O Come, O Come Emmanuel

We are reminded in Sunday's Gospel that Matthew initially described John the Baptist as a fiery preacher of judgment and reform. Now Matthew addresses the Baptist's dilemma during his imprisonment. John learns that Jesus is not preaching fire and brimstone but curing the sick, raising the dead, and consoling the poor. John must have wrestled with this seeming contradiction, yet he remained true to his personal call. As a result, John found himself not in Herod's palace but in Herod's prison.

Baptism is a call to a prophetic career. The expression may vary with each individual: speaking out against injustice; denouncing leaders interested only in personal gain; offering hope to the distraught; embracing the lonely and the sick; setting an example to others that is counter-cultural. These examples may not seem as dramatic as the adventures of an Isaiah or a John the Baptist, yet they are in that same great prophetic tradition. To be prophetic is to become involved.
 

CYM Strengthens Rules for Sports

After the first weekend of basketball games, it became pretty clear to CYM staff that our rules governing conduct of players, spectators, and coaches needed to be strengthened. In addition, CYM discovered several parishes playing and practicing young people without first obtaining parental permission or CYM affiliation.

Thanks to all the Athletic Association representatives that attended the special meeting held on Thursday, December 9th to discuss these new rules. To print a copy of the new rules, click here. In addition, CYM encourages all coaches to consider the following:

1. You are forbidden to practice or to play any participant unless that participants' parent/guardian has completed the online registration AND that participant has been affiliated with your program AND that participant is listed on the team roster before rosters are locked. 

2. Please encourage the spectators and players to act appropriately. Review the new rules with them and make sure the example you set is beyond reproach.

3. Coach the game in a way that the young people and the spectators have a good time. Constantly disputing the calls of officials only adds stress to the environment and sets a poor example of sportsmanship.

4. Download and print out 10 Tips for Encouraging Good Sportsmanship (pdf).

5. Download and utilize the Blessing for Athletes in your parish/school.  

Voices that Challenge: Ministries Weekend

Registration is now open for the 2005 Ministries Weekend. Voices That Challenge is co-sponsored by the Offices for Religious Education, Family Life, Parish Social Ministry, Worship, and Youth Ministry and will take place from January 21-23, 2005 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Ocean City, MD. All registration is online and you get get all the information you need at the VTC website.

Connect with Youth Ministers Nationwide

The National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders wants you to join their ranks. This organization is a great way to connect with colleagues in ministry around the country. Please contact CYM for a new member application.

Sign up for Disciples Now and Win
Log onto Disciples Now and register as a group leader. Then spread the word to your young people. The more participants sign up, the better your chances of winning. Disciples Now is a great web site for Catholic teens, complete with movie reviews, chat rooms, resources, trivia, and more. it's 100% Catholic and membership is free!

Unlock Opportunities. End Poverty. Youth Art Competition

Catholic young people in grades 7-12 are invited to enter the Catholic Campaign for Human Development’s annual arts contest. This year’s theme is: Unlock Opportunities. End Poverty. The following resources are designed to help participants, religious educators, teachers, and youth ministers prepare for and enter this year’s contest. Leader’s Guide (This resource will help religious educators, teachers and youth ministers guide young people through the contest process.) Step-by-Step Guide for Youth (This resource will lead youth participants through the basic steps involved in preparing for and entering the contest. This page includes links to educational materials specific to this year’s contest.) Art Contest Rules (General contest rules and detailed rules for specific art forms.) Entry Form (The official entry form for this year’s contest.)

 

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