Unfair
Many of the things surrounding Catholic Youth Ministry today could be considered unfair.
It’s unfair that we are trying to reach out to teens in a culture that is at times openly anti – Catholic. It’s unfair that Catholic youth ministry has to compete more and more with some schools for teens time even on Sunday. Sound like I’m whining? No way because it’s also unfair that in Catholic youth ministry...
Digital Story of the Nativity
I loved this video. Great way to image the birth of Jesus in our digital age...
Somebody Steals Baby Jesus Every Year
This year we haven’t seen the Nativity go up, so I asked them what was happening and they said “Somebody steals baby Jesus every year, so we decided to not put it up this year.” First of all, I thought how sad that the theft ruined it for many. I also thought about how many times, I have let someone steal baby Jesus from me...
New Roman Missal
As you probably already know, we will be preparing to implement the new Roman Missal one year from now, in Advent, 2011. This will be an issue of critical importance to catechists who will be on the front lines of teaching others about how to adapt to the changes in the texts of the prayers we say at Mass. The time between now and then is to be used for catechesis on the liturgy and on the new Roman Missal...
7 Things You Should Stop Doing at Work
Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
This Week Didn't Go As Planned
Sometimes in ministry, things can either go the way we plan them, or they can take an unexpected turn, for better or for worse. Although we can never plan for every minute to go exactly the way we want, God can. He will always know exactly what your youth group needs. There are a lot of things that can contribute to something not going according to your plan, but we just have to remember that God is in control...
My Ten Commandments of Discipleship
My guidelines and promises to myself in discipling others: 1. Thou shalt not bring thy own stuff into the relationship and make everything about you – So many times I see people do this and do it myself. Something the person I am discipling says triggers something I remember about my own life. It’s OK to share a story, but this can get out of hand quickly...
All Rights Reserved
Recently, I was asked to speak to a group of Music Ministers at a Musicians’ workshop. As I began to speak about the need to have a copyright license to reprint the lyrics to songs on a worship aide, suddenly the room became awkwardly silent. To my surprise, many musicians did not know about the need for licenses....
"When God calls you, you go!"
Those are the words of a 16-year-old aspirant arriving for her first day at the convent in Michigan. This young gal was among several -- including our own Mary Anne Marks! -- featured on today's episode of Oprah in a lovely follow-up to last winter's profile of the Dominican Sisters of Mary...
The Advent Conspiracy, 2010
From the folks behind the Advent Conspiracy, another powerful and provocative challenge to the world...
Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!
Sometimes in ministry, things can either go the way we plan them, or they can take an unexpected turn, for better or for worse. Although we can never plan for every minute to go exactly the way we want, God can. He will always know exactly what your youth group needs. There are a lot of things that can contribute to something not going according to your plan, but we just have to remember that God is in control...
My Ten Commandments of Discipleship
My guidelines and promises to myself in discipling others: 1. Thou shalt not bring thy own stuff into the relationship and make everything about you – So many times I see people do this and do it myself. Something the person I am discipling says triggers something I remember about my own life. It’s OK to share a story, but this can get out of hand quickly...
All Rights Reserved
Recently, I was asked to speak to a group of Music Ministers at a Musicians’ workshop. As I began to speak about the need to have a copyright license to reprint the lyrics to songs on a worship aide, suddenly the room became awkwardly silent. To my surprise, many musicians did not know about the need for licenses....
"When God calls you, you go!"
Those are the words of a 16-year-old aspirant arriving for her first day at the convent in Michigan. This young gal was among several -- including our own Mary Anne Marks! -- featured on today's episode of Oprah in a lovely follow-up to last winter's profile of the Dominican Sisters of Mary...
The Advent Conspiracy, 2010
From the folks behind the Advent Conspiracy, another powerful and provocative challenge to the world...
Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
They're back: Dominican Sisters appearing on Oprah again
The Dominican Sisters of Mary will be featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Tuesday, November 23rd. This is a new show that includes interviews with Mother Assumpta, Sr. Joseph Andrew, Sr. Mary Samuel, Sr. John Dominic and other Sisters; as well as on-site filming of the First and Final Profession Masses and this year's Entrance Day, during which we welcomed 22 Aspirants...
7 reasons to go to Confession
1. Priestly absolution is an awesome gift that Jesus gave us. Jesus gave us this Sacrament and wants us to enjoy His grace through it. He told His first priests, the Apostles: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins are forgiven (John 20:22)...
The Catholic Origins of Thanksgiving!
The history books will tell you that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the pilgrims in 1621. Not true. An interesting bit of trivia is that the first American Thanksgiving was actually celebrated on September 8, 1565 in St. Augustine, Florida. The Native Americans and Spanish settlers held a feast and the Holy Mass was offered...
Advent Message 2010
Each year the Church invites us to remind ourselves of God’s plan of salvation for us sinners. Each day throughout Advent we are presented with yet another prophet providing further insights into the Messiah who will be sent by God to take away our sins and to restore our friendship with God...
The story of Jonah like you've not heard it before
You need to set aside about 8 minutes... and listen... staying with it through the end... If only we were all as passionate and animated...
2010 KCYC Trailer
The Dominican Sisters of Mary will be featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Tuesday, November 23rd. This is a new show that includes interviews with Mother Assumpta, Sr. Joseph Andrew, Sr. Mary Samuel, Sr. John Dominic and other Sisters; as well as on-site filming of the First and Final Profession Masses and this year's Entrance Day, during which we welcomed 22 Aspirants...
7 reasons to go to Confession
1. Priestly absolution is an awesome gift that Jesus gave us. Jesus gave us this Sacrament and wants us to enjoy His grace through it. He told His first priests, the Apostles: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, their sins are forgiven (John 20:22)...
The Catholic Origins of Thanksgiving!
The history books will tell you that the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the pilgrims in 1621. Not true. An interesting bit of trivia is that the first American Thanksgiving was actually celebrated on September 8, 1565 in St. Augustine, Florida. The Native Americans and Spanish settlers held a feast and the Holy Mass was offered...
Advent Message 2010
Each year the Church invites us to remind ourselves of God’s plan of salvation for us sinners. Each day throughout Advent we are presented with yet another prophet providing further insights into the Messiah who will be sent by God to take away our sins and to restore our friendship with God...
The story of Jonah like you've not heard it before
You need to set aside about 8 minutes... and listen... staying with it through the end... If only we were all as passionate and animated...
2010 KCYC Trailer
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Stop Doing Everything Yourself
OK, I’m still not great at this and probably not even rated as “good,” either, but I do want to improve… A “how to delegate” article over at lifehacker (h/t to Monday Morning Insight) suggests that we need to know what you can delegate, then how to delegate, and then finally (always the hardest step), actually delegate....
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
After a recent Life Night, a Core Member and I were talking about the lack of respect that a particular teen had for the speaker that evening. That general lack of respect seems an overarching theme of our youth today. I commented to him that we have to earn their respect; there is none given until earned....
It's beginning to look a lot like...
…almost Advent. All right, all right, I know. It is way too early to start talking about Christmas, but can’t we start getting ready for getting ready? I mean, wouldn’t it be acceptable to prepare for our time of preparation? I can hardly wait to start waiting...
Well Said... So, What We Do We Do Now?
Kudos to NBC for running a series on The Today Show on the decline of civility. I missed this part of the series the other day, but Lisa gave me a heads-up and I found it online. It's worth passing on because it relates to our families, our parenting, our youth ministries, and what we do here at CPYU. Give it a look. . .
Awesome Middle School Football Trick Play
OK, I’m still not great at this and probably not even rated as “good,” either, but I do want to improve… A “how to delegate” article over at lifehacker (h/t to Monday Morning Insight) suggests that we need to know what you can delegate, then how to delegate, and then finally (always the hardest step), actually delegate....
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
After a recent Life Night, a Core Member and I were talking about the lack of respect that a particular teen had for the speaker that evening. That general lack of respect seems an overarching theme of our youth today. I commented to him that we have to earn their respect; there is none given until earned....
It's beginning to look a lot like...
…almost Advent. All right, all right, I know. It is way too early to start talking about Christmas, but can’t we start getting ready for getting ready? I mean, wouldn’t it be acceptable to prepare for our time of preparation? I can hardly wait to start waiting...
