Even if you missed the Symposium on Effective Practices, you can still contribute to the conversation! We've posted the ideas online. Browse the ideas and even suggest your own ways to improve our ministry to our young church.

In other news:

1. Signups are now open for YLI 2004! Look for more detailed info on the YLI webpage in the next day or two, including updates on the schedule and suggested interview questions for use with potential YLI attendees.

2. There’s still time to sign up for Session 2 of the Youth Ministry Certification, a nationally-recognized training program which will be offered at St. Joseph on the Brandywine parish July 29-Aug. 1.

3. Are you a young adult, or do you minister to and with Young Adults? Stay informed of what’s happening by joining the Young Adult Yahoo! community and receive weekly updates on programs and resources.

4. Summer School isn't always a bad idea. LaSalle University will host a weeklong intensive training in youth ministry, complete with the latest trends, great program ideas, and an overview of the Millennial Generation. Graduate credit available. CYM's Patrick Donovan is the instructor and the class runs from July 19-23. For more info, call 215-957-1335 or email Fr. Frank Berna, OFM, Ph.D.

5. Or you could wait until Fall when Loyola University New Orleans’ Institute for Ministry will be offering an online course this fall entitled Foundations in Youth Ministry. This course examines the broad foundations of youth ministry with young and older adolescents, and introduces participants to a model for comprehensive youth ministry that is developmentally sound and that is aware of its part in the formation of the entire parish community.

6. 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.

7. 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.
    

From Around the Diocese:

1. The Second Annual Christ The Teacher Athletic Association Bull Roast -- an Island Casino Night -- will be held Saturday, June 5 from 7 PM until Midnight at the school in Newark. For just $25 per ticket, this adult-only event features a delicious. Enjoy complimentary drinks, dancing, games of chance, and door prizes. Hawaiian shirts and cabana wear are encouraged. Tickets are available at the school office; for more information, call the school at 302-838-8850, or Lisa Stasio at 302-836-8820.

2. Get in the spirit of summer fun at St. Mary Star of the Sea’s Youth Ministry Bash, to be held at Castle in the Sand Hotel (3701 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean City, MD) on Sunday, July 18th, from 1:00pm-8:00pm. Cost is $20.00, and included snack, buffet dinner, drinks, games, swimming and much more! Everyone is invited to bring an inexpensive gift to be given away as a game prize. For more info or to RSVP contact Anne Marie.

3. 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). 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.

4. Ladders Online is the official online newsletter for Catholic Youth Ministry. If you have news to share, visit the Ladders Online homepage and find out how to get the word out!
    

Quotable: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us