Friday, October 24, 2003

In the Gospel reading today, Jesus reminds us that changing winds, cooler weather, and beautiful fall colors are a clear indication that the seasons are changing. Perhaps the challenge for us, then, is to adapt our mood and our ministry to the ever changing world around us. We hope these links help as you constantly adjust your ministry in a direction that brings holiness to the lives our young Church.

For this week, we offer you the following:

  1. There is a quarterly mailing coming to a mailbox near you next week. Keep your eyes open for some important information and useful resources.

  2. The October Pastors' Mailing included a Vision Statement on Scouting as Youth Ministry. Youth Ministers and Scout Leaders are encouraged to download a copy and share it with others!

  3. Attention Basketball Coaches! Harry I. Shur, the Basketball coordinator and coach for 6th – 8th grade girls for the Salvation Army Community Center, is interested in having scrimmage games with their league. Their gym is available on Saturdays from 12-1:30. He can be contacted at home 761-9290, by beeper 247-5046, or at work 577-6011 Ext. 3179.

  4. Join us for the next Youth Ministry Institute Seminar on Saturday, November 8, 2003 at St. Thomas More in Magnolia, DE. Noted Scripture Enthusiast Mary Louise Chesley-Cora will present "Bringing the Hebrew Scriptures to Life for Young People." To register or for more information, visit the YMI page.

  5. Theology on Tap returns for Advent! Download a flyer to post at your parish or place of business (or both!) and spread the word. Everyone raise a glass, there's more to the week than Mass!

  6. An Advent retreat opportunity will be offered Sunday, December 7, 2003 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Franciscan Spirituality Center.

  7. Have you registered for the Chesapeake Bay Conference yet? It's not too late to sign up and enjoy a weekend of rest and renewal.

  8. JustFaith is beginning to create resources specifically for youth, which could be used in Catholic high schools and youth groups in the fall of 2004. Joe Grant, the author of several publications associated with youth and social ministry, will author the series. Joe is interested to receive input about format, content, or process from those connected with or invested in youth ministry. You may email him at annekwalt@aol.com with your suggestions.

  9. The HIV/AIDS epidemic affects millions of people all over the world. At times, however, it is difficult to understand the impact of HIV/AIDS on community members, families, and those involved with their own businesses. As a way to inspire youth to understand the challenges of HIV/AIDS high school students were recently invited to participate in an interactive game that challenged them to put themselves in the shoes of community members impacted by HIV/AIDS. You can use this activity in the classroom or at a parish youth group meeting in preparation for World AIDS Day on December 1, 2003. We've provided a link to the Tough Times exercise or you can contact Michelle Harrington at CRS via email. 

  10. Cornerstone Media's most popular audio product, The Dirty Dozen and Psalm 151 CD, is produced every year from the ideas sent by thousands of teens! Every fall, young people from the United States, Canada, and beyond send ballots nominating the best-value and worst-value hit songs from the current calendar year. Have you voted for the next Dirty Dozen & Psalm 151 CD? Voting for our countdown would make a fun and FREE activity at your next class or youth meeting! Ballots are being accepted now through December 1, 2003. The new Dirty Dozen & Psalm 151 CD will be available in January 2004.

Quotable: ""Nothing but self-will can separate us from God." Saint Alphonsus Ligouri