Thursday May 31

WHAT THE HECK IS FAIR USE??

I saw this on Marko’s blog and then I received two e-mails calling my attention to it – - – Here is info on copyright and fair use, all told to us from the wonderful world of Disney (who is especially protective of their "property" regarding this!)  [culture]

Wednesday May 30

SR. JUDE RUGGERI IS
"INSIDE THE YOUTH MINISTERS STUDIO" 
<<Enter the studio here.>>  You know, you run into folks for years but never really think about their situation.  I always thought of Sr. Jude being in West Palm Beach in a very ritzy, posh diocese.  It wasn’t until this interview that it occurred to me that Palm Beach has her own set of improvised and poor as well. Sr. Jude surprised me more than once in our time inside the (virtual) studio.  But, she’ll surprise you as well. [studio]
SHAKESPEARE IN THE WOODS
Each summer, the DC Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC does a free production in Rock Creek Park. Last night, was the comedy of Love’s Labor’s Lost.  It was a story of a teacher and three students who had committed to forsaking worldly pleasures to focus upon their studies just as some very attractive worldly pleasures come riding into town. Classic Shakespearean confusion ensures with mis-delivered love letters, masked and confused identities, and, of course, iambic pentameter. (Second posting in four days to use "iambic pentameter!") The story was retold last night from the perspective of a sixties-like band of wannabe-Beatles and their Mahrishi guru.  Any fan of creative word-play cannot enjoy the Bard.  Yet, last night’s tale finished with the Elizabethan equivalent of a Brady Bunch adventure in Hawaii concluding with the death of Sam the Butcher.  It was a odd but intriguing night in the woods. [culture]

Tuesday May 29

CONFIRMATION, A SACRAMENT FOR ADULTS
A report on the adult confirmations occurring in Portland, OR. They think they are just filling a requirement but it ends up being a transformation for them. They end up saying, ‘my faith has come alive.’ The Holy Spirit comes upon all of you empowering you yourselves not only to be good and faithful disciples but also providing you with the encouragement and strength you will need in order to bring others to the Lord, your children, your spouses, your families, your friends and your neighbors.  Read more here.  [confirmation]

Monday May 28

HAPPY NEW YEAR SUMMER / (EXTRA)ORDINARY TIME
When I talk of the Inside the Youth Ministers’ Studio podcasts, I often describe it as a New Year’s resolution gone good.  Had I know that I could make successful ones, I’d make more resolutions more often!!!  Therefore, at the start of Ordinary Time and the beginning of summer, I sat myself down and gave me a good talking to…  Please pray from me and a sense of discipline throughout this summer. [blogging]
MEMORIAL DAY
( A repeat post:) "Saving Private Ryan" concludes with the now senior Ryan looking back upon his life.  He seeks assurances from his wife and family, "Tell me I have led a good life…Tell me I’m a good man." Memorial Day reminds us of the fragility of our life, the challenges of peace, and the sacrifices necessary  for democracy and human rights.  It is a day of remembrance. Read the whole article here.
[blogging]

Sunday May 27

HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW or
  THE SPIRIT MOVES IN STRANGE WAYS
There are two things you never want to see made- – -   laws and sausage. Now we can add – - catechetical insights.   This is my story of happy coincidences.  Is it all as true as I might see it?  I’m unsure.
  Last November, we are re-opening the Basilica with a Youth Illumination mass and event.  Kristin Witte is drafting the prayers of the faithful.  As we are re-opening our spiritual home, she would like the faithful to pray for the homeless, but she doesn’t like the “rhythm” or the (her words) iambic pentameter of what she has written. I suggest that we pray for those who are “physically or spiritually homeless.”  It solves the rhythm issue, but, she asked “What does it mean???”  I dunno, but it’s done!
   Text gets approved upstairs.  In fact, the note described the petitions as well crafted and beautiful. Son Clark serves as the petition reader and Kristin and I sort of smirked at one another that many had prayed for the amorphous spiritually homeless.
   Fast forward about four weeks, and I am in Las Vegas for the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry.  I am to appear on a panel on adolescent catechesis with Bishop Malone from Portland, ME so I go to see his mega-workshop beforehand.  He comments that today’s young people need to have a better sense of Catholic identity.
   In my presentation, I share statistics as well as advocating the addition of home to the head, heart, hands nature of our work.  When talking catholic identity, I describe many young people as “spiritually homeless”.  It was an unplanned, off-the-cuff remark.  But, I did see Bishop Malone scratching notes and knew I’d have to share this story with Kristin.  Later, on the panel, Bishop Malone actually repeated my comment utilizing the same phrase.
   Last week, I was reading Bishop Malone’s keynote to the NCCL which appears in the May 17 edition of Origins (wait for it, here it comes) when I read the following quote.  I am emphasizing the teaching of the faith because we are dealing with legions of baptized Catholics who have religiously “homeless minds,” minds that could and should be at home in the truth revealed in Jesus Christ and his church-the truth that sets us free.
  Anyway, happy birthday, Church.  It is truly grace that you have survived so long. [church]

Saturday May 26

COMMUNITY: THE DIFFERENCE
Scrubs was a rerun last Thursday night, but it was one of my favorite shows – the My Musical episode.  (A patient comes into Sacred Heart after a head injury and hears everything as if it was in song.)  This is the last song before surgery, but it is also the nature of true community.  This, for me, is the healing nature of community and church. [culture]
THE DREAM LIFE OF OTHERS
A report has come in that the late night combination of Watermelon and Cheerios leads to dreams of a buddy film-like adventure co-starring me.  For the love of God and all that is holy, please do not try this at home. [family & friends]

Friday May 25

COMMUNITY, RELATIONSHIPS, AND CHURCH
Part Three of Christianity Today’s Land of Ur series on youth ministry is now up:  Good youth ministry is community and relationships. It’s creating this community where relationships can evolve. In essence, all good ministry should do that. People want to connect, they no longer want to just watch. 
  Meanwhile, here is a critique of the whole series:  Church leaders are guilty of creating a church for a world that no longer exists except within the minds of a few church people. Youth Ministry can’t survive like that.   Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of people who have served in youth ministry who have gone on to create great change in the church and there have certainly been people who attended youth group as a teen and now are looking for a church that is like their youth group… but I’m not sure that equals "Youth ministry changing the church".   [youth ministry]

