"Into The Light" February Young Adult News Contact Us: PO Box 23825Green Bay, Wisconsin 54305jdonlon@gbdioc.org (920) 272 8270 Dear Friends in Christ This month's "Into The Light" e-news features information regarding how to reach young adults and how to develop them as young adult leaders. If you would like a PDF or Word copy of either article please let me know. Each month I will be featuring a practical principle from "The Path To Life" booklet featuring quotes and suggestions from young adults. If you have any strategies or comments of you own pertaining to young adults please let me know, I would love to hear from you! If you haven't yet done so our February young adult newsletter "Into the Light" is available online for you to download by clicking here. We especially encourage parishes to print out this newsletter for young adults who might be present at Church on the weekend. Blessings for a joyous New Year! JulianneEvents and Opportunities A Young Adult PerspectiveYoung Adult Family NightsThe Path To Life Practical Principle:Understand that involvement in the faith and in parish lifevaries considerably across the demographic of young adults.Unfortunately, we can no longer assume that young adults will be voluntarily active in the life of the Church, but we must do all thatwe can to invite and evangelize them into the heart of the Gospel. It is important to recognize that young adults are on a faith journey. Sometimes, this journey takes them further away from the Catholic faith and sometimes it will bring them closer. Walking with young adults in their faith journey and being present to them is time consuming but it is sure to pay rich dividends in many ways. Young adults do have definite feelings on the parish and on the Church in general. Consider Natalie's positive comments regarding her parish:"My parish community is amazing. I'm thankful that they offer a number of Masses over the weekend. This way, I can always find one that works with my work schedule. The homilies are also uplifting and apply to our times". This is also echoed by Brittany who says that the parish "is a second family, I was raised by many members of that community and continue to benefit from that support, Father X in particular is amazing". Other young adults feel a sense of alienation from the parish and the Catholic Church. Some young adults do not consider the Church as being relevant to their lives, as Kevin states: "I don't expect the parish-church to be extremely entertaining or able to reach some untouched part of my life. For me the church is what it is and I'm fine with that". However, for others such as Samantha S., it is a clearly defined part of her life: "I prioritize my prayer life, and my sacramental life by keeping a regular prayer schedule (I have it in an Excel Document), and my regularly attending Mass and at least biweekly confession". Finding ways to involve young adults in liturgy, education and evangelization efforts is key. Having a variety of Mass times is important to young adults who often work sporadic schedules. Karen C. acknowledges the difficulty of finding a new parish that "isn't too large, but still has a slightly later Mass time since I work nights". Gather a group of key young adults or those who are passionate about reaching young adults to begin dreaming about young adult ministry in the church. If there are not young adults available, ask the parents of young adults who might be willing to invest time and energy in ministry specifically for young adults. Start small, but in a very public way. Reach out personally to those whom you feel might have gifts to share. New ministries need lots of visibility. This is especially true with young adults since they're such a diverse group. Many are in school, living away from home, or living at home and working full-time. Simply keeping an accurate mailing list of this age group is an undertaking but a necessary step in order to determine the needs of the young adults of your parish. Developing Young Adult Leaders By Andrew Bennett for the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Newsletter We have likely all been there-busy doing all the work for a young adult event and wondering why there is not a young adult helping. The good news is that most are willing to help, but like all of us, they may require a little guidance. The following are aspects to developing a more complete young adult leadership team that you have probably already experienced or have heard or read elsewhere, so consider them reminders and then adapt to fit your specific needs. Finding Young Adults to Be Leaders-This should be the easy part. If you see someone or know someone that qualifies as a young adult, they are a potential leader. They may not even think they are-but with a little work, they can be. All you need to do is ask. Discover the Strength of Each Individual-Once you have assembled a group, the next step is to allow each person to learn their own strengths (not everyone will know what they do well). You can guide this process by using personality surveys or asking them to reflect on past activities and what they liked best. For example, I have used the Herman Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) successfully with groups before. If someone liked talking with others at past events, they are a Personalizer. The party planner is usually an Organizer, just