Well Said... So, What We Do We Do Now?
Kudos to NBC for running a series on The Today Show on the decline of civility. I missed this part of the series the other day, but Lisa gave me a heads-up and I found it online. It's worth passing on because it relates to our families, our parenting, our youth ministries, and what we do here at CPYU. Give it a look. . .
Awesome Middle School Football Trick Play
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
5 Keys to Big Event Planning
My primary role on the team is that of "Event Coordinator". I love pretty much everything about this role. Much of the organization and big picture thinking of events comes naturally to me and so, even though I feel like I'm making it up most of the time, I thought I'd start sharing some of my learnings here. So, what are the big 5 of Youth Ministry Event Planning...
Best Youth Ministry Blog Post of the Week
I hate them. I’ve pulled them off 10 year-old boys on my soccer teams, called out guys in our high school program for wearing them, and questioned girls who walk proudly with them on- the latest of which was earlier today...
What Would Joseph and Mary Tweet?
My primary role on the team is that of "Event Coordinator". I love pretty much everything about this role. Much of the organization and big picture thinking of events comes naturally to me and so, even though I feel like I'm making it up most of the time, I thought I'd start sharing some of my learnings here. So, what are the big 5 of Youth Ministry Event Planning...
Best Youth Ministry Blog Post of the Week
I hate them. I’ve pulled them off 10 year-old boys on my soccer teams, called out guys in our high school program for wearing them, and questioned girls who walk proudly with them on- the latest of which was earlier today...
What Would Joseph and Mary Tweet?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Healthy Youth Ministry requires healthy Youth Ministers
Youth Ministry necessitates some really odd hours. Long after the Parish secretary has rolled the phones to voice mail, you’re trying to track down 50 pens that actually write or 20 Bibles that never made their way back to the bookcase. By the time the last teen is picked up, the last door gets locked and the last parking lot conversation ends, your last brain cell is running on overdrive....
How to Succeed in Ministry
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a number of young people ask my advice on how to “do what I do”, namely, being someone who travels around the country/world as a speaker or be successful at playing music/making CDs, etc. My first response, which I think is the most important, is: I’m probably not as “successful” as you think...
Promote Vocations
The Diocese of Austin posted this list of 100 suggestion of how to promote vocations. They included: # 5 Provide Eucharistic adoration on certain days, asking for prayers for vocations. #23 Do something creative! One parish hung a priest’s cassock and a sister’s habit in the church for prayer until someone from the parish decided to pursue a vocation. It worked!
The Chilean Miners - What Catholic Families Can Learn
The past day I have watched as 33 miners were pulled from a half mile beneath the earth in a small rocket looking carrier to the surface. They spent over 2 month’s underground. What intrigued me most was hearing how they survived the ordeal so well. I thought of Catholic families today and all the obstacles we face and how the miners survival instincts might benefit us all...
2 Corinthians 11 & 12, if Paul had been a Youth Worker
Youth Ministry necessitates some really odd hours. Long after the Parish secretary has rolled the phones to voice mail, you’re trying to track down 50 pens that actually write or 20 Bibles that never made their way back to the bookcase. By the time the last teen is picked up, the last door gets locked and the last parking lot conversation ends, your last brain cell is running on overdrive....
How to Succeed in Ministry
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a number of young people ask my advice on how to “do what I do”, namely, being someone who travels around the country/world as a speaker or be successful at playing music/making CDs, etc. My first response, which I think is the most important, is: I’m probably not as “successful” as you think...
Promote Vocations
The Diocese of Austin posted this list of 100 suggestion of how to promote vocations. They included: # 5 Provide Eucharistic adoration on certain days, asking for prayers for vocations. #23 Do something creative! One parish hung a priest’s cassock and a sister’s habit in the church for prayer until someone from the parish decided to pursue a vocation. It worked!
The Chilean Miners - What Catholic Families Can Learn
The past day I have watched as 33 miners were pulled from a half mile beneath the earth in a small rocket looking carrier to the surface. They spent over 2 month’s underground. What intrigued me most was hearing how they survived the ordeal so well. I thought of Catholic families today and all the obstacles we face and how the miners survival instincts might benefit us all...
2 Corinthians 11 & 12, if Paul had been a Youth Worker
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Diffusing Angry Parents
There are few things that give me that uneasy feeling more than the flashing voicemail light the morning after a Youth Event. Things didn’t go well, you might have brought the students back an hour late, lost your temper with a kid, allowed a trout to be thrown across the gym and land in the church’s air intake vent. These things happen, and they can really put a bee in the bonnet of a parent or colleague. Here are 4 proven ways to diffuse a hostile and angry person or situation...
In My Wildest Dreams
I’ve often imagined that something amazing happens to me and a reporter asks the question, “Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, think this would happen?”And I would answer yes. Because I have very wild dreams...
Living Out Loud
Remember the first ten minutes or so of "Up"? At this point, those who saw the movie are sighing, "Oh, I cried!" Come on: admit it. I did too. The story of Carl and Ellie was magical in its simplicity and universality. Without ever speaking a word, they give us a sense of their love for one another, their commitment to one another, their absolute fidelity and willingness to give anything for each other...
When God Says "No"
It is common for all of us to have to struggle as to the great mystery of God’s providence and will. If it is not our own struggle then we must often commiserate with others who are in distress. Some will say to me, “I’ve been praying, Father. Nothing seems to happen.” I am not always sure what to say and God doesn’t often explain why we must suffer, or why he delays, or why he says, “No.”...
How to Pray the Rosary Well
Armless Pianist Wins China's Got Talent
There are few things that give me that uneasy feeling more than the flashing voicemail light the morning after a Youth Event. Things didn’t go well, you might have brought the students back an hour late, lost your temper with a kid, allowed a trout to be thrown across the gym and land in the church’s air intake vent. These things happen, and they can really put a bee in the bonnet of a parent or colleague. Here are 4 proven ways to diffuse a hostile and angry person or situation...
In My Wildest Dreams
I’ve often imagined that something amazing happens to me and a reporter asks the question, “Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, think this would happen?”And I would answer yes. Because I have very wild dreams...
Living Out Loud
Remember the first ten minutes or so of "Up"? At this point, those who saw the movie are sighing, "Oh, I cried!" Come on: admit it. I did too. The story of Carl and Ellie was magical in its simplicity and universality. Without ever speaking a word, they give us a sense of their love for one another, their commitment to one another, their absolute fidelity and willingness to give anything for each other...
When God Says "No"
It is common for all of us to have to struggle as to the great mystery of God’s providence and will. If it is not our own struggle then we must often commiserate with others who are in distress. Some will say to me, “I’ve been praying, Father. Nothing seems to happen.” I am not always sure what to say and God doesn’t often explain why we must suffer, or why he delays, or why he says, “No.”...
How to Pray the Rosary Well
Armless Pianist Wins China's Got Talent
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Diocese Purchases Downtown Landmark for Diocesan Center
The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph announced October 1 that it has purchased property in downtown Kansas City for use as a diocesan center. The historic New York Life building at 20 W. Ninth Street will be the future home of diocesan and Catholic Charities offices which are currently spread across three locations in the city...
Help for New Youth Ministers
A few weeks ago my diocese hosted a new youth minister orientation. As I prepared for the day, it brought back a number of memories of my first years in parish life. There was a certainly a steep learning curve that first year and, honestly, in subsequent years as well...
Getting Ready
I love watching Ray Lewis play. He brings an intensity to the game that, despite having done this so many times before, and play after play, is as if he had hopped fresh off the bench after college...
What's the point of CCD?
There has been much discussion of the new Pew "Religious Knowledge Survey" in which atheists and Mormons outpaced everyone else and Catholics, as a whole, came in last. These results were given a poignant concreteness when a commenter on the Dotcommonweal blog decided this morning to ask her son the questions that the Pew surveyers asked. The result?...
Schedule for KCYC!
Rosary Prayers Wordsearch Puzzles
The Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph announced October 1 that it has purchased property in downtown Kansas City for use as a diocesan center. The historic New York Life building at 20 W. Ninth Street will be the future home of diocesan and Catholic Charities offices which are currently spread across three locations in the city...
