We are gonna be celebrating Valentine’s Day all week, offering up Catholic Youth Ministry Valentines out to a few folks. On Tuesdays, we offer Catholic YM News clips, so here is one as we celebrate all diocesan youth ministry types…  I’ve recently returned from the NFCYM annual membership meeting and these folks are just passionate and talented…  Marilyn is but just an example

ATLANTA – The Brooklyn diocesan coordinator of adolescent faith formation, Marilyn Santos, has joined the archdiocesan Office of Formation and Discipleship as associate director of youth ministry and associate director of inculturation.

In her first month of work here, she has seen some differences between her previous diocese and the Archdiocese of Atlanta. “The parishes here have embraced the idea of youth ministry as a catechetical ministry,” she said, noting that in her previous job, she was still working to convince parishes that youth ministry “is more than youth group. It is faith formation.”

As the associate director of inculturation, a ministry called an emerging trend throughout the country, Santos will work with Hispanic youth groups and those of other ethnicities and constituencies in the church that may be underserved. In a statement on the archdiocesan Web site, the office describes inculturation ministry as collaboration with “department entities, ministry leadership and parishes to ensure that the gospel and ministry permeate every culture. Drawn forth by the Catholic principle of ‘unity without uniformity’ we provide support, training, and resources that respect the richness of our multicultural Church.” Read the whole Georgia Bulletin article.

MADRID, SPAIN – -  The English-language version of the 2011 World Youth Day website was launched on Friday. The Web site has been available in Spanish since November. Read the whole Zenit article

LONDON, ENGLAND – - Britain’s national Catholic Youth Ministry Congress will take place in London on Feb. 27. Organizers say they have scheduled some of the best known Catholic speakers for the event, which will also present new research into the life and faith of young Catholics. The Congress, organized by the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation for England and Wales (CYMFed), has as its theme “We have set our hope on the living God.” Over 700 youth leaders, chaplains, teachers and priests have registered to attend. Read the whole Catholic News Agency article.

SAINT ALBERT, ALBERTA, CANADA – - Youth ministers must be able to translate the tradition of the Catholic Church into a language that young people can understand, says Father Stefano Penna. And they must start going online to teach the tradition because that’s where young people are, Penna said. Penna, academic vice president and dean of theology of Newman Theological College, led a retreat for members of the Western Association of Catholic Youth Ministers at their annual conference at the Star of the North Retreat Centre.

Penna said many are using the Internet not just to entertain themselves but also to make connections and to engage in meaningful conversations. Youth ministers should do the same. Most youth ministry in the future will take place online, he predicted. “It might be that youth ministry in the future looks like one meeting a month in the church and six meetings a month in some sort of online space,” he said. “You younger people should be able to mobilize and use that kind of space – not to entertain people but to create connections and to bring the Word of God to young people.”  Read the whole Western Catholic Reporter article.

WASHINGTON, DC — Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, praised the presence of young people in pro-life activities.
“A new generation is rising that will usher in a culture of life . . . We should not underestimate the role of young Catholics,” said Cardinal DiNardo, . “What a tremendous gift to have young people! What a wonderful energy they bring!”  The cardinal said young people know in their heart what is right and what is wrong when it comes to life. “They do not make some of the tortured distinctions that some of we elders have made,” he added. Read the whole Catholic News Service article.

LOS ANGELES, CA — Otherwise, not much is tripping hot on the wires right now… so we are packing out to LA for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry’s annual membership meeting.  Watch for irregular updates throughout the next few days as we report on the events occurring there. I’m really looking forward to the trip… LA host Mike Norman has promised me front-row seats to the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien throughout the week!

In the news, the good side of Catholic Youth Ministry in action… and, ummm, an oopsie, I guess.

BALTIMORE, MD – - An estimated 1,500 young people from the Baltimore archdiocese are expected to attend the youth “Rally for Life” at the Verizon Center.

D. Scott Miller, coordinator of adolescent faith formation in the Division of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, said he attended the first March for Life in 1974. He remembers more adults attending that day. “That’s not the case anymore,” Miller said. “This is a young people crowd. It’s young people celebrating life together and celebrating faith together.”

Miller said the archdiocese has developed a special pro-life curriculum that will be used in schools and parishes for young people who are not attending the March for Life. St. Mary, Hagerstown, is hosting a Rock for Life Concert Jan. 16 featuring the band, Alakrity. St. John Neumann in Annapolis will have Life Week activities starting with Joia Farmer in concert Jan. 15. Two Youth Rallies for Life will be held Jan. 21, each from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Peter, Libertytown and St. Mary, Hagerstown. Read the whole Catholic Review article,

DIMAPUR, NAGALAND, INDIA - - After four days of raging inferno in Dzukou Valley, which destroyed almost 15 square kilometers of greenery, the fire was finally dowsed Saturday around 1pm. SDO (civil) of Zubza, Akunu, informed that volunteers numbering more than 400 were able to contain the fire at a firebreak area near a stream separating “Knonoma Dzukou” and southern “Angami Dzukou.” The fire was sparked off by a group of campers from Catholic Youth Association of Sechu Zubza on January 4. The arduous operation was undertaken by volunteers from Knonoma village and other surrounding villages, with the help of personnel from the Home Guards and Fire department. Read the whole Morung Express article.

We are still in beginning-of-the-year mode writing some important dates a few pages deeper in our calendars.

POCONO SUMMIT, PA – - As the Boy Scouts of America heads toward its 100th anniversary in February, its first century adds up to a remarkable saga, full of achievement and complexity. No other U.S. youth organization has served as many boys — an estimated 112 million over the years — and is so deeply ingrained in the Norman Rockwell version of American popular culture.

“If our competition is some other recreation program, we deliver a whole lot more,” said local scout leader Glen Lippincott. “In sports, if you’re not good, you sit on the bench. In Scouts, nobody sits on the bench.” Lippincott became emotional as he discussed Scouting’s core goal — lifetime character-building. “(Scouting) gives you a moral compass on how you conduct yourself.” Read the Associated Press article for an in-depth look.

NEW YORK, NY – - In efforts to highlight their contribution to society and help address the challenges they face, the United Nations is dedicating a year to young people by proclaiming 2010 the International Year of Youth, commencing on next 12 August. Under the theme “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding”, the Year will aim at encouraging dialogue and understanding across generations.  It will promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights and freedoms, as well as solidarity.  In its resolution proclaiming the Year, adopted December 18, the United Nations General Assembly called on Governments, civil society, individuals and communities worldwide to support activities at local and international levels to mark the Year. Read the press release.

Over the break, I tripped across this video.  Seemingly, over last Thanksgiving break, we all missed the very first Catholic Youth Conference which was held St. Mary’s Church in Dubai. 

‘Put out into the deep’ (Luke 5:4) was the theme aptly chosen for the conference. The 950-strong Catholic youth contingent at the Conference represented Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Just as we learn with each World Youth Day, the energy and the enthusiasm of “the youngchurch” is infectious, no matter where we gather.

If, perchance to dream, there is anyone reading this entry who attended the conference, we all would love to hear from you.

Meanwhile, want to have a little tech envy??  Check out the quality of this promotional video.

We are still in recap mode on the National Catholic Youth Conference.  (See our previous reflections and news item postings.)  The Catholic Key has posted more pictures, some of which appear below. Further, although it is not an official news posting, a Catholic cop offers his own thoughts on fourteen amazing things about NCYC

KANSAS CITY, MO — They clogged downtown streets, jammed restaurants, took up hotel rooms, ate up parking spaces and generally inconvenienced downtown Kansas City. But the nearly 21,000 teens and their 3,000 adult chaperones and local volunteers also gave the city a three-day gift of faith. They came to bring themselves closer to Christ. By the time they left the 2009 National Catholic Youth Conference Nov. 19-21, they showed Kansas City — and the world watching live on the Internet — what happens when Jesus Christ pours out of the hearts of thousands of believers. Read more of the Catholic News Service article Thousands of youth converge on Kansas City to celebrate their faith.

KANSAS CITY, MO — Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston reminded thousands of teens who packed a Kansas City arena that Jesus is the vine and they are the branches and that in the Eucharist they become one with him. “Where does Jesus live?” he asked the teens. “He doesn’t answer to an address on San Jacinto Drive in Houston. Jesus abides with his Abba, his daddy, his Father. There are many houses in his home, and he wants all of you, and me, to be branches of the vine.” The cardinal and his director of youth ministry, Brian Johnson, delivered the morning keynote address Nov. 20 at the first general session of the 2009 National Catholic Youth Conference in the Sprint Center. “It’s not enough to come to this weekend and act crazy and go ‘Wooooooooooo!’” said Johnson. “We need to be the hands of Christ in our world.” Read more of the Catholic News Service article Cardinal tells teens Jesus wants them ‘to be branches of the vine

SIOUX CITY, IA — When they left Thursday for a bus ride down to the National Catholic Youth Conference in Kansas City, most of the youth had no idea what was in store for them. By the time they returned Sunday evening, many of them experienced their faith in a way like never before. Jessica La Fleur Malm, diocesan director of youth and young adult ministry, hopes that this experience will allow the youth of the diocese to have a greater understanding of the universal church and a deeper appreciation for the kingdom, she said. She also wants them to feel uplifted and empowered by their youth.  NCYC is important for diocesan youth to attend because it allows them to see the universality of the church, La Fleur said. “As Jesse Manibusen said at the conference, we are many buildings, but one Church,” she said. “We are different, but not separate. NCYC illustrates that so incredibly clearly through our prayer, worship and community. There was even a group from Japan there!”  Read more of the Catholic Globe article ‘Christ Reigns’ for diocesan youth at NCYC