as the problem solver is most often an Analyzer. Or if someone liked brainstorming new ideas, they will likely be a Visualizer. You can read the rest of the article by clicking here What Are You Grateful For? 365 Grateful - the Documentary is a film about uncovering what happens when ordinary people unlock the remarkable powers of gratitude. This documentary was born out of a project created by Hailey - the '365 Grateful Project'. In early 2008, in an effort to fight depression, Hailey started a year long photographic project which involved taking one Polaroid photo a day of something she felt grateful for. Initially this was a chore but eventually it became a delight. The discipline of having to look for the good things that happened every day changed her life in so many ways. Hailey found not only her marriage, spiritual life and health improved, but this project accidentally, wondrously spread and affected the lives of many others. You can watch this four minute video at http://365grateful.com/ ************************************************************** Young Adult Family Nights St. John Parish, Howard invites families to join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and faith on March 23rd, and May 18th from 6-7:30pm in the Ministry Center. In this all too hectic and busy world it's important to take a "time out" with our children to play and learn together. This evening will provide parents the opportunity to meet other parents and to grow together in faith with their children. For kids it will be a night of new friends and fun. This Family Night is designed with the youngest members in mind, kids ages 1-6 years old but "big kid" brothers and sisters will have fun too! Families with even littler ones are welcome to come as well to meet other parents and enjoy the evening as a family. Snacks, games, stories and craft activities will make for a great night so we hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Rebecca Tappen at 434-2417 x 210 or RTappen@sjbh.org Date Night For Couples -Fun for the Kids! Going on a date is one good way to encourage a healthy growing marriage. Couples Date Nights are more than going to see a movie and tuning out the world for awhile. A Date Night means communicating with one another and energizing the spark that brought you together. Date Nights: Feb 17th,April 20th, June 15th Couples are invited to join with others at the parish for a short speaker, 6:30 to 7:00pm, who will provide insights and talking points designed to infuse your date with new vitality. Afterword's, the couples are invited to spend the rest of the night out at their favorite quiet place for a date. Free childcare is provided from 6-10pm. To register for childcare contact Rebecca Tappen at 434-2417 x 210 or RTappen@sjbh.org. Catholic Women of Conscience A three part series facilitated by Amberly Boerschinger, a young wife and mother active in the Diocese. Three opportunities to reflect on our history, our impact, and our story. "Divas of The Bible" A Saturday Women's Morning of Reflection (9:00 AM-12:00 PM) to learn about the lives and virtues of Biblical women. Jan. 7, 2012 -- Quad Parishes, Green Bay Feb. 4, 2012 -- St. Anthony Parish, Tigerton Cost: Free, but pre-registration is recommended "Defiant Daughters-Women of Christian Conscience" A 3-pt Book Club discussion Held from 7-8:30 PM, reflecting on the women of faith who represent the qualities of daring, determination, and dedication. March 12, 19, 26, 2012: St. Joseph, Sturgeon Bay Cost: Free, but pre-registration is recommended (see below for link). Books - provided to host parish and can be picked up 2 weeks in advance. Books are on loan, but can be purchased ($15) at end of the series. "Girlfriends in God" Women's Summit Day Join women from across the region at the Bishop Wycislo Ctr (8:30 AM-2:00 PM) for a Day of Reflection - worship, inspiration and opportunities for virtuous action perfect for all ages and walks of life. March 31, 2012: St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay (Cost: $20) For info or to register for these programs, contact Shelia: sschaut@gbdioc.org or 1-877-500-3580 (x8276). Have you ever wanted to visit Ireland? Would you enjoy being guided through the spiritual treasures of Ireland by the locals? Have you ever wanted to attend an international Eucharistic Congress? If so, come join us on a once in a lifetime trip to Ireland! Contact Amy Kawula for details akawula@gbdioc.org
"Into The Light" February Young Adult News
Contact Us:
PO Box 23825Green Bay, Wisconsin 54305jdonlon@gbdioc.org
(920) 272 8270
Dear Friends in Christ
This month's "Into The Light" e-news features information regarding how to reach young adults and how to develop them as young adult leaders. If you would like a PDF or Word copy of either article please let me know.
Each month I will be featuring a practical principle from "The Path To Life" booklet featuring quotes and suggestions from young adults. If you have any strategies or comments of you own pertaining to young adults please let me know, I would love to hear from you!
If you haven't yet done so our February young adult newsletter "Into the Light" is available online for you to download by clicking here. We especially encourage parishes to print out this newsletter for young adults who might be present at Church on the weekend.
Blessings for a joyous New Year!