Help for New Youth Ministers
A few weeks ago my diocese hosted a new youth minister orientation. As I prepared for the day, it brought back a number of memories of my first years in parish life. There was a certainly a steep learning curve that first year and, honestly, in subsequent years as well...
Getting Ready
I love watching Ray Lewis play. He brings an intensity to the game that, despite having done this so many times before, and play after play, is as if he had hopped fresh off the bench after college...
What's the point of CCD?
There has been much discussion of the new Pew "Religious Knowledge Survey" in which atheists and Mormons outpaced everyone else and Catholics, as a whole, came in last. These results were given a poignant concreteness when a commenter on the Dotcommonweal blog decided this morning to ask her son the questions that the Pew surveyers asked. The result?...
Schedule for KCYC!
Rosary Prayers Wordsearch Puzzles
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
High Fives All Around
As I have grown up, I have learned many things about myself, that I love people, love Jesus and that when it comes to being loved, my primary love language is physical touch. I have been in Youth Ministry for 10 years now and as all of us can agree, if there is one thing students love to do it is flirt and hug each other...
Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior in Middle School Youth
No one ever signs up to be a youth minister for the joy of being a disciplinarian. It is, however, one of those areas that come with the territory. Individual behavior like anger, negative comments, hitting, personal boundary issues and bullying are just a few common issues you may face in your middle school youth group. These issues, if not dealt with, can draw other youth into participating in the same disruptive behavior...
1 Kings 19 for Youth Workers
And the word of the LORD came to him (or her): “What are you doing here, Youth Worker?” Youth Worker replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The teenagers (or the people of this church, or the staff of this church) have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”...
Granularity of Prayer
I spend a lot of time thinking about how prayers of petition work. On the one hand, I know that we are supposed to ask God for what we want, and that he does “answer prayers” in the sense of granting our requests. On the other hand, it couldn’t possibly work that way all the time. After all, if God were to give each of us every single thing we ever asked for, he wouldn’t be an omnipotent God; we’d be gods, and he’d be a wish-granting genie...
Your Kid's an All Star? Wow! Someday He'll Be Average Like the Rest of Us
The church in America is puzzled. Young adults are leaving in droves. Magazines, books and blogs are wagging the finger of blame to point out who is responsible. Some say it is a failure of youth ministry, some point to church budgets and some nail the blame on outdated, unhip worship services. We parents are shocked that our kids just really aren’t all that into Jesus...
As I have grown up, I have learned many things about myself, that I love people, love Jesus and that when it comes to being loved, my primary love language is physical touch. I have been in Youth Ministry for 10 years now and as all of us can agree, if there is one thing students love to do it is flirt and hug each other...
Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior in Middle School Youth
No one ever signs up to be a youth minister for the joy of being a disciplinarian. It is, however, one of those areas that come with the territory. Individual behavior like anger, negative comments, hitting, personal boundary issues and bullying are just a few common issues you may face in your middle school youth group. These issues, if not dealt with, can draw other youth into participating in the same disruptive behavior...
1 Kings 19 for Youth Workers
And the word of the LORD came to him (or her): “What are you doing here, Youth Worker?” Youth Worker replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The teenagers (or the people of this church, or the staff of this church) have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”...
Granularity of Prayer
I spend a lot of time thinking about how prayers of petition work. On the one hand, I know that we are supposed to ask God for what we want, and that he does “answer prayers” in the sense of granting our requests. On the other hand, it couldn’t possibly work that way all the time. After all, if God were to give each of us every single thing we ever asked for, he wouldn’t be an omnipotent God; we’d be gods, and he’d be a wish-granting genie...
Your Kid's an All Star? Wow! Someday He'll Be Average Like the Rest of Us
The church in America is puzzled. Young adults are leaving in droves. Magazines, books and blogs are wagging the finger of blame to point out who is responsible. Some say it is a failure of youth ministry, some point to church budgets and some nail the blame on outdated, unhip worship services. We parents are shocked that our kids just really aren’t all that into Jesus...
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Youth Ministers - Hot Tubs and Pizzas Aren't the Best Ways to Appeal to Teens
Dear Denys: I am a youth minister with a recently-completed Master’s degree, and I work in a thriving large parish. I can’t figure out why more kids don’t seem to want to come to our programs, so I wanted to try something new for the kick-off this year: a hot tub pizza-party.
Rites of Passage Project
Really interested in this new (and totally free) resource site called Rites of Passage. It was designed by youth workers and caring adults at New Vision Church to help parents celebrate and make memorable the rites of physical and spiritual passage of their children. Love it!
Look Into Your Heart
Today, the Pope celebrated Mass at Westminster Cathedral. At the end of Mass Pope Benedict came down the length of the Cathedral to the steps which lead into the Piazza where 2,500 young people predominantly aged 16 – 20 gathered. The pope spoke briefly to them.
What Do You Make?
This is not only for school teachers at the beginning of the academic year, but because we in the Catholic Youth Ministry game have a something to teach as well. Here is an office-friendly version of this Taylor Mail’s presentation that has already well gone viral on the web.
The Theology of Marriage, Danced
Conserve Water, or the Fish Will Die
Dear Denys: I am a youth minister with a recently-completed Master’s degree, and I work in a thriving large parish. I can’t figure out why more kids don’t seem to want to come to our programs, so I wanted to try something new for the kick-off this year: a hot tub pizza-party.
Rites of Passage Project
Really interested in this new (and totally free) resource site called Rites of Passage. It was designed by youth workers and caring adults at New Vision Church to help parents celebrate and make memorable the rites of physical and spiritual passage of their children. Love it!
Look Into Your Heart
Today, the Pope celebrated Mass at Westminster Cathedral. At the end of Mass Pope Benedict came down the length of the Cathedral to the steps which lead into the Piazza where 2,500 young people predominantly aged 16 – 20 gathered. The pope spoke briefly to them.
What Do You Make?
This is not only for school teachers at the beginning of the academic year, but because we in the Catholic Youth Ministry game have a something to teach as well. Here is an office-friendly version of this Taylor Mail’s presentation that has already well gone viral on the web.
The Theology of Marriage, Danced
Conserve Water, or the Fish Will Die
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Beatitudes for Those Working with The Young Church
Blessed are you who give your lives to serve young people, especially when your efforts don’t seem to bear fruit, for you possess the generous spirit of Christ. Blessed are you when you feel patronized by those insisting that you just “play with kids”, “Only work from 8-3 and get three months of summer vacation” for you do have A REAL JOB and yours is the humility of Christ...
Is Your Youth Ministry at Your Parish Worth Writing Home About?
My wife recently drove two of my teens to a neighboring parish that had a contest where the teen who brought the most friends would win an iPad. When our teens returned home, they said it was fun, but lacked depth and basically told me “it was nothing to write home about”. I thought to myself how sad this was, the parish was creative enough to come up with the iPad idea, but when the large group of teens showed up they were left underwhelmed...
The God of Discomfort
God doesn’t call us to a life of comfort. Recently, when I spend time in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit has illuminated in me this truth in a brand new way. God doesn’t call us to live a comfortable life. He calls us to a radically life of discomfort. I tend to think that since I’m typically comfortable in life, the people God lifted up to me as examples must have lived equally comfortable lives, right? Wrong. Jonah’s calling to Ninevah was uncomfortable. (His running from that calling was equally uncomfortable.)...
Quick Tip: Know Everything with MonkeySee
Youth ministries have a bad reputation for being underfunded and understaffed because they often are. That probably translates into you needing to do everything from fix the hole in the wall that happened during a wild game of pin the pool stick on the Jr Higher last week to installing a new hard drive in the Pentium II youth machine. If you don’t know how to do everything, you will at some point need to use MonkeySee.
What if the Gospels were Blogs?
Words that Don't Exist in the English Language
Blessed are you who give your lives to serve young people, especially when your efforts don’t seem to bear fruit, for you possess the generous spirit of Christ. Blessed are you when you feel patronized by those insisting that you just “play with kids”, “Only work from 8-3 and get three months of summer vacation” for you do have A REAL JOB and yours is the humility of Christ...
Is Your Youth Ministry at Your Parish Worth Writing Home About?
