Today is the feast day of St. Catherine of Siena, a saint and Doctor of the Church who began making a difference in the world at an early age. It's an appropriate day to thank all those who gathered last Thursday to discuss making a difference in the lives of our young people. Thanks to the religious education leaders, youth ministry coordinators, priests, catechists, and principals who shared the day with us. Special thanks to those who sacrificed a vacation or personal day in order to be there. To each of you whose ideas generated conversations that will lead us towards new ways of connecting our young people with our parishes and schools, we can not say thank you enough. Perhaps there will be another St. Catherine among the youth to whom we minister.

If you missed the Symposium on Effective Practices, don't fret! We've begun posting the ideas online. Browse the ideas and even suggest your own ways to improve our ministry to our young church.

In other news:

1. Theology on Tap is underway for the spring in Bethany Beach, and will be starting up soon in Easton.

2. Want to earn a certificate in youth ministry that's recognized nation wide? The Youth Ministry Certificate Program provides a comprehensive grounding in the theory and practice of comprehensive youth ministry in a parish setting.

3. Young people and adult leaders are invited to attend Impact: Night of Worship featuring Charlie Hall and his band. Please note: Group ticket sales are only available only by advance purchase. Tickets may be purchased by calling (302) 737-2511 or online. This event is sponsored by The Coalition of Local Youth Ministers, multi-denominational group of area youth ministers.

4. The Diocese’s Hispanic Ministry Office will be sponsoring the 2004 Encuentro Juventil for youth and young adults on Pentecost Sunday (May 30th) at Immaculate Conception Parish in Marydel, MD. Registration begins at 12:00 noon and the day concludes at 7:30p.m. Encuentro is open to youth and young adults of all backgrounds from across the diocese. The day includes liturgy, topical presentations, a dinner of delicious Latino foods, and a concert. For more information, contact Fr. Chris Posch at (302) 655-0518 or via e-mail.

5. Mark your calendar for the Silver Summer Seminar on June 16-17 at Padua Academy. This is a wonderful opportunity for all ministers to Renew, Refresh, and Revitalize. Keynote presenter will be internationally renowned author Tom Zanzig and his theme is Discipleship. For more information or to register see your parish DRE/CRE.

6. Have you been thinking about the young people you'd like to send to Youth Leadership Institute this year? If not, please do. We'll be asking for registrations in the coming weeks. Download a flyer here.

7. Calling all Coaches! Tell your athletes...this summer Jude Szczerba, a teacher at Salesianum High School, will offer a middle school and high school Cross Country Camp. The 5-day camp will take place at Brandywine Creek State Park from August 9-13 (8 am - 11:30 am). Its main focus is pre-season preparation for cross country, but it's also appropriate for athletes wishing to improve endurance. Also: group runs in the outdoor setting, a variety of workout types, an exploration of best of Delaware's trail running. Injury prevention, healthy competition, team strategies, pre- and post-race nutrition, and endurance-building will also be included. To learn more, contact Jude Szczerba via phone at (302) 377-9444 or via e-mail. Pre-registration for this camp is $110. Registration after June 5th is $125.

8. If you've read the announcement in #7 and are wondering how you can get the word out about camps, retreats, or other youth ministry events, visit the Ladders Online homepage!
    

Quotable: "For I will only your well-being, and whatever I give, I give it so that you may reach the goal for which I created you." ~God speaking to Catherine in a vision. (Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue, p 191)