Julianne
Finding ways to involve young adults in liturgy, education and evangelization efforts is key. Having a variety of Mass times is important to young adults who often work sporadic schedules. Karen C. acknowledges the difficulty of finding a new parish that "isn't too large, but still has a slightly later Mass time since I work nights". Gather a group of key young adults or those who are passionate about reaching young adults to begin dreaming about young adult ministry in the church. If there are not young adults available, ask the parents of young adults who might be willing to invest time and energy in ministry specifically for young adults. Start small, but in a very public way. Reach out personally to those whom you feel might have gifts to share. New ministries need lots of visibility. This is especially true with young adults since they're such a diverse group. Many are in school, living away from home, or living at home and working full-time. Simply keeping an accurate mailing list of this age group is an undertaking but a necessary step in order to determine the needs of the young adults of your parish.
Developing Young Adult Leaders
By Andrew Bennett for the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Newsletter
We have likely all been there-busy doing all the work for a young adult event and wondering why there is not a young adult helping.
The good news is that most are willing to help, but like all of us, they may require a little guidance. The following are aspects to developing a more complete young adult leadership team that you have probably already experienced or have heard or read elsewhere, so consider them reminders and then adapt to fit your specific needs.
You can read the rest of the article by clicking here
What Are You Grateful For?
365 Grateful - the Documentary is a film about uncovering what happens when ordinary people unlock the remarkable powers of gratitude.
This documentary was born out of a project created by Hailey - the '365 Grateful Project'. In early 2008, in an effort to fight depression, Hailey started a year long photographic project which involved taking one Polaroid photo a day of something she felt grateful for. Initially this was a chore but eventually it became a delight.
The discipline of having to look for the good things that happened every day changed her life in so many ways. Hailey found not only her marriage, spiritual life and health improved, but this project accidentally, wondrously spread and affected the lives of many others.
You can watch this four minute video at http://365grateful.com/
**************************************************************
Young Adult Family Nights
St. John Parish, Howard invites families to join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and faith on March 23rd, and May 18th from 6-7:30pm in the Ministry Center. In this all too hectic and busy world it's important to take a "time out" with our children to play and learn together. This evening will provide parents the opportunity to meet other parents and to grow together in faith with their children. For kids it will be a night of new friends and fun.
This Family Night is designed with the youngest members in mind, kids ages 1-6 years old but "big kid" brothers and sisters will have fun too! Families with even littler ones are welcome to come as well to meet other parents and enjoy the evening as a family. Snacks, games, stories and craft activities will make for a great night so we hope to see you there!
Please RSVP to Rebecca Tappen at 434-2417 x 210 or RTappen@sjbh.org
Date Night For Couples -Fun for the Kids!
Going on a date is one good way to encourage a healthy growing marriage. Couples Date Nights are more than going to see a movie and tuning out the world for awhile. A Date Night means communicating with one another and energizing the spark that brought you together.
Date Nights: Feb 17th,April 20th, June 15th
Couples are invited to join with others at the parish for a short speaker, 6:30 to 7:00pm, who will provide insights and talking points designed to infuse your date with new vitality. Afterword's, the couples are invited to spend the rest of the night out at their favorite quiet place for a date. Free childcare is provided from 6-10pm. To register for childcare contact Rebecca Tappen at 434-2417 x 210 or RTappen@sjbh.org.
Catholic Women of Conscience
A three part series facilitated by Amberly Boerschinger, a young wife and mother active in the Diocese. Three opportunities to reflect on our history, our impact, and our story.
"Divas of The Bible" A Saturday Women's Morning of Reflection (9:00 AM-12:00 PM) to learn about the lives and virtues of Biblical women. Jan. 7, 2012 -- Quad Parishes, Green Bay Feb. 4, 2012 -- St. Anthony Parish, Tigerton
Cost: Free, but pre-registration is recommended
"Defiant Daughters-Women of Christian Conscience" A 3-pt Book Club discussion
Held from 7-8:30 PM, reflecting on the women of faith who represent the qualities of daring, determination, and dedication.
March 12, 19, 26, 2012: St. Joseph, Sturgeon Bay
Cost: Free, but pre-registration is recommended (see below for link).
Books - provided to host parish and can be picked up 2 weeks in advance. Books are on loan, but can be purchased ($15) at end of the series.
"Girlfriends in God" Women's Summit Day Join women from across the region at the Bishop Wycislo Ctr (8:30 AM-2:00 PM) for a Day of Reflection - worship, inspiration and opportunities for virtuous action perfect for all ages and walks of life. March 31, 2012: St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay (Cost: $20)
For info or to register for these programs, contact Shelia: sschaut@gbdioc.org or 1-877-500-3580 (x8276).