My wife recently drove two of my teens to a neighboring parish that had a contest where the teen who brought the most friends would win an iPad. When our teens returned home, they said it was fun, but lacked depth and basically told me “it was nothing to write home about”. I thought to myself how sad this was, the parish was creative enough to come up with the iPad idea, but when the large group of teens showed up they were left underwhelmed...
The God of Discomfort
God doesn’t call us to a life of comfort. Recently, when I spend time in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit has illuminated in me this truth in a brand new way. God doesn’t call us to live a comfortable life. He calls us to a radically life of discomfort. I tend to think that since I’m typically comfortable in life, the people God lifted up to me as examples must have lived equally comfortable lives, right? Wrong. Jonah’s calling to Ninevah was uncomfortable. (His running from that calling was equally uncomfortable.)...
Quick Tip: Know Everything with MonkeySee
Youth ministries have a bad reputation for being underfunded and understaffed because they often are. That probably translates into you needing to do everything from fix the hole in the wall that happened during a wild game of pin the pool stick on the Jr Higher last week to installing a new hard drive in the Pentium II youth machine. If you don’t know how to do everything, you will at some point need to use MonkeySee.
What if the Gospels were Blogs?
Words that Don't Exist in the English Language
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I'm Not Good at Praying
Prayer is beautiful in the simplicity of its core meaning, especially as we try to share with kids what prayer is and how to pray. Prayer is also beautiful in its rich depth and complexity of variation. Really, we could spend hundreds or thousands of hours discussing, practicing, and learning about different ways of praying (i.e. communicating with God). When it comes to leading prayer, you, your leaders, or your t[w]eens might feel uncomfortable, awkward, afraid, and/or like you're "not good at it"...Message for World Youth Day 2011
VATICAN CITY, 3 SEP 2010 (VIS) - "Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith" is the title of the Message of Benedict XVI for the twenty-sixth World Youth Day, which is due to be celebrated in the Spanish capital Madrid during the month of August 2011...
Avoiding Burnout: Answers from I Love Lucy
Ministry can often feel like Lucy and Ethel’s conveyer belt of chocolates. Things start off slow and we are confident in our abilities. Soon, things speed up and the only word to come out of our mouth is “yes” and suddenly we are in charge of half the ministries in the Church...
Roman Missal: An Educational Journey
We’re about to embark on a great, broad-based education campaign in the Catholic Church. It involves the introduction of the English-language translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal. The church has 16 months to get priests and people in the United States ready to pray reverently, intelligently and together at Mass...
How to Adjust Privacy Settings for Facebook Places
Prayer is beautiful in the simplicity of its core meaning, especially as we try to share with kids what prayer is and how to pray. Prayer is also beautiful in its rich depth and complexity of variation. Really, we could spend hundreds or thousands of hours discussing, practicing, and learning about different ways of praying (i.e. communicating with God). When it comes to leading prayer, you, your leaders, or your t[w]eens might feel uncomfortable, awkward, afraid, and/or like you're "not good at it"...Message for World Youth Day 2011
VATICAN CITY, 3 SEP 2010 (VIS) - "Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith" is the title of the Message of Benedict XVI for the twenty-sixth World Youth Day, which is due to be celebrated in the Spanish capital Madrid during the month of August 2011...
Avoiding Burnout: Answers from I Love Lucy
Ministry can often feel like Lucy and Ethel’s conveyer belt of chocolates. Things start off slow and we are confident in our abilities. Soon, things speed up and the only word to come out of our mouth is “yes” and suddenly we are in charge of half the ministries in the Church...
Roman Missal: An Educational Journey
We’re about to embark on a great, broad-based education campaign in the Catholic Church. It involves the introduction of the English-language translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal. The church has 16 months to get priests and people in the United States ready to pray reverently, intelligently and together at Mass...
How to Adjust Privacy Settings for Facebook Places
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
How to Really Connect with Students
Percentage of 15-year-olds who say adults take these actions, if adults 'get them'...
OSV's Catholic Guide to the Internet - Reader's Choice
The number of Catholic-oriented websites has exploded, and keeping track of the ones that are truly useful gets harder as they proliferate. Some sites are obvious keepers, but what about those hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered by a broader audience...
Eucharist is Jesus' greatest gift to us, teaches Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI underscored the importance of the Eucharist on Wednesday as a "treasure whose value cannot be measured." Illustrating a young third century martyr's dedication to the Body of Christ, he exhorted the tens of thousands of altar servers present at the audience to also give their lives in service to the Lord...
How to Stay Focused When Plans Keep Changing
I’m a planner. I like checklists and itineraries and schedules. Give me a map and I’ll plod along, one foot in front of the other, until we reach our destination. Of course, life isn’t always so easy...
Facebook Saves a Teacher
Kenneth Howell was booted from his job at the University of Illinois for teaching Catholicism. His job at the University of Illinois, as it happens, was teaching Catholicism...
Percentage of 15-year-olds who say adults take these actions, if adults 'get them'...
OSV's Catholic Guide to the Internet - Reader's Choice
The number of Catholic-oriented websites has exploded, and keeping track of the ones that are truly useful gets harder as they proliferate. Some sites are obvious keepers, but what about those hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered by a broader audience...
Eucharist is Jesus' greatest gift to us, teaches Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI underscored the importance of the Eucharist on Wednesday as a "treasure whose value cannot be measured." Illustrating a young third century martyr's dedication to the Body of Christ, he exhorted the tens of thousands of altar servers present at the audience to also give their lives in service to the Lord...
How to Stay Focused When Plans Keep Changing
I’m a planner. I like checklists and itineraries and schedules. Give me a map and I’ll plod along, one foot in front of the other, until we reach our destination. Of course, life isn’t always so easy...
Facebook Saves a Teacher
Kenneth Howell was booted from his job at the University of Illinois for teaching Catholicism. His job at the University of Illinois, as it happens, was teaching Catholicism...
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
5 Things that Teens are Counting On
In the Northern Hemisphere, Teens will be heading back to school and heading back to a parish this fall. As a companion of teens on their faith journey, there are some basic things that teens are counting on you doing and being. Here are 5 things that teens are counting on from you...
Why Teenagers?
As the former preaching pastor of a thriving church who has intentionally chosen the ministry pathway of working with the hormone/adrenalin saturated segment of the church-going population (aka “teenagers), I often get asked why in one way or another...
Communion = Involving Others
If you've not seen the new movie, "Despicable Me," yet, then you're in for a treat when you do. It tells the tale of an "evil" genius, Gru, who is competing with other evil geniuses for attention and infamy. The whole movie is fun...
Wherever He Puts Us... Whatever It Takes...
I saw something amazing while we were on vacation a couple of weeks ago. Lisa and I took an afternoon to explore Swallow Falls State Park. The short trail that led to the falls wound through some woods populated by huge Hemlock trees, rolling terrain, and some very, very large rocks. Our little hike was filled with one awe-inspiring sight, sound, and smell after another...
50 Maxims for becoming a Saint! (from St. Alphonsus Liguori)
How to Win Rock-Paper-Scissors Every Time
In the Northern Hemisphere, Teens will be heading back to school and heading back to a parish this fall. As a companion of teens on their faith journey, there are some basic things that teens are counting on you doing and being. Here are 5 things that teens are counting on from you...
Why Teenagers?
As the former preaching pastor of a thriving church who has intentionally chosen the ministry pathway of working with the hormone/adrenalin saturated segment of the church-going population (aka “teenagers), I often get asked why in one way or another...
Communion = Involving Others
If you've not seen the new movie, "Despicable Me," yet, then you're in for a treat when you do. It tells the tale of an "evil" genius, Gru, who is competing with other evil geniuses for attention and infamy. The whole movie is fun...
Wherever He Puts Us... Whatever It Takes...
I saw something amazing while we were on vacation a couple of weeks ago. Lisa and I took an afternoon to explore Swallow Falls State Park. The short trail that led to the falls wound through some woods populated by huge Hemlock trees, rolling terrain, and some very, very large rocks. Our little hike was filled with one awe-inspiring sight, sound, and smell after another...