Thursday May 24

THINKING ABOUT COMMUNITY
  Yesterday was “community” day.   I re-read Cardinal Avery Dulles “Six Models of Evangelization” presentation that he gave at he Evangelical Catholic Institute (re-printed in Origins.)  It, of course, included community, along with personal witness, presentation of the word, worship, incluturation, and works of charity.  It was fascinating to make connections between this and the paradigm proposed in Chasing Francis of needs to be addressed in rebuilding the church:  Meaning (found in witness and word), transcendence (in worship), community (community, duh!), beauty (which involved finding the sacred in the culture), and dignity (which leads to caritas.)
I spent the day driving my mother around the old suburban neighborhood yesterday.  We visited my fathers’ gravesite.  It is a testament to the wacky community my parents built, that 21 years after his passing, someone had placed an Irish flag at his gravesite.  (Not that my father is Irish, but someone was thinking of him)
   As I drove home alone from the visit, the cell-phone was active with my own community calling and checking up for updates and stories to be shared.
  And then, there is Lost.  There was a high body-count last night (almost as bad as “24.”)  All heroic acts were conducted with the clear motivation of being done on behalf of the community.  All dastardly acts were done under a sense of self-preservation or of having been duped by charismatic leadership.  The resurrected Locke character clearly perceives the island as part of the community, not necessarily a theory either shared or imbued into the imaginations of the other inhabitants of the island.  And Jack… In the flash-forward, Jack was the hero who saved the family from the burning wreckage. However, he was the one who caused the accident. The "rescue" will be this summer’s thinking man’s cliff-hanger…  Is Jack selflessly heroic on behalf of others…  or do his choices victimize others? [culture]

SPEAKING OF COMMUNITY
Mike is home and recovering from surgery.  All reports seem positive.  [family & friends]

Wednesday May 23

LEROY ORIE IS
"INSIDE THE YOUTH MINISTERS STUDIO" 
<<Enter the studio here.>>  Leroy is one you of those guys that you will always run into at a national conference and you’ll say to yourself, I’m proud to know that Leroy is in the same field of ministry as myself.  I feel better knowing that!  Visit with in the studio today!  [studio]

Tuesday May 22

CONFIRMATION VIDEO IS NOW UP
Windows Media files have now been placed up here at this site and will soon be posted at the ArchBalt site. Enjoy!  [confirmation]
PRAYERS FOR MIKE TODAY
Mike is having surgery today.  Keep him and his family in your prayers.  [family & friends]
PRAYERS FOR CLARK THIS SUMMER
Son Clark left on Monday for his second summer in Colorado for the Totus Tuus.  Keep him and his team in your thoughts and prayers as well.  [family & friends]
YOUTH MINISTRY = INNOVATION
Over in Christianity Today’s Land of Ur blog, they are running a series of articles by Angie Ward on the emergence of youth ministry and its impact on the church. The first generation of youth ministers, she points out, grew up to lead the seeker-driven movement that has dominated evangelicalism for 30 years. And now we are seeing the second generation of youth pastors bringing their own new ideas to the church. Although the seeker church movement and emerging church movement appear quite divergent, their common roots in youth ministry mean they share a common value—innovation. Read Part One and Part Two. [youth ministry]

Monday May 21

IT’S WHAT WE DO
Religion may help teens find a sense of purpose, stay focused on schoolwork, avoid drugs, drive responsibly, and so on. These are good and important things and they are all part of the "religious package," but they are not the point. They are like the paper bag you get for free if you buy the groceries.
   Christian faith takes root and begins to matter to teens when they discover the difference the details make. In the Christian story, we discover a fiercely loyal God who creates, loves, lives, dies, lives again, and calls teens into the passionate grace of the baptized life. That is something teens can get excited about and sink their teeth into, but these details are available only in the Christian story as told in the Bible and creeds. Seeing these details alive in the lives of other baptized people ignites youthful passion in teens more than any youth event or personal sense of purpose ever could. Living these details of the gospel is not supposed to be easy, or necessarily safe, but it’s what Christians do.  Read more here. [youth ministry]
A NOTE TO MARKO
Sent to Marko over the weekend… "So, yesterday, I did what I was mentally referring to as a “Marko” thing. 
  Literally, I have had this stack of books to read and have yet to put any dent into it at all.   Top of the stack was one I had purchased, Chasing Francis, based on your recommendation. On Thursday, I had an 11am-1pm meeting out of town followed by a 7:30pm awards thingee that was only 20 minutes away. . .6½ hours to drive 20 minutes and put on a suit . . .
  So I found a babbling brook in a state park (not far from Camp David) and quietly read about Chase Falson’s crisis of faith.  I got up to move every 40 minutes or so, just to continue to be able to sit in sunbeams as they shifted through the cover of the forest trees. The book was challenging and thoughtful.  The peaceful setting was so very much needed.
  After my experience Thursday, I know that I will pack at least two books from the stack (in case one book quickly shows itself as sucking) and find at least one day a week throughout the rest of this summer to read and chase sunbeams.   It’s become a “Scott” thing. All this is to say  . . . Thanks, Marko, for being a model for youth ministry types in seeking quiet as well as reading to enhance their own professionalism." [blogging]

