Highlights

Introducing a new feature...

YourTurn logo

Beginning with this issue of NACYML News, we will offer an opportunity to share your thoughts, opinions, and ideas in response to a select number of articles. YourTurn will provide a link from the article to a discussion in the NACYML forums where you can contribute to a conversation on the content and issues in each article. In addition, the authors of the YourTurn articles will log on and participate in the discussion from time-to-time. Be sure to take "your turn" in the conversation!

     
From the Board Chair

Social Mission Reflections
from the Chair

I am often surprised when through an experience, whether planned or stumbled upon, God sneaks in and leads me to a more profound understanding of what it means to live the mission of Christ. Two such experiences come to mind as I reflect on the theme of this newsletter.

Solidarity

School children in RwandaThree years ago, I had the privilege of being selected for "Called to Witness," a program sponsored by Catholic Relief Services in collaboration with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. "Called to Witness" hosts a group of youth ministry leaders to visit a developing country in order to promote a deeper understanding of solidarity and experience first hand the work of CRS.

CRS: Catholic Relief Services (logo)I had participated in several mission trips to Mexico and believed I had a solid understanding of solidarity. The mission trips provided opportunities of encountering the struggles of and building relationships with local families, and doing something to better their situation. I considered solidarity to be both embracing a people and working to change the oppressive structure within which they lived, both doing and being.

"Called to Witness" helped me see how limited my understanding was.

Continue reading this article…

 
Welcome New Leadership Team Members

We are pleased to welcome new members:

  • Terry Aiken, Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Alex Barraza, New Ulm, Minnesota
  • Barb Legere, Rochester, New York

We look forward to working with you!

Thank you to those who offered their names as candidates. We were graced by the number of talented and qualified people who put their names forward for selection. You embody the spirit of this association. Thank you.

We are also grateful to our “Outgoing” Leadership Team Members:

  • Ann Marie Eckert
  • Rey Malave
  • Patrick Spedale

Your generous gift of time helped launch NACYML. We deeply appreciate the wisdom and energy you gave to NACYML.

Finally, a huge THANK YOU to the members who said, “Yes!” to being on the selection committee:

  • Dean Diomedes, Los Angeles
  • Barb Garvin, Atlanta
  • Christy Gruenbaum, Kansas City-St. Joseph

Your time and discernment are a gift to us. Many thanks.

Now, let’s get back to work!

   
 
The Year of the
Eucharist

In this fourth and final of a series, Deacon Bob Killoren focuses on "Peace, Justice and the Eucharist."

Surviving Rita: A New Perspective on Disaster Relief: Tammy Mansveld from Port Neches, Texas, talks about shifting from responding to disasters to being on the receiving end of disaster relief.

     

YourTurn word logo The following articles in this issue include a "YourTurn" link to a special discussion forum on the article with an opportunity for conversation with the author:

Justice Education: From Immersion to Action: Ben Weisse from the Diocese of Madison shares how his immersion experiences with CRS have changed how he offers educational experiences.

A Look at Workcamp Experiences: Visit Baltimore City with Robert Jacobs.

     

NACYML Members To Gather at NCCYM;
Receive Discount on NCCYM Registration

NACYML Biennial Membership Meeting and In-Service
Thursday, November 30, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

As a member-driven organization it is important for members to gather on a regular basis. The biennial NACYML membership meeting has a three-fold purpose:

  • To set the direction for, and engage in, the work of the organization in light of its mission to “promote the profession and practice of youth ministry.”
  • To provide an opportunity for members to network with one another.
  • To provide in-service training on either the profession or practice of youth ministry.

This will be both a working meeting and a time for growth in the profession of youth ministry.

Attend the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) and receive $20 off the regular conference registration. NCCYM (sponsored by the NFCYM)—November 30-December 3, 2006 in Las Vegas.

Do you know someone who is thinking about joining NACYML? Those wishing to join NACYML can do so during the registration process and still receive the discount! Just check the box on the NCCYM registration form…it's that easy.


     
Other Feature Articles in this Issue...

Service Learning and Young Adolescents: Jenn Ledonne visits experiential learning in the service arena with young adolescents.

Share Your Bread: The state of Delaware takes "AYM" with their professional association.

Teens Speak Out on Justice Issues: Sean McDonald from the Archdiocese of Newark shows us what we can learn when we listen to the thoughts and ideas of young people.

JusticeWalking: A Prophet-Raising Ministry: Joe Grant offers insights into how we approach the formation and development of prophets.

Responding to Poverty: Neal Deles of Catholic Relief Services share how to access education resources that educate for justice. And they are all FREE!

     
A Picture Is Worth...

Articles in this newsletter correspond to the Core Competencies detailed in the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers.

Look for the symbol in the article that indicates which core competency the article addresses.

To learn more about the standards, see the resource page which is always accessible from the newsletter navigation bar. It provides a summary of the core competencies and the specialized competencies for youth ministry leaders.

Symbols of the Core Competencies in the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers

     
A Special Offer

Center for Youth Ministry Development LogoYOUTH MINISTRY ACCESS:
One Free Month

The Center for Ministry Development is currently offering a 13-month subscription to Youth Ministry Access for the cost of a 12-month subscription. To look at the site, visit the Center for Ministry Development website.

     

Email NACYML News at nacyml@nfcymoffice.org

NACYML is a service of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry

NFCYM
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Washington, DC 20017

ph: 202-636-3825
fx: 202-526-7544

This Issue:

Promoting the Profession

Year of the Eucharist

Sharing Your Bread

Sharing the Practices

Calendar of Events

National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers