Lent is nearly upon us, evident by the resources we share this week:

1.       There has already been a great deal of conversation surrounding the upcoming movie The Passion, which will be released nationwide on Ash Wednesday, February 25, 2004. CYM will be offering several resources for those who work with young people. Visit http://www.cdowcym.org/thepassion/ for more information.

2.       Need help Raising A Teen? Then join St. Elizabeth Ann Seton's parish community as they host an awesome seminar on the subject on February 24th from 6:30-8:30pm. Child Inc. of Delaware will give a 1 1/2 hour talk on adolescents followed by a question and answer period.

3.       Theology on Tap is back for Lent 2004. For more information, visit the Young Adult site or download a flyer.

4.       Please note important schedule updates for the Youth Ministry Institute series. As the 2/21 YMI session is rescheduled, YMI participants are asked to attend the Salesianum Adult Education Day instead. YMI participants will receive YMI credit for sessions attended at the Salesianum day.

5.       Salesianum Adult Education Day will be held on Saturday, 2/21, at Salesianum School in Wilmington. Some spaces still remain for this rich opportunity for growth in faith and knowledge. Visit http://www.salesianum.org/misc/saladulted.htm for more information. If you are attending and wish to receive credit for sessions attended as part of the YMI program, please write in “YM” on the line of the registration form inquiring if the attendee is taking courses for Diocesan credit.

6.       Catholic Relief Services offers Operation Rice Bowl as an opportunity for faith communities in the U.S. to pray, fast, learn, and give throughout these 40 days. This year, Operation Rice Bowl is offering a new way for individuals and families to participate, with an online "virtual" Rice Bowl opportunity.

Deadlines, reminders, and extensions:

1.       If you work with young people, there's only one place to be on April 22nd. The Diocese of Wilmington has been chosen as one of the sites of the premiere of the Center for Ministry Development's Seminar on Effective Practices in Youth Ministry. Please download a flyer today and invite your priests, deacons, parish staff and all your volunteers. At least two pastors are allowing all parish staff members to attend in place of a normal work day. Is yours?

2.       The deadline for nominations for the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award nominations has been extended to 2/23. Please take advantage of this opportunity to recognize young people and adults who exemplify the spirit of service to the Delaware community.

3.       The registration deadline for Nexus 2004 is March 4th.

4.       The dates for Youth Leadership Institute have been announced. Please download a flyer and spread the word!

Quotable: "Do you wish your prayer to fly toward God? Give it two wings: fasting and almsgiving." -Saint Augustine