Team Youth News
A resource for Youth Ministers and Leaders
June 2019
BEAT ON THE STREET
"Papa will you play with me?"
Little Tony loved to play. He especially loved to play with his father because he was the most fun person he knew. Little Tony would sit on the porch at 4:50 pm with his soccer ball in hand waiting for his dad to arrive home by 5:00 pm. When 5:00 pm came around, there appeared Papa, right on time. As Tony's Papa came up the stairs, he smiled and patted Little Tony's head, knelt down and said, "How's my little Tony". "Good Papa," said Tony. "Can we play today?" said Little Tony. Papa's face changed to a frown and he said, "Sorry not today Tony, I have to work". Tony then said, "but Papa you work every day and every night, can't you take a little time to play with me?" Papa's face became serious and he said, "My little Tony, I have to work to pay the bills and make a nice life for you and Mama, don't you want to have a nice life when you grow up?" Little Tony's mouth turned into a frown as he replied to his Papa, "Yes, Papa, I want a nice life when I grow up." "There Little Tony, see, your Papa loves you, maybe I can play with you another time." Said Papa. Little Tony tried to smile as Papa went into the kitchen. Little Tony thought to himself, "I wish Papa would play with me now, that would be a nice life, right NOW."
"It only takes a little Time to grow a lot of Love"
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WHO AM I ?
Teen Identity
The other day I found a nice article on "Teen's and their search for Identity". I found it quite helpful and I thought that I would share it with all of you. The author, Amy Bellows, Ph. D. describes 5 ways in which teens demonstrate their struggles with identity.
- Through status symbols
- Through forbidden behaviors
- Through rebellion
- Through idols
- Through cliquish exclusion
Amy then offers a few exercises you can do to help open up a discussion about identity building and values.
As you read through this article I encourage you to keep in mind how Jesus might "walk with the young people" when they are emersed in this difficult time of their lives.
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Let's give parents a helping hand
Let's face it, our world is becoming increasingly "busier". With all the after school and weekend activities available to our young people, many parents and guardians are having a real tough time building and strengthening the "home church". In essence, our kids are "losing touch" with their Faith. As I think about this I find myself wondering how as Youth Ministers, we can help parents in fostering a vibrant Domestic Church. I'm positive there are a varied number of ways to do so and it really depends on what resources are available to you, your talents, and most importantly how much time you can give. Whatever capacity you are able to Minister to parents, I feel you will need to consider these criteria.
More time for parents to engage their children directly, one on one.
- eg. Help a family by shopping for them once a month or, helping them with time-consuming home projects so they can have some family time together.
The desire and patience to practice their faith as a family "on the go".
- eg. Motivating parents on how to bring the church on the road with them at hockey tournaments, or football games, etc.
Ongoing religious education for parents
- eg. creating or attending Pastor approved "parent nights" to grow in faith, or attending the "Alpha" program if your Pastor offers it. (Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian Faith).
Since a large number of ministers and volunteers are parents themselves wouldn't it be incredible if we Ministered to each other in this way! We would, in essence, be creating an extended Domestic Church where all the young people would feel welcomed, be loved and grow spiritually. I pray for that day!
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LEAD EVENT JUST AROUND THE CORNER
A Life of Discipleship
Presenter: Julianne Stanz Director of Office of New Evangelization Diocese of Green Bay Author: DEVELOPING DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
I had the wonderful opportunity to see and hear Julianne at the NFCYM conference last December. I can't say enough of how much I enjoyed her stories and her presentation to all the Youth Ministers in attendance that day.
I can guarantee that you will walk away from this retreat with a rebooted perspective and a great big smile.
To register or learn more, please contact Shayne Lippincott at:
1-315-782-3620
A Life of Discipleship - Julianne Stanz
Tuesday, Jun 25, 2019, 07:00 PM
Edgewood Resort and Conference, Edgewood Park Road, Alexandria Bay, NY, USA
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CAMP GUGGENHEIM, A PLACE TO WALK WITH JESUS
Summer Camp is just around the corner and it is one of the most amazing experiences for the young people of our Diocese. I know many of you are quite familiar with camp and how great it is, and what a wonderful opportunity it is for young people to "Walk with Christ".
I want to ask all of you to do a little good work for the Lord, actually, just a little bit more good work for the Lord because I know you do so much already. When I visit different areas of the Diocese I see the wonderful young people with loving families who attend mass and participate in the Catholic community. I also see a lot of young people who are neglected, pushed aside, caught up in broken families and much worse. I'm asking you to open your arms and your hearts for these young people. Let's find a way to invite them to Camp Guggenheim this summer. Think about the joy they will have and the peace and love they will experience! Camp Guggenheim may be the only chance they get to experience the healing grace of Jesus Christ at this time in their lives. We all deserve the opportunity to know Jesus. You can be the " working hands" of the Lord today, right now!
Please feel free to reach out to me if you need any assistance in how to aid our young people in their Faith journey.
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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