Saturday May 19
CONFIRMATION WEEK FORTNIGHT STOPS
And now, we resume our normal programming. (sorta!)Confirmation will be a category of the blog but not its daily obsession.  I really attempting to refocus on life right now, so I just spend a full day resuming reading, and I’m taking some photo advice from the Ironic Catholic and getting an early start at taking the weekend off from the internet…  Will be back Monday. [blogging]
SPIRIT: MEMORIAL DAY
"Saving Private Ryan" concludes with the now senior Ryan looking back upon his life.  He seeks assurances from his wife and family, "Tell me I have led a good life…Tell me I’m a good man."
   Memorial Day offers us an opportunity that is more than summer first trip "downy ocean, hon" or the opening of the pool season.  Memorial Day is more than an occasion to picnic.
   Memorial Day reminds us of the fragility of our life, the challenges of peace, and the sacrifices necessary  for democracy and human rights.  It is a day of remembrance. The full article and others are available in the bi-weekly newsletter to which you can subscribe from this page.  [blogging]

Friday May 18

THE CONFIRMATION RESOURCES WEB PAGE
Two weeks of blogging . . .  The resources of the ArchBalt Bishops’ Summit on Confirmation web page have been added in as well. . .  It has been a worthy ride.  Hoping to get some video up next week and then I might send out a broadcast e-mail sharing the love. Meanwhile, let’s gather up all of it in one place.  [confirmation]
WHAT DID WE SAY ABOUT CONFIRMATION? 
    D. SCOTT MILLER AT THE SUMMIT
   Please eliminate the word mandatory. It is a graduation word; not a word of commencement or starting. Our programs should not be about demanding that the confirmandi fit. Our confirmandi should not be evaluating their own “successfulness” or completion based upon the perceived needs of the parish staff.
   Use of the word mandatory suggests a definition of the overall climate/spirit of the parish community. Does subjecting an experience as mandatory imply desire for participation of need for compliance?
   The “youth group” model of youth ministry has been severely questioned as it suggests that one size fit all. Is it not time that we begin to plan multiple options and flexibility in our Confirmation programming? Might this not be more indicative that our parish’s program is actually evangelizing the confirmandi, and their families, and their sponsors?  [confirmation]
MORE CONFIRMATION GOODIES
   AmericanCatholic.org has their own web-page of resources which includes the following articles:
> Sacraments of Initiation: Sacraments of Invitation by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.
> Confirmation: A Deepening of Our Christian Identity by Carol Luebering
> What difference does Confirmation make? by Joseph Martos
> Confirmation: Seven Symbols in One Sacrament by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.
> Confirmation: Sacrament of the Spirit by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.
as well as these Update Your Faith articles:
> What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Confirmation?
> Who can be a Confirmation sponsor and what is expected?
> Why don’t we speak in tongues after being confirmed? [confirmation]

Thursday May 17

THE CATHOLIC REVIEW REPORTS ON
THE BISHOPS’ SUMMIT ON THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
More than 200 religious education directors, catechists and priests filled the meeting room at St. John the Evangelist, Columbia, May 9 for an all-day Bishop’s Summit on Confirmation, sponsored by the Division of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
   “This is an opportunity to encourage and increase enthusiasm for confirmation,” said D. Scott Miller, coordinator of adolescent faith formation for the Division of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. “We want to build up the sacrament of confirmation.”  Read the whole article here. [confirmation]
WHAT DID WE SAY ABOUT CONFIRMATION? 
    MAE RICHARDSON AT THE SUMMIT
What is the role of the parents and sponsors? How do we get them more involved in the confirmation process?
   Ms. Richardson said parents are the primary catechists – they are the ones from whom young people  learn their faith and they are the domestic church. She encouraged the audience to find a way to empower parents to talk to youths about their religious and sacramental experiences and become involved in the process of confirmation.
   A sponsor’s role is to “be a companion on the journey, someone who will walk with them.” A sponsor should be a model of lived faith, a guide and listener, dedicated to the confirmandi’s personal and spiritual growth and will serve on behalf of the church, they said.  [confirmation]

Wednesday May 16

MIKE CAROTTA IS
"INSIDE THE YOUTH MINISTERS STUDIO" 
<<Enter the studio here.>>  When Mike Carotta was asked to forecast ten years into the future of Catholic Youth Ministry, he added that he hopes that “We have unchained confirmation. I really think that we have chained it to the desk, to the chair.  It serves a function.  It is highly informative.  And (yet) I keep wondering, after everything that we have learned about good faith formation with young people… Can we revisit Confirmation and begin to ask how can we enhance that experience so that it is more transformative in the lives of kids?"  [studio]
WHAT DID WE SAY ABOUT CONFIRMATION? 
    SHARON BOGUSZ AT THE SUMMIT
By the sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with special strength of the Holy Spirit…they are as true witnesses of Christ and more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
   “More perfectly bound” and “more strictly obliged” indicate an increase or a deepening of the believers witness to Christ, and sharing of the good news in word and deed.
   This “more” that we are cultivating a spirit of new beginnings – a spirit of commencement; it is an outward signs of an inner change of heart.  We know this inner change of heart by another name: ongoing conversion.  Every new conversion moment begins in us a new way of being disciples. Our work of cultivation is an “apprenticeship” in Christian discipleship.   [confirmation]
JERRY FALWELL
May Rev. Falwell rest in peace.  It is interesting to note how he is being remembered. BeliefNet noted that "Jerry Falwell helped heal more people and save more families than anyone in the media has ever reported. He was, after all, the pastor of a church and as such he pastored his flock faithfully. But he also helped define Jesus for much of America today, and his definition does not do justice to the Jesus of the gospels. When people hear the word ‘Christian,’ too often they think not of Jesus and his teachings but of Jerry Falwell and his politics." This position was (unintentionally) echoed by the Catholic League as well.  [culture]