50 Maxims for becoming a Saint! (from St. Alphonsus Liguori)
How to Win Rock-Paper-Scissors Every Time
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Hole in the Roof
I don’t think I ever took the time to explain its title, “From a Hole in the Roof.” It refers to the story in the Gospel where four guys take a sick friend to the house where Jesus is teaching. I’ve always believed (though there is no biblical evidence to support this) that the four men on the roof were probably youth ministers and the man on the mat was probably a teenager...
It Goes with the Territory
When I was growing up almost every time I would whine and complain about something, my dad would simply say – “It goes with the territory." The reality for us in Catholic youth ministry is that there are a lot of potentially unpleasant things we face simply because it goes with the territory...
Into the Examen
Young people - teenagers especially - find themselves in the situation of this boy all the time: stressing over what's next and what's to come. Many times, it is all drama and every test, every encounter seems like it is life-changing - or life-ending. The video illustrates the value of prayer - whatever form that may take...
The Summer Time Cure
Do parents a favor. It’s already been a long hot summer in most of the country and we still have got more to go. E-mail or place in the parish bulletin this video link...
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
I don’t think I ever took the time to explain its title, “From a Hole in the Roof.” It refers to the story in the Gospel where four guys take a sick friend to the house where Jesus is teaching. I’ve always believed (though there is no biblical evidence to support this) that the four men on the roof were probably youth ministers and the man on the mat was probably a teenager...
It Goes with the Territory
When I was growing up almost every time I would whine and complain about something, my dad would simply say – “It goes with the territory." The reality for us in Catholic youth ministry is that there are a lot of potentially unpleasant things we face simply because it goes with the territory...
Into the Examen
Young people - teenagers especially - find themselves in the situation of this boy all the time: stressing over what's next and what's to come. Many times, it is all drama and every test, every encounter seems like it is life-changing - or life-ending. The video illustrates the value of prayer - whatever form that may take...
The Summer Time Cure
Do parents a favor. It’s already been a long hot summer in most of the country and we still have got more to go. E-mail or place in the parish bulletin this video link...
Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Unchaining Confirmation
Given all that we now know about adolescent spirituality, good catechesis and youth
ministry, how can we enhance Confirmation’s potential to be a more formative
experience in the lives of young people?...
5 Ways to reach New Depths in Prayer with Middle School Youth
Recently, I was struck by our 8th graders who were able to enter into Eucharistic Adoration so prayerfully during our annual 8th grade “Welcome to Life” Retreat. It occurred to me that their prayer resembled that of an upperclassmen’s...
An Organic and Comprehensive Ministry for Youth
The USCCB document, Renewing the Vision, listed eight necessary components of youth ministry: advocacy, catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. But many don’t understand how they should connect with each other....
Missouri
And we are off on our annual summer tour again. Our goal: to discern the State of Youth Ministry by scanning diocesan web-sites via a state-by-state virtual visitation. Our tour continues, which leads to another return stop-over to Missouri.
Distinguishing Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding
Given all that we now know about adolescent spirituality, good catechesis and youth
ministry, how can we enhance Confirmation’s potential to be a more formative
experience in the lives of young people?...
5 Ways to reach New Depths in Prayer with Middle School Youth
Recently, I was struck by our 8th graders who were able to enter into Eucharistic Adoration so prayerfully during our annual 8th grade “Welcome to Life” Retreat. It occurred to me that their prayer resembled that of an upperclassmen’s...
An Organic and Comprehensive Ministry for Youth
The USCCB document, Renewing the Vision, listed eight necessary components of youth ministry: advocacy, catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. But many don’t understand how they should connect with each other....
Missouri
And we are off on our annual summer tour again. Our goal: to discern the State of Youth Ministry by scanning diocesan web-sites via a state-by-state virtual visitation. Our tour continues, which leads to another return stop-over to Missouri.
Distinguishing Knowledge, Wisdom and Understanding
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Grading on a Curve: Critical Questions to Ask When Evaluating Your Ministry
Right at this moment, stop and rate your youth ministry program on a scale of 1-10. What rating did you give? Better yet, why did you give the ministry that ranking? When we evaluate our ministries, there are several factors that we use to judge its “successfulness.”...
Getting the Most Out of Youth Group Games
This week over at YouthMinistry.com there was a great series of articles on using games in youth ministry. Part one...
Trading Heroes for Ghosts
In "Toy Story 3," the toys find themselves donated to a local daycare center. They are greeted warmly by the toys who already live there, and they begin to look forward to their new, utopian life, being played with all the time by kids who truly appreciate them. It seems that they have gone to toy heaven...
The Volunteer
Another really great video from YS. Maybe rip it and show it at your next volunteer meeting to remind them that what they do matters...
Dog vs. Vuvuzela - Dog Wins
Funny Church Sign
Right at this moment, stop and rate your youth ministry program on a scale of 1-10. What rating did you give? Better yet, why did you give the ministry that ranking? When we evaluate our ministries, there are several factors that we use to judge its “successfulness.”...
Getting the Most Out of Youth Group Games
This week over at YouthMinistry.com there was a great series of articles on using games in youth ministry. Part one...
Trading Heroes for Ghosts
In "Toy Story 3," the toys find themselves donated to a local daycare center. They are greeted warmly by the toys who already live there, and they begin to look forward to their new, utopian life, being played with all the time by kids who truly appreciate them. It seems that they have gone to toy heaven...
The Volunteer
Another really great video from YS. Maybe rip it and show it at your next volunteer meeting to remind them that what they do matters...
Dog vs. Vuvuzela - Dog Wins
Funny Church Sign
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Rooted in Faith
In the new "Toy Story" film, the toys face the fact that their boy, Andy, has grown up and is heading off to college. The movie opens with Andy and his mother sorting through his stuff, deciding what gets thrown out, what gets stored and what gets kept...
Great (short!) Youth Ministry Training Podcast
I’ve been involved in a project to provide free Youth Ministry resources online at umyouthpastor.com for a while now. We thought about doing a training podcast for a while, but wanted to make sure that we were adding something worthwhile rather than just creating more work for ourselves...
The Hidden and Mysterious Word in the Lord's Prayer
In the Gospel for today’s Mass the Lord gives us the most familiar prayer of all, the “Lord’s Prayer.” It is a prayer shared by and prized by all Christians. Few if any have not committed to memory. Yet hidden within the Lord’s prayer is a mysterious word that both Greek and Biblical scholars have little agreement over or even a clear understanding of in terms of its precise meaning...
Generation Porn - Where Will it End?
A couple of weeks ago I was in the car with my 17-year-old son Nate and one of his classmates. It was early on a Saturday morning and we were driving to a lacrosse tournament. At one point we hit a several mile stretch that serves as a window into a dark - yet increasingly acceptable and rapidly growing – part of our culture...
Chronicles of Narnia Trailer
In the new "Toy Story" film, the toys face the fact that their boy, Andy, has grown up and is heading off to college. The movie opens with Andy and his mother sorting through his stuff, deciding what gets thrown out, what gets stored and what gets kept...
Great (short!) Youth Ministry Training Podcast
I’ve been involved in a project to provide free Youth Ministry resources online at umyouthpastor.com for a while now. We thought about doing a training podcast for a while, but wanted to make sure that we were adding something worthwhile rather than just creating more work for ourselves...
The Hidden and Mysterious Word in the Lord's Prayer
In the Gospel for today’s Mass the Lord gives us the most familiar prayer of all, the “Lord’s Prayer.” It is a prayer shared by and prized by all Christians. Few if any have not committed to memory. Yet hidden within the Lord’s prayer is a mysterious word that both Greek and Biblical scholars have little agreement over or even a clear understanding of in terms of its precise meaning...
Generation Porn - Where Will it End?
A couple of weeks ago I was in the car with my 17-year-old son Nate and one of his classmates. It was early on a Saturday morning and we were driving to a lacrosse tournament. At one point we hit a several mile stretch that serves as a window into a dark - yet increasingly acceptable and rapidly growing – part of our culture...
Chronicles of Narnia Trailer
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Letter to our Graduating Seniors
This year we gave all of our seniors a copy of the book Wide Awake by Erwin McManus and inside was a letter from our team. Everyone signed it, and gave it to the seniors: Dear Senior,...
Grass, Graduations And The Song Stuck In My Head...
As if there isn't already enough weirdness about me that's evident to those who know me, let me reveal two little idiosyncrasies that to this point have remained locked in my brain and therefore, known only to me. Both have to do with time...
