As many of us know, the National Federation for Catholic Youth has as its mission “to serve those who serve the young Catholic Church.” Therefore, it should not be surprising that the NFCYM can serve as a prime resource for those in the youth ministry field.

Resources from the NFCYM come from three distinct categories:

• Membership Services
• Publications/Resources
• Advocacy/Research

A number of the Membership Services are directly aimed at the organization’s diocesan leaders, and collaborating partner memberships. Presently there are two training programs (the New Diocesan Directors’ Institute and Second Wind) as well as an annual membership meeting.

Conferences

Nonetheless, many NACYML members are, or should be, familiar with other Membership Services, including the national conferences that the NFCYM sponsors: namely the National Catholic Youth Conference, October 27-30, 2005 in Atlanta, Georgia, and the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry November 30- December 3, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Publications

There is a wide range of publications also available through the NFCYM. These include fundamental materials, such as Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Youth Ministry. Additionally, the NFCYM publishes an annual Youth Ministry Resource Manual, which includes resources related to the annual celebration of World Youth Day. Other recent publications from the NFCYM include Analysis of the Population of Catholic Teenagers and Their Parents (the Catholic Data from the National Study of Youth and Religions [NSYR]) and Growing in Competency: A Self-Assessment Tool for Youth Ministry Leaders. Further, the NFCYM is the source for Catholic religious recognition materials and medals for both Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Boys and Girls.

Advocacy

Finally, the NFCYM serves as an advocate for Catholic youth ministry and young people. The NFCYM has been addressing the issues of competency, and certification of Catholic youth ministry professions. Further, for the last five years, the NFCYM has supported collaboration with the Archdiocese of Military Services in serving the unique needs of American young people stationed with their parents serving in military settings throughout the world.

Finally, perhaps one of the most readily available resources of the NFCYM is its website. This site, www.nfcym.org, is rich with information related to professional development, academic programs, assessment tools, and various other resources for ministry. This summer it will be relaunched with more convenient navigation and new resources to support comprehensive youth ministry.