Tuesday May 15

WHAT DID WE SAY ABOUT CONFIRMATION? 
    BISHOP ROZANSKI AT THE SUMMIT
We have so many mixed signals about this sacrament.   I have heard it called the “Pluto” of the Seven Sacraments.  Last summer, Pluto was reclassified and “downgraded” from its planet status.  The rational was that Pluto is part of an asteroid belt, is smaller than our own moon and crosses Neptune’s orbit so it should be disqualified as a planet. Confirmation seems to be in that same state of flux.  Are we confused by Confirmation’s orbital relationship with the six other Sacraments?    Is it the “mini-me” of Baptism or analogous to the Bar or bat mitzvah in Judaism?  Does the placement of Confirmation in the adolescent years confuse this sacrament with Graduation?   I think that it is very appropriate that we are here in such great numbers as parish ministers and Christian educators to reflect on our experiences with Confirmation and share our insights for direction of allowing the fullness of grace to come forward in our young people for this sacrament. [confirmation]
RESOURCES A’COMIN’
Uploaded everything to the web yesterday but somehow errored out on actually setting up the Confirmation webpage.  Will try again today. [work day]

Monday May 14

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION? 
    THE THEOLOGY
  Confirmation is a sacrament in search of a theology. It is, says Augustine, “a visible sign of invisible grace.”  Four signs of a sacrament that could be highlighted in the confirmation liturgy: 1) sign of faith, 2) sign of worship, 3) sign of unity of the church, and 4) sign of Christ’s presence. Read more here. [confirmation]
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT BALTIMORE?
  I have avoided comment thus far… but this has been in the Baltimore Sun for a week. "Cardinal William H. Keeler submitted his resignation letter to the Vatican more than a year ago allowing Pope Benedict XVI to pick a new archbishop for Baltimore. Speculation among Vatican observers suggests that a decision could come sooner rather than later."  Read about the rumors here and Cardinal Keeler’s comments here. A podcast of the interview can be found here.  Meanwhile, comments from that article included "It’s the best-run, best-managed diocese in the United States," said Rocco Palmo of the Vatican-oriented blog Whispers in the Loggia. "To leave a place in such excellent condition to your successors is a real gift."     [work day]
GOD IS NOW HERE
  This week’s Newsweek has an article article, analysis, and a book excerpt on the Pope’s new book which is out tomorrow. Here’s a quote from the article: Benedict goes to lengths to show that when Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is at hand," he didn’t mean the apocalypse. What he meant, the pope writes, is that "God is acting now—this is the hour when God is showing himself in history as its Lord."  [pope]

Sunday May 13

CONFIRMATION WEEK CONTINUES AT THE CATHOLIC YM BLOG
  Still got more stuff.  Will keep posting until I run out. [confirmation]
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION? 
   THE INCIDENT
After reading the whole article along with the companion statement from the diocese, it seems as if the Bishop was a little set-up as the bad guy here.  There did seem to be even the barest minimum of collaboration between the pastor with the candidate and the bishop.  The pastor’s post-event comments seem to indicate his own motivations, as well.  Clearly, an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided.  [confirmation]
A MOTHER’S PRIDE
Last Wednesday, I spoke at the summit.  It was the last presentation so I presented after leading a limbo dance and singing "DAY- O." I dressed in a loose Hawaiian shirt and jeans rolled up to below my knees and was in my bare feet.  I commented that my mother would be so proud that I was presenting to over 200 catechetical leaders and three bishops and was in my bare feet.  Told the story to Mom the other day.  She confirmed her pride.  [family & friends]

Saturday May 12

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION?
  WISDOM, AGE, AND GRACE
Bishop David Ricken from Cheyenne contributes: When Jesus was 12 years old, he, his mother, Mary, and foster father, Joseph, had gone up to Jerusalem, as was the “festive custom” of the Jews during the High Holy Days. On their return trip to Nazareth, Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was not with them or their relatives so they went back to Jerusalem only to find him in the temple listening to the teachers and asking them questions. The teachers were astonished by his wisdom. Jesus then returned to Nazareth with his parents and as the scripture says, “He advanced in wisdom, age and grace.” May our young people who are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation grow in wisdom, age and grace as did Jesus. Read more here. [confirmation]
HUGGING THE POPE
Remember yesterday’ s comments about the papal group hug?  It got repeated by younger kids today.  Must be a Brazilian thing….    [pope]
PASSED
Kristin Witte does pastoral care for our offices (YM, RE, and schools)  She is the "angel of death" who gets the call to help younggins experience grief without adults inflicting their own issues and needs upon them.  Monday, she got "the call."  From a hospital, a crying mother had called her son’s school to indicate that he had passed. The school called Kristin and she immediately forwarded  resources, cleared her scheduled, and loaded up the "Pastoral Cross" and memorial quilts.  The school’s faculty held an afternoon prayer service and strategized for the next day.  Later, that evening the mother called to clarify that her child had only "passed out" and would be returning to school the next day. It all brings to mind a quote of Miracle Max: Whoo-hoo-hoo, look who knows so much. It just so happens that your friend here is only MOSTLY dead. There’s a big difference between mostly dead and all dead. Mostly dead is slightly alive. With all dead, well, with all dead there’s usually only one thing you can do. (What’s that?) Go through his clothes and look for loose change. [funny stuff]

Friday May 11
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION? 
  A LITTLE HISTORY
In the 2nd to the 4th centuries, those desiring to be Christians entered into the catechumenate (which culminated in the solemn initiation ceremony of the Easter vigil. The initiation rites had this basic structure: baptism; post-baptismal anointing; prayer and imposition of the hands; and anointing the forehead for the gift of the Spirit, i.e., Confirmation. This is the origin of the rite of chrismation which today constitutes the essential rite of confirmation. Read more here. [confirmation]
BENEDICT IN BRAZIL WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
Here’s some notes as I "live-blogged" the EWTN broadcast: (full English text is here. News report here.)  There were young people who shared their faith witness with the Pope and then finished up with a papal group hug. This was followed by a “history of Brazil” dance number that would have likely drove many crazy if it happened at an American youth event, but must have been OK because the Pope was present. . .. The dancers sent representative to the Pope bearing gifts… Ahhhh, no group hug…  The Gospels are about to be read, the song leader is enthusiastic but likely not mic-ed well because he sounds off… The deacon sang the Gospel, he was mic-ed well and it was beautiful…  The Gospel is the story of the Rich young man who asked Jesus how to gain eternal life…  Deacon just got a round of applause!…  Pope says he has a special joy during these encounters with young people (and you can see it) …  quoted JPI: "Youth are the first protagonists of the third millennium"  Pope goes green and talks Amazon basin… "What good deed must I do to attain eternal life?"…  This is a task of (not the future) but for the here and now…  The young man sees that "Jesus is god and will not deceive."  See God in all things and everything that happens…  If we could only see the good, we would never stop to praise and worship God… Live life with enthusiasm and joy but also a sense of responsibility…  Be young men and women who are free and responsible (theme developing???)  True love is concerned with the happiness of the other…  Youth, itself, is a singular treasure.  The Pope invited young people to fill the gap left by the absence of the rich young man . . . Christ is calling you to be saints. . .  Pope’s reflections were interrupted by applause over twenty times.  Next came an anthem-like religious song and then fireworks. Pope greets the singers- again, dang it, no group hug.  Petitions followed with a very upbeat sung response…  Raymond Arroyo has now stepped in and discontinued the broadcast….? Now, we have a profile and interview with the Pope’s brother…?  Odd choice.   [pope]