Church Poster Showing Jesus in the Womb
Protestant churches have been accused of political naivety over an advertising campaign that depicts the baby Jesus in the Virgin Mary's womb, because of its similarity to imagery used by the anti-abortion lobby.
Vatican reveals its favorites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
Just hours before the start of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Osservatore Romano has revealed the Vatican's picks for favorites in the competition...
Prayer is Free
Crazy Video: How to Pull Out a Tooth with a Rocket
This year we gave all of our seniors a copy of the book Wide Awake by Erwin McManus and inside was a letter from our team. Everyone signed it, and gave it to the seniors: Dear Senior,...
Grass, Graduations And The Song Stuck In My Head...
As if there isn't already enough weirdness about me that's evident to those who know me, let me reveal two little idiosyncrasies that to this point have remained locked in my brain and therefore, known only to me. Both have to do with time...
Church Poster Showing Jesus in the Womb
Protestant churches have been accused of political naivety over an advertising campaign that depicts the baby Jesus in the Virgin Mary's womb, because of its similarity to imagery used by the anti-abortion lobby.
Vatican reveals its favorites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
Just hours before the start of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the Osservatore Romano has revealed the Vatican's picks for favorites in the competition...
Prayer is Free
Crazy Video: How to Pull Out a Tooth with a Rocket
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The "Come To Us" Model and Why it is Not Cutting it in Catholic Youth Ministry
Is youth ministry at your parish completely dependent on teens just showing up – the “Come to Us” Model? Are you operating out of the pseudo “Field of Dreams Model” of build it and they will come? Sad news is that these models aren’t as effective any more...
Out Of Place
Gwen had graduated two days before, but without even thinking she showed up at church and went through her normal routine: standing outside the high school youth group room, talking and laughing with a few of her friends from the youth group. When the leader called the meeting to order...
Fixing the Ceiling Tiles
I was playing ping pong with Jon the other day when we stumbled on an interesting learning moment. About halfway through the match we noticed that a ton of the ceiling tiles above the tables were out of place. Not a couple of them, but about half of them...
Here's one flight attendant who will never forget this particular flight
I boarded an early morning flight to return home, following a Catholics Come Home presentation in Wichita the night before. After take-off and the beverage service, I took a second to thank the two hard-working flight attendants for their exceptional hospitality...
Vatican Schedules 9 New Beatifications
The Vatican has announced that nine beatifications have been scheduled for the months of June through November...
Jessica's Daily Affirmation
iPhone Worship Band
Is youth ministry at your parish completely dependent on teens just showing up – the “Come to Us” Model? Are you operating out of the pseudo “Field of Dreams Model” of build it and they will come? Sad news is that these models aren’t as effective any more...
Out Of Place
Gwen had graduated two days before, but without even thinking she showed up at church and went through her normal routine: standing outside the high school youth group room, talking and laughing with a few of her friends from the youth group. When the leader called the meeting to order...
Fixing the Ceiling Tiles
I was playing ping pong with Jon the other day when we stumbled on an interesting learning moment. About halfway through the match we noticed that a ton of the ceiling tiles above the tables were out of place. Not a couple of them, but about half of them...
Here's one flight attendant who will never forget this particular flight
I boarded an early morning flight to return home, following a Catholics Come Home presentation in Wichita the night before. After take-off and the beverage service, I took a second to thank the two hard-working flight attendants for their exceptional hospitality...
Vatican Schedules 9 New Beatifications
The Vatican has announced that nine beatifications have been scheduled for the months of June through November...
Jessica's Daily Affirmation
iPhone Worship Band
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
But You Better Hurry
The folks at Student Life just put together this great video regarding youth culture and our response as church. The video helps us take a momentary pause in the hurried-up world of young people and reminds us not to just blindly judge where the kids are at...
The Theology of Randomness: how useless knowledge can be useful in ministry
I love useless knowledge. I could read random bits of trivia all day. One of the reasons that I love Sacred Scripture so much is because there are so many random, seemingly unimportant details found in its pages...
Jesus' Ascension gives a foretaste of life in Heaven, teaches Pope Benedict
Speaking to the throng gathered in St. Peter's Square before the Regina Coeli on Sunday, the Holy Father referred to the day's Gospel reading in which Jesus departs from the disciples. The Ascension, he said, permits us to "foretaste" the divine life from here on earth...
My Dad - Call Him "Father"
On June 12, Archbishop O'Brien will celebrate a rather unique ordination. Two years ago, John Rapisarda was ordained to the priesthood - the only priestly ordination that year. This year, we have only one again - and, again, it's a Rapisarda...
Don't Just Do Something, Stand There!
I know, you think I got the title backwards. But I didn’t...
The Ten Commandment Boogie
The folks at Student Life just put together this great video regarding youth culture and our response as church. The video helps us take a momentary pause in the hurried-up world of young people and reminds us not to just blindly judge where the kids are at...
The Theology of Randomness: how useless knowledge can be useful in ministry
I love useless knowledge. I could read random bits of trivia all day. One of the reasons that I love Sacred Scripture so much is because there are so many random, seemingly unimportant details found in its pages...
Jesus' Ascension gives a foretaste of life in Heaven, teaches Pope Benedict
Speaking to the throng gathered in St. Peter's Square before the Regina Coeli on Sunday, the Holy Father referred to the day's Gospel reading in which Jesus departs from the disciples. The Ascension, he said, permits us to "foretaste" the divine life from here on earth...
My Dad - Call Him "Father"
On June 12, Archbishop O'Brien will celebrate a rather unique ordination. Two years ago, John Rapisarda was ordained to the priesthood - the only priestly ordination that year. This year, we have only one again - and, again, it's a Rapisarda...
Don't Just Do Something, Stand There!
I know, you think I got the title backwards. But I didn’t...
The Ten Commandment Boogie
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
16 Great Summer Youth Ministry Activities Closer to Home
If you are like me, as soon as the second semester begins, I am also planning for my summer months of youth ministry activities. Often all my energy and time goes into planning those larger trips—like mission weeks and weekend conferences. As powerful as these opportunities are, we need to remember that not all of our teens can attend these...
The Rosary: I've been doing it wrong!
It's embarrassing to admit that I've been praying the Rosary incorrectly for four years. At first it was really bad: when I was researching Catholicism I constantly heard about the astounding power of the Rosary, so I decided to give it a shot...
The Pope's Second Book on 'Jesus of Nazareth' goes to publishers
The Holy See announced on Monday that the final draft of Pope Benedict XVI's long awaited second volume of "Jesus of Nazareth" has been completed and sent to the publishers. Although the English translation will not be immediately available, the Vatican said it is just a question of months...
Stuff - In the Best (Catholic) Sense of the Word
Let’s face it – teens like stuff! Teens lives are filled with “Stuff” – but is it the best stuff or stuff that merely clutters an already busy life? Teens want the fullness of our faith and one of the treasures the Catholic faith offers are rich traditions and symbols...
When Everything Was Possible
What if Church was like a NBA Game
If you are like me, as soon as the second semester begins, I am also planning for my summer months of youth ministry activities. Often all my energy and time goes into planning those larger trips—like mission weeks and weekend conferences. As powerful as these opportunities are, we need to remember that not all of our teens can attend these...
The Rosary: I've been doing it wrong!
It's embarrassing to admit that I've been praying the Rosary incorrectly for four years. At first it was really bad: when I was researching Catholicism I constantly heard about the astounding power of the Rosary, so I decided to give it a shot...
The Pope's Second Book on 'Jesus of Nazareth' goes to publishers
The Holy See announced on Monday that the final draft of Pope Benedict XVI's long awaited second volume of "Jesus of Nazareth" has been completed and sent to the publishers. Although the English translation will not be immediately available, the Vatican said it is just a question of months...
Stuff - In the Best (Catholic) Sense of the Word
Let’s face it – teens like stuff! Teens lives are filled with “Stuff” – but is it the best stuff or stuff that merely clutters an already busy life? Teens want the fullness of our faith and one of the treasures the Catholic faith offers are rich traditions and symbols...