ROCHESTER, NY — The lights may have faded out on the National Catholic Youth Conference, but Audi Hamilton plans to keep spreading the spiritual glow she acquired over a three-day period in Kansas City, Mo. This NCYC became so much more than just expressing our faith or being surrounded by God’s love. It became how the real world should be, with Christ’s love and commitment flowing through every person there,” she stated. Read more of the Catholic Courier’s article Youth conference’s impact is far-reaching,

We are wrapping up NCYC coverage. Here’s the brief from the Kansas City Star

KANSAS CITY, MO — Both Finn, bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas said their prayers had been answered for the three-day event, which ends today. They said the young people were having fun and also were attentive to the spiritual messages. Many times people focus on the negative where youths are concerned, Naumann said. “This conference has shown that there are wonderful young people who love God and want to be of service to the world and their fellow human beings,” he said. “It gives us the right perspective of this younger generation and lots of hope.” Read more of Catholic clerics’ prayers hold sway for national youth conference in KC

Catholic Review reporter Matt Palmer was embedded into the ArchBalt delegation traveling to NCYC and returned with these three reports.

BALTIMORE, MD — “It really wasn’t about going to a different state,” William said of his decision to join a delegation of more than 200 Archdiocese of Baltimore Catholics. “It was getting to know yourself and getting to know your God.” An hour later, the Sprint Center was silent. Thousands were kneeling in unison as the Blessed Sacrament was placed on an altar. Some were overcome with emotion as tears streamed down their cheeks. “I’ve got to say it was life-changing,” said Zanna Poquette, 16, a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park. “Oh my goodness!” Read more of Christ Reigns for archdiocese youth at national conference.

BALTIMORE, MD — Both Father Wible and Father Rapisarda traveled with the Archdiocese of Baltimore group, which included teens, youth ministers and representatives from the Division of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.  “To see them understand God in the church in a deeper way is just (great),” Father Rapisarda said. Father Wible took part in a massive reconciliation at the Kansas City Convention Center and heard from young people ready to change. “When these kids go to confession here, it’s because they want to go,” he said. “They’re cleaning house. It’s life-changing for them and it’s life-changing for me.” Read more of Conference is life-changing for teens, priests

BALTIMORE, MD — At the end of the Everts’ nearly 40-minute presentation at the National Catholic Youth Conference inside the Sprint Center, the teens rose to their feet and applauded wildly. Amidst the crowd were teens from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, some of whom have seen the couple in their videos, “Theology of the Body for Teens.” “I’m 17, I have a girlfriend,” Josh Twery said. “There’s pressure there. What (the Everts) said put some perspective on things.” Allison Boyd said young women desire a true, deep love. “I think guys want it too,” Boyd said. Ben Kirby, a parishioner from St. John the Evangelist in Severna Park, said the Everts’ discussion resonated. “I guess if you stand up for God and you practice what you believe, you can do no wrong,” Ben said. “Your reward will be greater later on and you’ll have a much greater marriage.”  Read more of Chastity talk resonates with Baltimore teens

Guess what the news of the week is….  Two days to go.  See you in KC.

KANSAS CITY, MO – -Tree houses in a simulated rain forest are just one of the fun features that await thousands of Catholic youth attending a national conference next week in Kansas City.After three years of planning, the two local dioceses are ready to welcome more than 20,000 youths and chaperones to the National Catholic Youth Conference Thursday through next Saturday.The largest Catholic youth event in the country will be at the Sprint Center and the Kansas City Convention Center and will include prayer, worship services, workshops and recreation. “Christ Reigns” is the theme.

A highlight will be a 191,000-square-foot thematic park that opens at noon Thursday in Bartle Hall. The “reign forest” will feature three mega tree houses constructed from more than 10,000 feet of lumber, interactive sports, social justice projects and 700 exhibitors. Also, 40 live bands will perform on stage in the coffee house throughout the conference.

At 10:30 a.m. Friday, attendees will walk — praying and singing — from the Sprint Center to Bartle Hall. Leading will be Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and a keynote speaker; Bishop Robert W. Finn of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. “By processing through the streets, our Catholic youth will signal that they are united around this living presence of Jesus Christ and that we carry Christ’s love and promise of salvation to the world,” Finn said.

Read the entire Kansas City Star article.