Thursday May 10

UPDATE FROM THE SUMMIT
  Wow, the day went wonderfully. The Bishops seemed genuinely please with the program. The prayers were great.  The discussion was fully engaged. There was a compliment offered from a college professor for the four different presentations- they were in informative, charming, and each utilized a different style of presentation. Now- the post event editing. . . the goal is to get everything up and on-line by next week.   [work day]
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION?  CHRIST’S INITIATIVE
  Bishop Robert C. Morlino from Madison contributes: Confirmation is not a sacrament of Christian or Catholic adulthood. It is not the occasion when high school students who don’t like authority should be asked: you were baptized as a baby – now you can confirm your baptism or not. Some young women or men have the idea that it is focused on the freedom to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to authority. You can guess what they are tempted to say. We want to steer away from that. We need to understand – and teach – whose initiative it is to call us into confirmation: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If God called me into salvation in Christ, then it is God’s will that I be confirmed.  Read more here. [confirmation]
WHAT ARE YOU SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION?
  Here is where we can make the internet interactive.  I need your help. Together, can we develop a repository of diocesan confirmation guidelines, statements by bishops regarding the Sacrament, and/or pertinent articles.  If you’ve got something, please along the hyperlink by e-mailing me.  Thanks!  Here’s the latest listing of diocesan guidelines that we have. . .  [confirmation]

Baltimore
Beaumont
Camden
Crookston
Fort Worth

Honolulu
Newark
Phoenix
Rochester
Saint Cloud

San Diego
San Jose
Shreveport
Tyler
Winona

Wednesday May 9

SARAH HART IS "INSIDE THE YOUTH MINISTERS STUDIO" 
<<Enter the studio here.>>  In the midst of "Confirmation Week," the weekly schedule of Inside the Youth Ministers’ Studio goes on.  This week, it a pleasure of hear from one of God’s ultimate "Chosen Chicks," Sarah Hart.  Sarah is a person of warmth and joy on the stage, in person, and, as you will discover… in a podcast. [studio]
THIS IS THE DAY
  It’s summit day!  Offer a prayer that all is good.  Thanks!  More and more resources coming soon on this site: power-points, .mp3’s, and possibly YouTubes are forthcoming, meanwhile. . .  [confirmation]
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION?
   THE QUIZ
  True or false. Since Confirmation gives the Holy Spirit to strengthen the believer in his witness to the world, the denial of one’s faith requires a re-Confirmation to restore the Spirit of Witness. Take the quiz here.   [confirmation]
WHAT ARE YOU SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION?
  Here is where we can make the internet interactive.  I need your help. Together, can we develop a repository of diocesan confirmation guidelines, statements by bishops regarding the Sacrament, and/or pertinent articles.  If you’ve got something, please along the hyperlink by e-mailing me.  Thanks!  Here’s the latest listing of diocesan guidelines that we have. . .  [confirmation]

Baltimore

Tuesday May 8

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION? 
   CAN’T BE WIMPY
  Bishop George V. Murry of Youngstown contributes:  "It allows you to go further in your faith. The Holy Spirit enters you so that you are more prepared for situations that challenge your faith. . . This sacrament is intended to give you the strength you need so that you can become full adult members of our church. God, in his love, doesn’t expect you to do that overnight. He gives you help." That help, Murry explained, is the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – gifts such as discernment and courage. “To be a Christian, you can’t be a wimp,” he said. “It requires courage.”  Read more here. [confirmation]
THE CATHOLIC IDENTITY QUESTION
  Had a great meeting with the campus ministers and religion department chairs of our Catholic high schools yesterday (as if. . . just in case the week wasn’t going to seem busy enough.)  Anyway, wow, these folks "got game." Among the near-dozen agenda items, we looked at Catholic Identity. [work day]
THE CONTINENT OF HOPE
Pope Benedict XVI asked Catholics to pray for the success of his first visit to Latin America, saying the region represented the "continent of hope" for the church. "It’s my first pastoral visit to Latin America … where almost half the world’s Catholics live, many of them young people. This is why it’s called the ‘continent of hope,’ a hope that concerns not only the church but all America and the whole world," he said.  Read more here. [pope]

Monday May 7
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION? NOT A SINGLE EVENT
  Bishop Alvaro Corrada, SJ from Tyler contributes:  Confirmation not only strengthens us and sets us aside as witnesses to the apostolic mission. This strengthening by the Holy Spirit also helps us to overcome the tendency to sin which remains in each of us even after Baptism. The gifts of the Holy Spirit foster the formation of supernatural virtue as well as strengthening the natural virtues in the human person. Confirmation cannot be properly looked at as a single event, done and then forgotten, like some type of ‘immunization’ or ‘graduation’. Confirmation establishes an ongoing relationship with God which animates the ongoing growth in holiness which is the vocation (or call) of all the baptized.  Read more here. [confirmation]
HOME TO STAY FOR A DAY AWAY
  A great day for Sunday. Clark and I hit the O’s game against the Indians.  The O’s attempted a comeback but couldn’t pull it off.  Then Nichole and Johanna join us for Hunan and to teach the guys Fluxx. Did not accomplish as much as I had intended, but the time with the kids is what counted. [family & friends]

