Connections July 2007: Contents

Highlights...




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Going It Alone: The Challenge of Drawing Newcomers into Mentoring Relationships By Patrick Mooney Diocese of Monterey Early in my youth ministry career, I believed that all I needed was the heart and love of Christ and a desire to share it with youth. I let my own formation, limited as it was, determine what I should be doing in ministry. I chose to go it alone. It was not until I ran into a structure—organized work that took place in a group setting and was not based on one’s spirit but rather training, mentoring, and community—that I realized how little mentoring I had received. Ouch! This was evident whenever I got into discussions with others in ministry. I discovered what my gifts and limitations were, where I needed to grow and how I could be part of the growth of others. I needed the church, faith formation, and the model of the catechumenate. This is how people learn not only about their faith, but about themselves. Read More…		Leadership Perspectives From the NFCYM Board Chair Carole Goodwin The NFCYM Board of Directors met in May for its annual spring meeting. We began by praying that we will continue to explore ways to more faithfully follow Christ and lead those entrusted to us into deeper connections with our church. The board spent significant time and energy exploring important issues in our organizational structure that can enhance our effectiveness in serving those who serve the young church. This work will continue through the next two board meetings. The board hopes to present direction for the work of the membership as we implement the strategic plan approved last year. Read More… From the Executive Director Bob McCarty In preparing for a presentation at the New Diocesan Directors Institute in June, I was connecting the LCD projector to the computer. While the projector was warming up, the message appears on the screen: “Searching for Signal.” I was struck by the appropriateness of that message and I thought, “Aren’t we all?” Read More…

'Round the Regions... ...reporting from: Region 4 … Region 6 … Region 12 …		Also Featuring Best Practices: Pittsburgh Focus Group Has Impact on Diocesan Vision The Millennial Teen, the Hovering Parent and the Parish Curriculum The Method to the Madness: How NCYC Sites Are Chosen What I'm Reading

New Diocesan Directors Institute Overflows Rich in new leaders, mentors, resources, information, and energy, the 2007 New Diocesan Directors Institute(NDDI) was overflowing in grace. Twenty-four new diocesan leaders gathered together with six experienced NDDI team members in late May at Washington Theological Union for four days of learning, prayer, mentoring, and networking. Highlights included introduction to resources, training in management skills, insight into personal spiritual development, as well as direction in visioning, planning, and training. On Friday, June 1 the NDDI group was invited by Sr. Eileen McCann to spend the day in the Bishop's Conference Room at the USCCB offices to hear about multicultural ministry and to spend time learning about various USCCB services, resources, and related organizations. Later, the group enjoyed an ice-cream sundae break along with a tour of the NFCYM offices followed by time to tour the beautiful Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located across the street from the NFCYM offices. The day was brought to an end with a very memorable dinner in Chinatown in downtown D.C. Perhaps the impact of the event is best summed up by John DiGiovanni, associate director of Athletic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Washington who said at the conclusion of the event, "I think I'm going to quit and then get rehired…so I can go again next year!" Next year's NDDI is already scheduled for May 28-31, 2008 in Washington D.C. Applications will be available after the first of the year on our website.

And Don't Miss... Management Committee Reports from the Membership and Publishing committees. Collaborating Member Updates from The Australian Network of Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinators, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, One Family Outreach, and St. Meinrad Youth Liturgy Leadership Institute. An update from the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders.

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TEC: Changing Lives for Over 40 Years... "It is amazing how God works! One of the first people I met at TEC was Ken Huxel, my table’s resource for the weekend and now my husband for life." Teresa Huxel, Catholic Preschool Director, Union, Mo. "TEC has played a significant role in my life; and is a big part of why I am here as a seminarian today." Ryan Stark, Seminarian, St. John Vianney, St. Paul, Minn. "If it hadn’t been for the TEC Movement, I can honestly say that there is no way I would be pursuing a religious vocation let alone have converted to Catholicism at 19." Sr. Kimberly Souba, Novice, Sisters of Mary of the Presentation, Valley City, N.D. For more information, contact: TEC Conference 114 S. 2nd Street • Festus, MO 63028 636-933-9233 office@TECConference.org www.TECConference.org
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