYM in Pittsburgh where an angel (which looked a lot like Bob McCarty) kept whispering in the ear of a youth ministry leader, NACYML. Pat’s determination and enthusiasm has been an inspiration which has spurred NACYML forward.
- Chris Weber served as chair of the Membership Services Coordinating Committee and as secretary. Chris’ wisdom and thoughtful consideration of issues provided a solid foundation for many Leadership Team decisions and actions. Chris also provided comic relief with his witty comments and analogies when meetings became a little tense.
- Mary Harrison was a spiritual leader for the team, keeping us focused on being Spirit led. Mary brought a depth of experience in youth ministry to the team which helped us prioritize our work and develop realistic goals.
A Warm Welcome
NACYML was blessed with nine outstanding candidates for the Leadership Team this past fall. The discernment committee had the arduous task of discerning from the nine, the new members for the Leadership Team. We thank all nine for stepping forward to be considered for the Leadership Team. We warmly welcome to the Leadership Team:
- Dean Diomedes: parish coordinator of youth ministry from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
- Jim Flannagan: parish coordinator of youth ministry from the Archdiocese of Boston
- Joe Perdreauville: parish coordinator of children’s and youth ministries from the Diocese of Tucson
- Maureen Smith: parish pastoral associate for faith formation and youth ministries from the Diocese of Albany
We look forward to new possibilities with new members on the Leadership Team. |
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From the Chair
An Amazing Journey
My tenure as chair and my term of service on the NACYML Leadership Team both end in April with the 2008 annual Leadership Team meeting. Little did I know when I said yes six years ago to chairing the youth ministry leaders task group for the NFCYM that I was embarking on an amazing, Spirit filled journey.
Read Grace's article…
Other Feature Articles…
And God Saw How
Good it Was
The church teaches us that nature plays an important role in our search for God. When we truly connect with nature, we have in some mysterious way found and connected with God. Yet, on the other hand, if we humans reject the presence of God in creation, “nature is stripped of its profound meaning and impoverished.” Devoid of its true meaning nature is then simply something to be exploited for its riches.
Read more…
Meet the Wilderness Program
Teens today are at greater risk than ever before: experimenting with drugs, alcohol, sex, and gangs—just to belong. How do we decrease the demands of society upon them to perform consistent with parental and peer expectations, and help them find themselves in the midst of so many choices that put their lives at risk?
Read more…
Some Practical Ways
to be Greener
‘Conserving’ is not something that our country is accustomed to doing. We are a ‘throw away society.’ We are also a driving society—we love our vehicles. We love the independence of driving where we need to go....Despite our personal habits and comforts, we are all called to be good stewards of the Earth.
Find out by reading further...
Changing Habits, Changing Lives
Two weeks. In that amount of time lives can be changed—sometimes forever. Just ask Brenda Koinis, Kathryn Runman-Zimney, and Devin Klaserner.
Koinis is one of the founders of The H2O Project, an organization dedicated to educating people about the lack of clean drinking water around the world. It also serves to help raise funds for groups who are working to provide clean water.
Read more…
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With Deep Appreciation
Grace Cassetta: Founding NACYML Chair
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” (Voltaire)
The concept of the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders began long before its approval by NFCYM in January of 2004 or the official public launch at NCCYM in Pittsburgh that same year.
Beginning with a conversation at the NFCYM membership meeting in San Diego in January 2002, and following through until today, Grace Cassetta has been at the heart of establishing and building NACYML. As the founding chairperson, Grace has, through her commitment to collaboration and shared leadership, her conviction in the work and mission of NACYML, and her deep faith and love of church allowed all of us to share in her excellence.
Grace leaves the Leadership Team this March, but is quick to say that now she can be an active part of this member driven organization. She will continue to lead all of us in the growing and nurturing of this organization.
The gifts that Grace shares so willingly have been invaluable and much appreciated. Thank you, Grace, for all you are, and the many ways you have built and lived the vision and mission of NACYML. |
Visit the Members' Only Section of the NACYML Website
for More News and Special Offers
Institute for Adolescent Catechesis
 Sponsored by the Center for Ministry Development, the August 11-15, 2008 Institute is designed for parish youth ministers, directors of religious education, diocesan leaders, and anyone working with young people. Participants will be equipped to communicate a vision for adolescent catechesis and will be prepared to plan and implement dynamic catechesis for you. Download the informational brochure.  (917 KB)
Respecto—Training for Youth Ministry
This bilingual program of the Mexican American Cultural Center in San Antonio offers creative resources to foster spiritual growth and skills for Latino youth to take an active leadership role in the life and mission of the church. The weekend training session is intended for adult youth ministers to learn the program and offer it in their parishes. Upcoming training dates are: May 1-4, June 5-8, July 10-13, and July 24-27, 2008. A limited number of scholarships are available. Download the brochure and registration information, or the bilingual information flyer. (560 KB)
Faithful Citizenship: A New Website from USCCB
 The new Faithful Citizenship website is now up and running. It includes a wide range of resources for prayer and worship, educational programs, family discussions, youth and young adults, parish social concerns and pro-life committees, diocesan planning and events, and many other groups and ministries. See the website for more information, or download the informational flyer. (190 KB)
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