Region 2 News
Over 150 adult youth ministry leaders prayed learned and celebrated together at the 3rd biennial Challenged to Grow Conference in Binghamton, New York. Keynoters, Joe Grant and Kim and Reggie Harris, brought this year's theme, "Sowing the Seeds of Social Justice" to life in the hearts and minds of all who gathered. The weekend was a challenge to look into our personal lives as we live the principles of Catholic social teaching and our call as ministers to help our young people embrace Catholic social justice .
During
the planning of the event, a goal to continue the dialogue about racism and
social justice back in each diocese was affirmed. At one of the Colleagues
in Ministry meetings in the Diocese of Buffalo, the sharing and dialogue continued
about racism and multi-culturalism and prejudice and how it has affected them
personally. It is our hope as a region that we continue the dialogue, learning,
and understanding of what it means to be a multicultural church and to live
out our social justice teachings more fully.
Summer Programming
The dioceses in Region 2 have a busy summer ahead with much programming in place. Buffalo and Syracuse will sponsor the Christian Leadership Institute with Buffalo celebrating 25 years of CLI in the diocese. Syracuse will also sponsor a Diocesan Youth Congress on Vocations, July 31, the 9th Annual Bike Trip August 8-14, and the first annual Diocesan Youth Ministry Golf Tournament, August 27.
The Diocese of Ogdensburg will sponsor its annual Youth Alive Conference Day for high school students, featuring artist Sal Solo as a keynote speaker. They will also sponsor the Memorial Leadership Weekend May 29-31 to teach young people new skills in leadership and communication. Camp Guggenheim, June 27-August 13 will offer camping experiences for young people including a sports camp, basketball camp, and soccer camp. A new offering this year is music camp.
Best Wishes Mary
This summer we will say good luck and best wishes (but not good-bye) to our beloved friend and colleague, Mary Harrison who has served the Diocese of Albany faithfully for 12 years as director. We will miss her smile, her love, and her passion for youth ministry. We are grateful for all she has done for the region, NFCYM, and for the young people of our church! Thank you Mary!
National Youth Ministry Awards
Finally, Region 2 is most proud that at NCCYM two outstanding individuals from our region will be recognized with National Youth Ministry Awards. Mary Harrison will receive the Diocesan Youth Ministry Award and Milagros Ramos, director of Hispanic youth ministry will be recognized with the Multicultural Gifts Award. Congratulations for this outstanding achievement!
Email Connections at connections@nfcymoffice.org