Team Youth News
A resource for Youth Ministers and Leaders
April 2019
BEAT ON THE STREET
The Power of "Story"
This past Sunday I found myself cleaning out my vehicle which was packed with all the decorations, activities, paperwork, photobooth props, etc. from Youth Rally. Since it was nice out, I decided to work outside in the garage. It was then that a white pickup truck pulls in to my driveway. I walked out to meet the vehicle and driver. When the window rolled down I was greeted by an older gentleman with a warm smile. He was looking for an acquaintance (my neighbor). I told him that they were not home and he said that he would come back another time. This time to the right address. I could have ended the conversation there and returned to my work but, something stopped me and instead I started chatting. So one question led to a discussion and so on. We spent over an hour sharing stories about each other's life experiences. We found many similarities in our challenges and also how we overcame them.
I can't speak for the gentleman but personally, I found confirmation, peace, and hope in his story. I am sure there was something for him as well. Before he left, we promised to get together again and continue sharing our "Stories". As I walked back to the garage I couldn't help but think of what I would have missed if I didn't take the time to open up and talk.
I encourage you to accept the "moment", the opportunity, to talk and listen to those you know and don't know.
"Life is the story, it's meant to be shared"
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Diocesan Wide Events
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Youth Rally 2019 Was Great!
The Youth Rally this past Saturday the 6th went great! The day was filled with great presentations from Keynote speaker Kevin Dowd. Kevins talk drew strength from Matthew 25 and the Parable of the Talents. He really hit home on the topics of leadership, and Eucharist as well as, how can the youth as young disciples, finish the work of Jesus today.
Kevin was really fun and it was nice to hear the kids laughing during comical points of his talk and shared personal stories. It was also nice to see how intently they would listen to his words of wisdom and courage.
After the Keynote presentation, the group spent 30 minutes in church for a spiritual break.
Johnny McBride led the group in Lectio Divina backed by acoustic guitar.
They then all had a great lunch and had time to participate in arts and crafts, adoration, and fun time in the DayGlo gym!
The afternoon brought a wrap-up session with Kevin and a great witness story by Marion Alzuhairi who is an Iraqi refugee who became a refugee twice over before he and his family found freedom from persecution in the United States.
We wrapped up the day with a wonderful mass led by Bishop LaValley.
It was truly a great day and I want to thank all of those who attended, chaperoned, and volunteered as well as the DYC members and awesome exhibitors!
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YOUTH TODAY
ADDICTED TO FORTNITE!
In a recent news release, Prince Harry of England stated that "Fortnite should be banned".
Parents are finding that Fortnite's "Battle Royale" has now made it's way out of the digital world and into their homes as they fight with their children over "screen time". There are even gamer addiction programs popping up to help kids hooked on digital games, particularly Fortnite.
I found a great article online that really explains the dynamics of how Fortnite hooks kids and also provides some ways to help control or keep them from becoming "Gamer Addicts". I'll include the link below.
Drawing from my own experience with my child and with mentoring other young people I have found that, all they really desire is for you to stop and take time to acknowledge them, to love them. If we provide them with fulfilling relationships, and genuine human interactions they will be less attracted to what the digital realm offers. Which by the way, much like any other addictive substance or activity leads them to emptiness and darkness. Anybody remember the famous Disney movie, "Pinocchio" and the lure of "Pleasure Island".
LINK TO ARTICLE BELOW
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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 am very hopeful for the future of Youth Ministry in our Diocese! I have met many of you and I can see that we are a dedicated group of compassionate and caring individuals that want to bring the "Good News" to our young people. I am confident that you are all doing so on a daily basis. For that, I am truly grateful!
I want to help you take your ministry to a new level. I encourage you to reach out to me with ideas, concerns, and needs that you may have in your parishes.
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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