Team Youth News
A resource for Youth Ministers and Leaders
August 2019
BEAT ON THE STREET
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"Community Connections"
As the "Hands and Feet" of the Catholic church, it is vital for us as Youth Ministers to be engaged and relevant to the communities and Parishes we live in. By becoming active members of our communities, we increase our recognition as disciples of Christ walking with our young people as they journey in Faith. We also meet people who may want to become volunteers or provide much-needed resources. It's not always comfortable or easy to "put yourself out there" but, maybe the following few examples might help you to grow the church, and bring your community together without feeling like a "salesperson".
1.Participate In Local Events
Research local events -- such as festivals and community events that involve local businesses -- these events are a great place to get a booth and get to know the community. It raises awareness and provides a face for your Ministry. You can share takeaway content to help those you met remember you and come back to your online presence to learn more.
2. Show them what you're worth
Start by providing value to the leaders and community members. Once you show you are there to do good, these leaders will shout from the rooftops about you, and community members are much more likely to respond to your communications and outreach. i.e. community service with your youth.
3. Use Your Space To Inform Your Neighbors
Consider hosting events, training, and seminars in your parish hall, church or youth room. Give volunteers a chance to practice their pitches and teach about what they do best while promoting Youth Ministry. Limit the attendees to your space with an RSVP list and bring folks in via posts to local papers, meetups, and online happenings.
4. Let Ambassadors Lead The Way
Pulling together a dedicated and energized group of individuals (youth and adult) who will, as ambassadors of your church, go out and engage the people. Word of mouth, especially when it's passionate, is still one of the most effective ways to get folks interested and involved in just about anything.
With prayer, planning, patience and consistency you will reap the rewards of Community Connections.
Remember this: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" Matt 7:7
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PLEASE PUSH THESE EVENTS IN YOUR PARISHES!
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Faith, Ecology, and Leadership Retreat West
Saturday, Sep 7, 2019, 08:30 AM
Beaver Camp, Buck Point Road, Lowville, NY, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Faith, Ecology, and Leadership Retreat Central
Saturday, Sep 14, 2019, 10:00 AM
The Wild Center 45 Museum Drive Tupper Lake, NY 12986
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Faith, Ecology, and Leadership Retreat East
Saturday, Sep 28, 2019, 10:00 AM
Ausable Chasm 2144 Route 9 Ausable Chasm, NY 12911
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
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TIME TO "BRAINSTORM"
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 2, 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