NACYML NEWS Summer 2006: Contents

Highlights

Introducing a new feature... YourTurn is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, opinions, and ideas in response to a select number of articles. YourTurn provides 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 Leadership Team Career Mapping I began my work in ministry as a research assistant in a medical school. This is what happens when I take things into my own hands. My parents were happy. I was using my degree. I was happy, also, because I was volunteering at a parish, trying to nurture the beginnings of a youth ministry. One experience was life giving. The other involved lab rats. I put my resume on file with the archdiocesan personnel office, and went back to the lab. I decided to stay in the Chicago area, where I had grown up, and continue as a volunteer until the right job presented itself. A call from Shawnee, Kansas had me traveling there for the interview experience. When I returned to Chicago, it was to pack for the move. I decided that this time, I would put things into more competent hands. The Holy Spirit was definitely involved in this career change. Continue reading this article…		Other Feature Articles in this Issue... Kicking it Up a Notch: Jenn Ledonne provides the perfect ingredients for taking on the role of mentor. Share Your Bread:The Office of Youth Ministry in Arlington Offers their Insight for Supporting Youth Ministers. Youth Ministers in the Minority: Sean McDonald shares the perspective of the male youth ministry leader. So You Want to be a Diocesan Director: Michael Hall provides some tips and insights on mapping your way to this position.

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: The Top Ten List for Youth Ministry: Don’t let your ministry get away from you. Rich Rasmussen offers thoughts on ministry “Must-Have’s”. Make sure you take time to add your own thoughts online. The Volunteer Youth Ministry Leader: Dee Hawthorne shares thoughts on the volunteer leader. Professional does not necessarily equate with “paid.”

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. NACYML member Michael Norman, associate director for the Office of Religious Education in Los Angeles will be our feature speaker. and Download the Membership Meeting Flyer (658 KB) to learn more. 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.

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.

A Special Offer YOUTH 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.