When Everything Was Possible
What if Church was like a NBA Game
Friday, April 30, 2010
Frances E. Jensen, MD, on the teen brain
Do you ever wonder why teens behave the way they do? Frances E. Jensen, MD, senior assistant in Neurology at Children's Hospital Boston and a professor at Harvard Medical School, is translating the most up-to-date research on the teen brain which she shares with parents, teachers and teens during her presentation, "Teen Brain 101"...
Teen Suicide Risk Factors: Parents Are Too Often Clueless
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers, and it's a tragedy that can be prevented. Given that almost 15 percent of high school students say they've seriously considered suicide in the past year, parents and friends need to know how to recognize when a teenager is in trouble and how to help...
Sexting and Your Kids: Strategies for Parents to Reduce the Risk
Combine their legendary ability to make boneheaded decisions with the ease of sharing digital photos, and it's no wonder that teens can find themselves in a heap of embarrassment, or even legal trouble, for doing something they thought of as sexy fun...
Cell-phone texting has become the preferred channel of basic communication between teens and their friends, and cell calling is a close second. Some 75% of 12-17 year-olds now own cell phones, up from 45% in 2004. Those phones have become indispensable tools in teen communication patterns...
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Things That Are Out of Date in Youth Ministry
Ever wonder if what you are doing is reaching teens? Here is a list of things that I consider to be out of date for Catholic Youth Ministry...
When Jesus Said, "No"
One of the struggles that many Christians experience is that the needs around us are so great and yet we are limited both in personal strength and in resources. And, lurking in the back of our mind, is a notion that what ever the problem, Jesus would help and so should we...
Missing the Point of First Communion
Two of my three children have already received their First Eucharist, so I've seen how this holiest of sacraments can get turned into a three-ring circus, what with the fancy hair-dos and even fancier dresses, not to mention the after parties that rival weddings in some families and towns...
First Things First
Last weekend I had a chance to see my youth minister, Luis. I haven’t seen him in over ten years, and haven’t talked to him in over five or six. It was great to reconnect with him after such a long time. In the course of our conversation I tried to brag a bit about how many ministry things I have going on. He was impressed, but was more concerned to impress upon me the importance of keeping God first...
Ever wonder if what you are doing is reaching teens? Here is a list of things that I consider to be out of date for Catholic Youth Ministry...
When Jesus Said, "No"
One of the struggles that many Christians experience is that the needs around us are so great and yet we are limited both in personal strength and in resources. And, lurking in the back of our mind, is a notion that what ever the problem, Jesus would help and so should we...
Missing the Point of First Communion
Two of my three children have already received their First Eucharist, so I've seen how this holiest of sacraments can get turned into a three-ring circus, what with the fancy hair-dos and even fancier dresses, not to mention the after parties that rival weddings in some families and towns...
First Things First
Last weekend I had a chance to see my youth minister, Luis. I haven’t seen him in over ten years, and haven’t talked to him in over five or six. It was great to reconnect with him after such a long time. In the course of our conversation I tried to brag a bit about how many ministry things I have going on. He was impressed, but was more concerned to impress upon me the importance of keeping God first...
Twilight, Vampires, and the Holy Eucharist
Someone Didn't get the Memo that N'SYNC aren't so cool anymore
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Going "Gaga" - or Not..
Lady Gaga has "come out" - so to speak. She has announced that she is "celibate."
Gender issues take new level of insanity in Maine
By Mary DeTurris Poust Just when you thought the world couldn't get any crazier, someone in Maine opens the door to a whole new kind of crazy. The Maine Human Rights Commission has issued guidelines that will ban schools in that state from "enforcing gender divisions" through such out-dated and outrageous things like having separate bathrooms and locker rooms for boys and girls.
99-Year-Old Ghanaian Man Graduates College
I don't want to ever hear another young person complain about how it's too hard to get a college degree or that it takes too long or that it's too late for them to start studying for one. Ninety-nine-year-old World War II veteran Akasease Kofi Boakye Yiadom has just graduated from Presbyterian University College's business school in Ghana. He enrolled when he was 96.
Amazing Fire Tricks
The Face of Jesus Revealed
Lady Gaga has "come out" - so to speak. She has announced that she is "celibate."
Gender issues take new level of insanity in Maine
By Mary DeTurris Poust Just when you thought the world couldn't get any crazier, someone in Maine opens the door to a whole new kind of crazy. The Maine Human Rights Commission has issued guidelines that will ban schools in that state from "enforcing gender divisions" through such out-dated and outrageous things like having separate bathrooms and locker rooms for boys and girls.
99-Year-Old Ghanaian Man Graduates College
I don't want to ever hear another young person complain about how it's too hard to get a college degree or that it takes too long or that it's too late for them to start studying for one. Ninety-nine-year-old World War II veteran Akasease Kofi Boakye Yiadom has just graduated from Presbyterian University College's business school in Ghana. He enrolled when he was 96.
Amazing Fire Tricks
The Face of Jesus Revealed
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Technology for Parishes is about Relationships
...Technology can help Catholics sideline unimportant meetings and ‘concentrate on the important stuff … keeping focused on worship and ministry,’ he said, but he added that such an approach will work only if we steer them toward that primary focus on worship, mission and ministry...
Some Differences between Jr. High and High School Ministry
Last night my wife and I had dinner with some friends who are getting ready to start a full-time middle school position. It is is his first full-time position and, up until now, he has only worked with high school aged students as a volunteer...
Why there is no Mass on Good Friday
Many people are wondering today: Why is there no Mass on Good Friday? Of course, there is the Liturgy of the Presanctified, or the Commemoration of Our Lord’s Passion; but it is true that, although communion is distributed, Mass is not celebrated...
Catholic actor booted from ABC show for refusing sex scenes
Almsgiving - all $300 billion of it
...Technology can help Catholics sideline unimportant meetings and ‘concentrate on the important stuff … keeping focused on worship and ministry,’ he said, but he added that such an approach will work only if we steer them toward that primary focus on worship, mission and ministry...
Some Differences between Jr. High and High School Ministry
Last night my wife and I had dinner with some friends who are getting ready to start a full-time middle school position. It is is his first full-time position and, up until now, he has only worked with high school aged students as a volunteer...
Why there is no Mass on Good Friday
Many people are wondering today: Why is there no Mass on Good Friday? Of course, there is the Liturgy of the Presanctified, or the Commemoration of Our Lord’s Passion; but it is true that, although communion is distributed, Mass is not celebrated...
Catholic actor booted from ABC show for refusing sex scenes
Almsgiving - all $300 billion of it
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Finishing Lent Strong
I noticed that my two middle school aged sons had transformed the palm leaves handed to them when entering Mass into “Palm Crosses.” I asked why they always make crosses out of the palms on Palm Sunday? The reply was one that got me thinking about Holy Week...
Report Cites Fewer Sex Abuse Cases in US
Numbers relating to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy are at the lowest they've been since 2004, and most allegations in 2009 were regarding earlier decades. This is one of the positive trends reported in the 2009 annual report on compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People...
Prom Dress Trends for 2010 is "Slutty Chic"
Where's Molly Ringwald when you need her? We'd take a butchered pink polka-dot sack any day over the latest trend to hit the prom-dress circuit: "slutty chic"...
9 Charged with Bullying Teen who Hanged Herself
Insults and threats followed 15-year-old Phoebe Prince almost from her first day at South Hadley High School, targeting the Irish immigrant in the halls, library and in vicious cellphone text messages...
NBC's Minute to Win It
We are always trying to think up new games to use in our ministry. NBC has done a great thing for youth pastors! The new game show Minute to Win It has between 60 and 70 doable games that can be used as youth ministry crowd breakers...
Baptism Water Rosary Photo
I noticed that my two middle school aged sons had transformed the palm leaves handed to them when entering Mass into “Palm Crosses.” I asked why they always make crosses out of the palms on Palm Sunday? The reply was one that got me thinking about Holy Week...
Report Cites Fewer Sex Abuse Cases in US
Numbers relating to the sexual abuse of minors by clergy are at the lowest they've been since 2004, and most allegations in 2009 were regarding earlier decades. This is one of the positive trends reported in the 2009 annual report on compliance with the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People...
Prom Dress Trends for 2010 is "Slutty Chic"
Where's Molly Ringwald when you need her? We'd take a butchered pink polka-dot sack any day over the latest trend to hit the prom-dress circuit: "slutty chic"...