Sunday May 6

CONFIRMATION WEEK BEGINS AT THE CATHOLIC YM BLOG
  This Wednesday, The Archdiocese of Baltimore host a Bishops’ Summit on the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Throughout the week (or as long as we’ve got stuff to post), there will be some significant cross-over between my real life and my virtual life. [confirmation]
SOLDIERS OF CHRIST
  Yes, This is the "old school" spin on the Sacrament of Confirmation.  But, listen to Pope Benedict’s address from yesterday to his soldiers, the Swiss Guard: "The Lord calls you to holiness," Benedict exhorted his guards, "to be his disciples, always ready to listen to his voice, to fulfill his will and to realize it in the daily accomplishment of your duties. This will help make of you ‘good Christians’ and at the same time ‘exemplary soldiers,’ animated by that evangelical spirit which makes each of the baptized a ‘leaven’ to uplift the rest and a ‘light’ that shines and warms in the places you live and work."   [pope]
WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT CONFIRMATION?
  THE HOME TEAM 
  The Archdiocese of Baltimore has long-ago published The Seal of the Spirit which are guidelines concerning the Sacrament of Confirmation.  They can be found here. [confirmation]

Saturday May 5

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL RELIGION CURRICULUM
   The U.S. bishops are studying a draft curriculum guide for Catholic high school religion courses across the country. . . "It is planned that this curriculum framework will also be adapted to shape catechetical instruction for high school age young people in parish religious education and youth ministry programs," said Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington, chairman of the Committee on Catechesis, in a letter accompanying the draft. Read more here. [youth ministry]
Arachnophobia
Tip of the weekend. Please, please, please stay away from Spiderman 3.  It is really truly an awful movie.  Save yourself the cost of the ticket.  [culture]
THE FIRST EVER "BLONDE GUY" JOKE
   An Irishman, a Mexican and a Blonde Guy were doing construction work on scaffolding on the 20th floor of a building.
  They were eating lunch and the Irishman said, "Corned beef and cabbage! If I get corned beef and cabbage one more time for lunch, I’m going to jump off this building."
  The Mexican opened his lunch box and exclaimed, "Burritos again! If I get burritos one more time I’m going to jump off, too."
  The blonde opened his lunch and said, " Bologna again! If I get a bologna sandwich one more time, I’m jumping too."
  The next day, the Irishman opened his lunch box, saw corned beef and cabbage, and jumped to his death.
  The Mexican opened his lunch, saw a burrito, and jumped, too.
  The blonde guy opened his lunch, saw the bologna and jumped to his death as well.
  At the funeral, the Irishman’s wife was weeping. She said, "If I’d known how really tired he was of corned beef and cabbage, I never would have given it to him again!"
  The Mexican’s wife also wept and said, "I could have given him tacos or enchiladas! I didn’t realize he hated burritos so much."
   Everyone turned and stared at the blonde’s wife. The blonde’s wife said, "Don’t look at me. He makes his own lunch."  [funny stuff]

Friday May 4

WOMEN AND THE CHURCH
   (via Marko Wow- here’s a juxtaposition. . .  All these wonderful images of young women in the church and a series of statements that fully display the inadequacy of our legacy to them. The maker of the video was a victim of abuse by her own youth pastor.  Here is her first post as well as a follow-up post.  Is she angry?  Maybe, but aren’t you? Is it balanced?  Not yet, it is still awaiting our own response.  And that, ladies and those of us who aspire to be gentle men, is the nature of art. . . awaiting a response.   Mine.   Yours.  The Church’s.   Christ’s. [church]

Thursday May 3

THE NEXT DARFUR
   TIME magazine has a cautionary report. Darfur is small by comparison with what is projected. It may be our last warning before the consequences of climate change become so enormous that they are beyond the capacity of industrialized nations to deal with. Read more here. [culture]
SPIRIT: Ever Heard of Bub from Bethsaida?
  It is entirely unlikely that you have ever heard of the Bub Gong, the prophet from Bethsaida. Remember the kid with the five barley loaves and two small fishes who generously assisted in the feeding of the multitudes?  That was Bub from Bethsaida. Bub was so impressed with the Lord that day that he decided to emulate the Master.  He traveled all around performing all the good works that he had seen Jesus do.  This article and others are available in the bi-weekly newsletter to which you can subscribe from this page.  [blogging]

Wednesday May 2

BILL LAGE IS "INSIDE THE YOUTH MINISTERS STUDIO" 
<<Enter the studio here.>>  Faith is like a dance.  Get into step.  Follow the lead. Step away from the wall and get on the dance floor.  Join with the "Lord of the Dance."  Bill is taking Catholic Youth Ministry and inviting it to dance.  Join up! [studio]
INSIDE THE DANCE STUDIO 
   Suddenly, worlds have collided.  A Dance guy in the YM studio, Dancing With the Stars last night (They eliminated Cliffy!) and . . .   and . . . (dare I even say it???) and . . . on the show . . . Meatloaf???  Man, I have gotta stop eating pizza so late.  WHAT!?!  That was real?  [culture]

