Catechetical Sunday weekend, will be celebrated on September 18-19, 2010. This year’s theme is “Matrimony: Sacrament of Enduring Love”. Thoughtful planning will allow you, your pastor, and your parish to recognize and affirm catechists whose formal ministry hands on the faith to learners of all ages. You are encourage  to be inclusive in recognizing catechists whose ministry entails catechesis of children, youth, families, and adults. Be sure to remember, as well, those involved in Adult Faith Formation, RCIA, and sacramental preparation.  Nominations will be accepted until June 30th. 
Nomination forms.  Free download materials will be available from USCCB on their web site at  http://usccb.org/catecheticalsunday/.

                                                                                                            
Christ Reigns! The National Catholic Youth Conference, the largest single gathering of Catholic young people in the United States, left Kansas City reverberating with joy, hope, and the enthusiasm!

NCYC 2009 will be remembered for several important reasons: the almost 21,000 participants who attended despite the economic downturn, the incredible technology that allowed for split general sessions, My Catholic Voice providing live streaming of the general sessions around the world, and the remarkable generosity of our young people. What a spirited and spirit-filled experience of church!

• Download General Sessions, Workshops, and Music through My Catholic Voice
• View Best of NCYC Video
• NCYC Youth Reporters Get the Scoop
• Become a Facebook Fan for the 2011 NCYC 

 THANK YOU:  Together, We Did It!

During NCYC a very generous couple pledged a challenge donation if the participants heeded the "Put Five Aside" campaign through the Catholic Youth Foundation USA. The campaign was for the offertory collection at the colsing Mass and the money goes towards scholarships for future conferences and support for youth ministry initiatives across the country. 

THE CHALLENGE:  If the NCYC participants donated $100,000 the benefactors would match their generosity.  When the match donation was announced, the NCYC participants stood in an ovation, expressing their gratitude for the donors and signaling their acceptance of the challenge.  Our youhg people donated an astounding $126,520, about 94 percent higher than any previous NCYC collection! 

Their heart-warming generosity was also an incredible example of stewardship - the NCYC participants were challenged to "pay it forward," sharing their resources with those who will come after them.  The young Catholic Church is a wonderful and hopeful sign tha, indeed, "Christ Reigns." 

THE CENTER FOR MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT (CMD):  "The core purpose of the Center for Ministry Development is “to bring the Good News in new ways to the people of God.” The Center’s mission is to empower Catholic faith communities and their leaders for effective ministry with adolescents, young adults, and families through ministry education for leaders, ministry development training and resources, programs, and publications".  For more information on CMD, check out their website at www.CMDnet.org.

The Center for Ministry Development Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies 2009-2010 The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies program has been training leaders across the United States for Catholic ministry with young and older adolescents since 1979. These courses are sponsored by Loyola University and all courses will take place at:

CULTIVATION MINISTRIES' is offering three choices of youth minister training seminars geared toward reaching the 21st century teens.  All three choices are one-day seminars presented by founder and Executive Director of Cultivation Ministries, internationally known Frank Mercadante. Following is information on how to bring one of these great seminars to your parish. For an informational brochure, click on the topic of your interest; or go to Cultivation Ministries website at www.cultivationministries.com

MINISTRY WITH MILLENNIALS:  An "Aha" Seminar, Ministry with Millennials is an eye-opening seminar that clears the haze behind many teens' polite disinterest in church, religions education, and youth ministry.

GROWING TEEN DISCIPLES In a Mega Church Age:  A Seminar Topic That's Long Overdue, Growing Teen Disciples in a Mega Church Age addresses that all too common experience among Chatholic parishes, "My Teens are going to that evangelical mega church' youth ministry in town.  We can't compete."

YOUTH IMMANUELIZATION; Evangelizing Teens in a Postmodern Age: A Unique Seminar, Youth Immanuelization is a ground-breaking seminar that provides a fresh look at our evangelistic approaches, methodologies, and practices among Millennial Generation teens.