9 Charged with Bullying Teen who Hanged Herself
Insults and threats followed 15-year-old Phoebe Prince almost from her first day at South Hadley High School, targeting the Irish immigrant in the halls, library and in vicious cellphone text messages...
NBC's Minute to Win It
We are always trying to think up new games to use in our ministry. NBC has done a great thing for youth pastors! The new game show Minute to Win It has between 60 and 70 doable games that can be used as youth ministry crowd breakers...
Baptism Water Rosary Photo
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
30 Habits that Will Change your Life
Developing good habits is the basic of personal development and growth. Everything we do is the result of a habit that was previously taught to us. Unfortunately, not all the habits that we have are good, that’s why we are constantly trying to improve...
Home is Where Your Pew Is
What the Hendersons lacked in faith, they made up for in punctuality. Every Sunday at 10:52AM they arrived in the parking lot of St. Primrose Catholic Church. By arriving eight minutes before Mass they were guaranteed to get the best parking space in the lot: the one in the back, closest to the exit.
National Coalition for the Protection of Families and Children e-brief
E-brief is a free electronic newsletter from the National Coalition. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you up-to-date with the National Coalition’s current work, as well as the latest news on sexual ethics that affect children and families. Sign up today to receive this email directly to your inbox!
Day In the Life of a Priest
Follow the Vatican on Twitter!
Developing good habits is the basic of personal development and growth. Everything we do is the result of a habit that was previously taught to us. Unfortunately, not all the habits that we have are good, that’s why we are constantly trying to improve...
Home is Where Your Pew Is
What the Hendersons lacked in faith, they made up for in punctuality. Every Sunday at 10:52AM they arrived in the parking lot of St. Primrose Catholic Church. By arriving eight minutes before Mass they were guaranteed to get the best parking space in the lot: the one in the back, closest to the exit.
National Coalition for the Protection of Families and Children e-brief
E-brief is a free electronic newsletter from the National Coalition. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you up-to-date with the National Coalition’s current work, as well as the latest news on sexual ethics that affect children and families. Sign up today to receive this email directly to your inbox!
Day In the Life of a Priest
Follow the Vatican on Twitter!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
World Youth Day 2010
The World Youth Day letter from the Pope has been released. The Vatican site does not have the English translation but Vatican Information Service has provided extracts...
It's not a Business, it's a Relationship
No red flags were waved, no sirens were sounded, and no one pulled me aside to sit me down and warn me. The day I answered God’s call to full time youth ministry I really had no clue what I was getting myself into...
Chile to celebrate 'churchless' Holy Week after earthquake
Numerous bishops in Chile are reporting on the amount of damage that many of the churches in the country are facing following the February 27 earthquake. Nearly 90 percent of Chile’s churches have been damaged or destroyed, including many historic national monuments...
The Bridegroom
Remember to Pray More with Echo Prayer Manager
The World Youth Day letter from the Pope has been released. The Vatican site does not have the English translation but Vatican Information Service has provided extracts...
It's not a Business, it's a Relationship
No red flags were waved, no sirens were sounded, and no one pulled me aside to sit me down and warn me. The day I answered God’s call to full time youth ministry I really had no clue what I was getting myself into...
Chile to celebrate 'churchless' Holy Week after earthquake
Numerous bishops in Chile are reporting on the amount of damage that many of the churches in the country are facing following the February 27 earthquake. Nearly 90 percent of Chile’s churches have been damaged or destroyed, including many historic national monuments...
The Bridegroom
Remember to Pray More with Echo Prayer Manager
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Candidate Takes on Planned Parenthood
This is a pretty telling ad right now to gauge where the country is right now. This is honestly the first time I've ever heard a GOP candidate for federal office take on Planned Parenthood in an ad. Colorado Senate candidate Jane Norton is proclaiming proudly in her ad that she defunded Planned Parenthood. You know...
Despite Her Pain, She Choose Life
The video below is a very moving story about a child who was conceived as the result of a rape. But his mother, despite her pain chose life. She brought him to term and the child, Ryan, was adopted by a large family of what became 13 Children, 10 of them adopted. It is thought by...
What Little Children Can Teach Us About Prayer
When it comes to our struggle in prayer there are some things that we need to unlearn. For too many private prayer is often a formal, even stuffy affair that drips of boredom and unnecessary formality and has lots of rules. Perhaps we learned some of our lessons too well. And yet many of the youngest...
Taking Prayer Off My To-Do List
Jesus told us, “Wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” And the Catechism tells us that the distractions we face in prayer “reveal to us what we are attached to.” (CCC 2729) So what am I attached to these days? More often than not, it’s not loving God, but being productive...
Javalleluia
What if Starbucks marketed themselves like a church?
Christ, Christ, Baby
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Sex and Cell Phones: Protect Your Children
In the past, churches, religious institutions, schools, and even the entertainment industry complemented the role of parents and families by delivering consistent messages about integrity and responsibility. Over time, however, many of these structures within our culture have challenged parents’ values and beliefs...
Why You Should Read Every Book in the Bible
Imagine you're in heaven, praising the Lord with all your voice and all your strength. A cacophony of harmonies and symphonies of every instrument imaginable grows louder and louder as the voices of all the saints and angels crescendo into a glorious, "Hallelujah!" Then...
People Like the Idea of Change, Just not Change Itself
Facebook changed their layout... again. This is the 6th time or so they've done so. And without a doubt, there is a public outcry every time. But good leaders know they have to make changes despite the public's initial outcry.
Former Olympic Speed Skater has No Regrets
A former U.S. Olympic speed skater is now a Franciscan sister and says she has "no regrets" about her decision to commit to a life of service to God and the poor.
A Love Story
The Lords of the Dance...?
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Feeling Bad About Confession
Emotions run pretty high in the sacrament of confession. Not a week goes by that either I or a penitent doesn't end up getting a bit misty. It's because hearts are open to God in the confessional and the Holy Spirit doesn't miss a chance to touch hearts and reconcile the lost sheep. However, while I don't mind emotion in the confessional itself...
Rant: NOW hated the wrong ad
It's Tuesday, but I'm still thinking about the Super Bowl ads. Terry O'Neill, the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW), made headlines in recent weeks about one of the Super Bowl ads being extraordinarily offensive and demeaning to women. Let's see if we can guess the offensive, demeaning ad...
Adventure
On Saturday, we watched Up again. When Carl Frederickson meets his boyhood idol, Charles Muntz, he learns something about searching and adventure. he famous explorer was obsessed with finding the bird "Kevin." He was consumed with that search, so much so that he believed the bird belonged to him already...
Video of Dominican Sisters on Oprah
Bob Rice tells the story of the "Adulterous Woman"
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Young Ministers Helping Themselves
Here's a handful of quick thoughts on how young ministers can help themselves grow in their ministry...
Finally! The Latest on Kids and Media....
It was back in late 2004 when the Kaiser Family Foundation released their groundbreaking study Generation M: Media in the Lives of 8-18 Year-Olds. Since then, that research has served as the most extensive and helpful picture into how kids engage with their snowballing media world.
Is There Such a Thing as Life After Death?
Is there life after death? Theologians can debate all they want, but radiation oncologist Dr. Jeffrey Long says if you look at the scientific evidence, the answer is unequivocally yes.
Michael Spencer: The Day Before
Babies Trailer
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Top 100 Kids' Online Searches for 2009
As expected with a sample group including teenagers, some of the online search words are anything but innocent. However, what is shocking is that “porn” is the 4th most popular search word among kids ages 7 and younger...
A Sampling of Reaction to the Pope's Synagogue Visit
Sunday Pope Benedict XVI visited the Great Synagogue of Rome, marking only the second time that a pope has crossed the Tiber River to enter the primary Jewish place of worship in Rome....
Frozen Theological Musings
When I first moved to Minnesota (January 1996), I thought people talked a lot about the weather. Incessantly. To the absolute exclusion of anything else. In fact, other subjects of any existential depth whatsoever were nixed for the current wind chill, the comparison to yesterday's wind chill....
Haitian Prayer
Party in the USA - Sign Language
Ten Things Your Youth Ministry Should/Shouldn't Buy in 2010
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