Tuesday May 1

WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS MONTH: THE POPE’S TRAVELS
   The Pope is off the South America this month. He will be in Brazil on May 9- 14, primarily to preside at Mass opening the 5th general meeting of CELAM, which is the Latin American bishops’ conference.  Of note, he will maintain the JPII tradition of meeting with young people on Thursday, May 10. It seems that this will be an evening meeting at a soccer stadium in Sao Paulo.  Read more here. [pope]
WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS MONTH:   JESUS OF NAZARETH 
   The Pope’s new book gets released (in English) on May 15.  NCR’s John Allen gives a preview of it: "Intellectually, the aim of Jesus of Nazareth is, in the first place, to defend the reliability of the gospel accounts; and secondly, to argue that that gospels present Christ as God Himself, not as a prophet or moral reformer. Over and over, the pope uses phrases such as "implicit Christology," "hidden Christology," and "indirect Christology," to argue that even where the gospel accounts don’t draw out the theological consequences of stories and sayings of Jesus, their message is nonetheless discernible.
   Yet Jesus of Nazareth is not just an intellectual exercise, or an attempt to offer grist for homilies, though there’s material for that aplenty. Ultimately, the motive for the book seems to be deep concern for what the pope sees as the toxic consequences of flawed Christology. Over the course of the book, Benedict critiques a number of popular modern interpretations of Jesus: Jesus as a preacher of liberal morality, Jesus as a social revolutionary, Jesus as an inspired prophet or sage on the level of other founders of religious movements.
   Christology is the key for this pope.  Read more here. [pope]
WHAT TO WATCH FOR THIS MONTH:   CONFIRMATION SEASON
  C’mon.  It’s not about the numbers, but I hoped for 40, maybe fifty to attend. A week from Wednesday, we are hosting the Bishops’ Summit on Confirmation.  For months, a small task group has been developing a program worthy of attendance.  Yesterday was the deadline.  We have 150! Awesome.  The blog will focus up on Confirmation this month. Watch for it and loads of resources.  [work day]

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

(taped over phone 05/01/07)

BIO: Sr. Jude Ruggeri serves as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, a position she has held since 1992. Sister Jude belongs to the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She has previously serve as chair of the board of directors for the NFCYM and presently serves as vice-char of the National Center for Catholic Youth Sports.

QUOTE TO NOTE: Programs are not necessarily ministry.  (They) are important, it’s an aspect of ministry, but (programs) are not ministry. Right now, I find that many of our youth ministers, because of lack of time and lack of personal resources are very much into programs.  And not necessarily ministry.  It doesn’t make a difference what the program is; it’s easy, it’s all set up for them.  They run to it, they can follow it like a cookbook recipe, bit the more important thing is (the) forming of relationships with young people.

OBSCURE FACTOID: Sr. Jude once hosted the NFCYM’s summer board meeting in West Palm Beach.  Every morning I swam in very warm ocean water. Like almost any other visitor to West Palm, I marveled at the gold coast and missed the rest of the diocese. Seemingly, I missed much.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Sr, Jude and I had a long, leisurely conversation which does not translate to my time frame so much.  This was the most-edited podcast to date with entire WYD reflections dropping to the editing room floor.

BLOG REFLECTION: can be read here for May 31st.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

(taped by phone 05/01/07)

BIO: Leroy is the Youth Minister at the Church of the Redeemer in Mechanicsville, Virginia. He has occassional written resources for Cornerstone Media, Inc.

QUOTE TO NOTE:  So often, many youth (and adults too) are so paralyzed with the fear of failing that they end up doing nothing.  They only stay with the safe things which may only be one or two things, unfortunately, so their world is very myopic.

OBSCURE FACTOID: Leroy has MC’ed at the 2002 National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry in Denver.  He was involved on stage for the opening of the 2000 NCCYM in Birmingham and swallowed the stage by force of personality so much that we had to have him back.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Leroy represents our fourth youth minister who serves on the local scene (three in parishes, one campus minister)  It is a nice track for the podcasts, one that was not originally in the plan.  Nonetheless, what a wonderful difference it has made.

BLOG REFLECTION: can be read here for May 23rd.

At the end of "Saving Private Ryan", Pvt. James Francis Ryan has a life-changing confrontation.  Captain James Miller and the Second Rangers were sent to save the last surviving Ryan brother from the war.  Together, this band of brothers has sacrificed as they strive to fulfill their orders where the man is the mission.

Now Miller lies bleeding after having defending a bridge from Nazi advancement as well as shielding Ryan from harm.  He mutters something through his pain.  Ryan leans in closer and asks, "What, sir?"  Miller’s last words are "James, earn this…earn it."

The movie concludes with the now senior Ryan looking back upon his life.  He seeks assurances from his wife and family, "Tell me I have led a good life…Tell me I’m a good man."

Memorial Day offers us an opportunity that is more than summer first trip "downy ocean, hon" or the opening of the pool season.  Memorial Day is more than an occasion to picnic.

Memorial Day reminds us of the fragility of our life, the challenges of peace, and the sacrifices necessary
for democracy and human rights.  It is a day of remembrance.

Our faith is a faith of remembrance.  Sacrifice has been offered on our behalf of our sinfulness. Our Eucharist is a celebration of the memorial of Christ, of his life, of his death, of his Resurrection, and of his intercession in the presence of the Father. This Memorial Day weekend, we also celebrate Pentecost.  The presence of the Spirit initiated centuries of tradition built upon the saints who have done likewise in memory of the Lord. Our own discipleship is built upon the haunting echo that our own conscience whispers to us…that we should "earn this."

Each day, therefore, becomes our "Memorial Day."  We take the generous gift of life and grace from the Creator and attempt to build upon that opportunity, forming our own destiny in the footsteps of the Lord.

Pope Benedict XVI recently encouraged the young people of Brazil in saying that "These years of your life are the years which will prepare you for your future. Your ‘tomorrow’ depends much on how you are living the ‘today’ of your youth. Stretching out in front of you, my dear young friends, is a life that all of us hope will be long; yet it is only one life, it is unique: do not let it pass it vain; do not squander it. Live it with enthusiasm and with joy, but most of all, with a sense of responsibility."

Today, on this Day of Memorial…remember…don’t waste the day…and, earn this.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

(taped in person in Baltimore 04/12/07)

BIO: Mike Carotta is an author, teacher and nationally renowned speaker, having worked with adolescents and their spiritual growth in educational, pastoral and clinical settings for more than twenty-five years. Recently, Mike has written Have Faith: Sustaining the Spirit for Confirmation and Beyond and co-authored with Jack Shea the Lincoln Park mystery (and spirituality) series for young adolescents.

