Team Youth News
A resource for Youth Ministers and Leaders
September 2019
BEAT ON THE STREET
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"Getting to know Jesus"
At a recent family gathering I had the opportunity to catch up with extended family members I hadn't seen in awhile. We chatted about this and that and what was new in each others lives..you know the usual conversation/s. One particular interaction was with a cousin who had been a religious education instructor in the Albany Diocese for 20 years and was transitioning to a new part time position with the Albany Diocese. She had found out about my new role as Director of Youth Ministry here in Ogdensburg and she expressed her happiness and joy for me and I likewise for her new position in the Albany Diocese. After a bit, our conversation switched from us to the young people we journey with. We talked about how things are in our world, how Christianity is being challenged, how, many young people seem to be moving away from the Catholic Church and other denominations. We spoke of the "way it used to be" and how those days are gone and we are now faced with new challenges in engaging young people. After a bit of brainstorming and idea generating we paused to see the most beautiful little blue bird in a tree overhead. This is when my cousin said, "You know Tommy, you just don't know Jesus until you "KNOW JESUS". This made me think of the relationship that our young people have with Jesus our Savior. I mean, there is a big difference between "knowing about Jesus" and "knowing Jesus". It's actually more than a "big difference", it's the difference! I feel that it takes time getting to know Jesus within ourselves and within one another, it's certainly a lifelong journey and one we cannot take alone.
As Youth Ministers we truly need to "Walk or Journey" with our young people. We can turn to the scripture regarding the Road to Emmaus as an example or a source to draw encouragement from. (Luke 24: 13-35). We should look at our Ministry not as "teaching moments" but more as "guiding moments". We need to let the youth stretch their faith muscles, let them see how what they've learned works in their day to day lives. We should be their to guide, assist, encourage and when the time arises, teach. We have to hold them accountable for their faith. In doing so, they will open the door to a relationship with Jesus.
"The Goal of Diocesan and Parish Youth Ministry is to provide age-appropriate opportunities which will lead our youth to a life-changing encounter with Christ which will nourish a faithful, fruitful and joyful friendship with Him and His Church."
Excerpt from Diocesan Vision for Parish Youth Ministry, Diocese of Ogdensburg
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Season of Creation - A time for change
The Season of Creation is our special time for the Creator and each other.
From September 1 to October 4, Christians around the world celebrate the Season of Creation. Some of us pray, some of us do hands-on projects, some of us advocate.
We all protect creation. It’s powerfully good work that’s urgently needed.
The momentum continues long after the season ends through ongoing prayer, changes in lifestyle, and advocacy.
During the Season of Creation, we live out our faith to care for creation.
Click below to learn more and to participate, or add an event from your parish.
An Invitation from Pope Francis
September 1st, Pope Francis invited the faithful to celebrate the Season of Creation.
The pope said that the Season of Creation is “a period of more intense prayer and action for the benefit of the common home,” and he encouraged us to “feel in deep harmony with the men and women of goodwill” who are protecting creation.
Click the link below to read his personal message.
Together with Pope Francis, thousands of people around the world are celebrating the season.
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PLEASE PUSH THESE EVENTS IN YOUR PARISHES!
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YOUTH MINISTER GATHERING NEW DATE!
We have a new date for the annual meeting! Please sign up! This will be an awesome opportunity for all of us!
This will be the first of what I hope to be many more opportunities for Diocesan Youth Ministers and Volunteers to commune and discuss Youth Ministry in the Diocese. The day is centered around an open discussion on the current state and future of Youth Ministry in the Diocese.
Lunch will be included and there is no fee to attend.
Please RSVP below so that we can have enough food prepared for lunch.
Also, let me know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Youth Ministers are the hands and feet that lead the young to Jesus
so that they may lead a Blessed life.
Youth Minister Gathering
Saturday, Nov 9, 2019, 10:00 AM
Holy Ghost Parish Center, Marion Street, Tupper Lake, NY, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
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If you need to complete your Track Course training in order to receive your certificate for Youth Ministry you can now come to our Plattsburgh or Ogdensburg offices.
Classes will be offered by appointment Monday's and Tuesday's in Ogdensburg and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays in Plattsburgh.
To learn more about Track Course training or to set up your appointment/s please email me at tsemeraro@rcdony.org
or call the office line at 315-393-2920 ext. 1415
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Ministers and Mentors - I'm always here to help!!!
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Tom Semeraro
Email: tsemeraro@rcdony.org
Website: www.rcdony.org
Phone: 1-393-2920 1415
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diocese-of-Ogdensburg-Youth-Ministry-137024036346228/
Twitter: @OburgYM