QUOTE TO NOTE:  (Being a disciple involves. . .) a movement from beyond “believer.”  I think that the data tells us that kids already believe. The question is:  What’s the difference between a believer and a disciple that’s not exactly the same?  After a life of this work, I am so excited that the church and its documents are saying let’s make discipleship the primary focus because it matches up with the data that says to us (that) kids already believe but it is this belief that’s comfortable.

OBSCURE FACTOID:   Mike and I have had a long-running conversation regarding discipleship and young people.  The discipleship question that is placed in each and everyone of these podcasts is to be blamed on Mike.

BEHIND THE SCENES:  OK, the hotel lobby seemed a good idea at the time.  Then, this family reunion invaded off to the side.  Then, some loud, boisterous  opinions were shared.  We stopped twice to let the background noise die off. (Attention Baltimore PD, I have the original tape in case any of the family members go missing.)  Then came the topic of Mike and food… Mike’s already long answer regarding what he wanted on his pizza was actually edited DOWN.  He also fully described the store bought option as well.  The man does love his pizza!

BLOG REFLECTION: can be read here for May 16th.

(taped by phone 05/01/07)

BIO: A self-described “cheerleader for Christ,”  Sarah Hart is has one of the clearest and loveliest voices in the itinerant Catholic music crowd today.  Sarah is a part of the Spirit and Song crew with Oregon Catholic Press.  You can learn more about Sarah at her own web site here.

QUOTE TO NOTE: When I really just stared doing this and was so trying to get my legs and to figure out how it how worked and what it meant to do all this, (Jesse Manibusan) taught me a great prayer . . .”Help me get out of the way Lord.” And that has been the prayer that I prayer every single time I do any event…  Get me out of the way, God.  Get me out of the way and let me truly be an empty vessel that you might work through me.

OBSCURE FACTOID: Sarah and other Spirit and Song artists recently played the Baltimore Basilica as part of the NCEA conference.  They all were invited to dine with Cardinal Keeler at his residence before the concert.  Sarah was one of the lead conversationalists with His Eminence.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Back to  phone recording podcasts.  This effort was the converse of my technical glitches- – - my voice was more modulated, but the mic was placed to close to the speaker phone for Sarah so she was a “little hot.”  (Insert you own commentary here… I’m not going there.)

BLOG REFLECTION: can be read here for May 9th.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

(taped by phone 04/20/07)

BIO: DJ Bill Lage is a DJ, but let’s just get one thing straight here.  He’s not your “spin any sort of disc or platter” DJ, nor does he do that scratching or mixing DJsort of thaaang.  Bill helps to integrate a dance into the Catholic youth experience (and how easy is that?) while also working towards making it a celebration of one body of people, one church.

QUOTE TO NOTE:  At any type of event when we gather youth together, the goal is to have them bring something with them (home) from it. To have that pride of what they are and who they are. And to really spread the word.

OBSCURE FACTOID: The Catholic Dance was a part of the celebration at the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry in Las Vegas in December.  This YouTube link should never be shown to our young people- – - Yes, we do dance and party in our seats at the adult conferences.  Bill is leading the way, even Jesse Manibusen danced, and video was contribute by our tech-friendly Canadian friend Clay Imoo.

BEHIND THE SCENES:  In honor of four months of podcasting and in recognition that we have a DJ in the house, whacha’ say we celebrate with new bumper music.  Again, it as freely obtained from the appropriately named Free Play Music site.  In other music news, you can find DJ Bill’s recommendation for tobyMac’s Portable Sounds here.

BLOG REFLECTION: can be read here for May 2.

 You probably have never heard of the town of Bethsaida.  It was hometown to Peter, Andrew, and Philip-all disciples of Jesus.  You have most likely heard of them.

But, it is entirely unlikely that you have ever heard of the Bub Gong, the prophet from Bethsaida.

Remember the kid with the five barley loaves and two small fishes who generously assisted in the feeding of the multitudes?  That was Bub from Bethsaida.

Bub was so impressed with the Lord that day that he decided to emulate the Master.  He traveled all around performing all the good works that he had seen Jesus do.  Bub was a fine story-teller; he matched the skills of Jesus in taking a metaphor from the daily lives of people and transforming it into a story. Because of this gift of story, Bub was an honored guest for a meal throughout the land.  It seemed as if some of the miracle-worker of the Lord must have rubbed off on Bub. Therefore, he could restore the temporary health of hope to the ill.

Bub Gong used all the technology of the day available to a spiritual guru.  Yet, you never heard of him.  Bub was doing all the right things, yet seemed to have no disciples or evangelists to carry on the message. Where did Bub go wrong?

More precisely, where did Bub not go right?  It turns out that Bub was so impressed with the miracle of the loaves and fishes, he never understood the message of the Lord. Truly, there is a lesson in that for each of us who attempt to transmit faith to today’s young people while using all the cool gadgets and toys of the day.

We can be as talented as possible in the use of modern technology and media-utilizing Power Point or YouTube or updating our MySpace pages-and still end up just like Bub.  The real tools of the Lord were his relationships and his invitation into discipleship. It’s not the flashy glitz that works; it is the love one has to share.

Pope Benedict XVI has us refocusing on God is Love. Even today’s business professionals are rediscovering the suggestion of author Tim Saunders that Love is the Killer Ap. This is where Bub from Bethsaida never really “got it.”

Bub just never understood that, for Jesus, it was all about a self-less love for the Father as well as for one’s neighbor. Without that, there is something empty in one’s ministry, no matter how gifted one might be with the technology of the ministry. Later in Bub’s rather mediocre ministry (which had then moved to Corinth,) the Christian apostle Paul of Tarsus offered this critique of Bub, “If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding Gong or a clashing cymbal.”

As we continue to expand our use of technology within the field of youth ministry, let us remember (because no one else will!) the lessons learned from resounding but empty noise made by Bub Gong, the mediocre prophet from Bethsaida.