REGION II Calendar for 2010-11 - What of this will happen?

As you know from the previous blog entries and emails, OYYAM has undergone a restructure which will impact the ability of our staff to be as directly involved in the activities/meetings/programs of the parishes that make up Region II.

If there is an interest in pursuing calendar items or gatherings that we put on the calendar at our spring meeting, I would encourage those of you that are interested to work together to make it happen. Please feel free to use this blog as a way to discuss and connect around this as it makes sense.

For the DRAFT calendar that we put together in the spring, please go to this link. As appropriate and available, our staff will assist you with resources from our office. In particular, as we begin implementing our new staff structure, please contact Bridget Harris at 206.274.3175.

Remember that the Annual Fall Gathering is happening on Thursday, September 9 at Palisades.


Blessings,
Tauno Latvala
Director of Athletics
Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry

Announcement re: Region model

The current transition period in the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry is making more difficult our attempts at the “regional model” of supporting youth and young adult ministry in the Archdiocese. This being the case, we are moving away from that model at this time. As we move forward, we will continue to support your efforts in youth and young adult ministry within a different structure.

If you have feedback about how we can do that, please utilize the survey that was sent out recently to do so.

Blessings to you this summer.

Faith on Fire, Youth and Family Conference, August 20-22, St. Mary Anacortes

Please check out the flyer and registration information for the "Faith on Fire" Youth and Family Conference hosted by St. Mary in Anacortes on August 20-22.



It features both local and national presenters:
Bishop Joseph Tyson
Fr. Vu Tran
Sr. Miriam Heidlund
Angus McDonell
Steve Ray
Tim Staples

WEBINAR: "Building up the RCIA" sponsored by PNCEA

The Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association (PNCEA) was founded by the Paulist Fathers in 1977 to equip Catholics to evangelize.

Join PNCEA for a free webinar:
"Invitation to Conversation: Building up the RCIA"
with Rev. Frank DeSiano, CSP
Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at 3pm EDT
Register for this event now
Or view a video invitation and register from our website.

All you need to participate is an internet connection and computer speakers or headset.

Audio also available by phone connection (toll charges will apply).

Event will be recorded for those unable to attend.
Download webinar handout in color or in black and white.

Write to online@pncea.org with questions.

"Keeping our Youth Catholic - It Takes a Village to Raise a Child" - St. Joseph (Iss), Monday, May 24, 7pm

There is an opportunity for parents to attend an adult enrichment class at St. Joseph Parish in Issaquah (220 Mt. Park Boulevard, Issaquah, WA 98027) on Monday, May 24, at 7pm in the Parish Hall.

Tim Greer will be facilitating, "Keeping our Youth Catholic - It Takes a Village to Raise a Child"

If you are interested and want more details, please contact the parish at 425.392.5516 or office@sjcissaquah.org

CMD Youth Ministry Studies Certificate Program, Year One, 2011

Here are the dates for CMD Youth Ministry Studies Certificate Program for Year One, which will take place in 2011.

March 12-13, 2011~~~Evangelization & Catechesis~~~Tom East
April 9-10, 2011~~~Prayer & Worship~~~Susan Searle
September 24-25, 2011~~~Justice & Service~~~Joan Weber
November 19-20, 2011~~~Pastoral Care~~~Sr. Carolyn Coll, RSM

For more information,
OYYAM Contact: Britta Folden @ (206) 382-2010 or britta.folden@seattlearch.org
Information from the Center for Ministry Development

FREE WEBINARS FOR NACYML MEMBERS

Upcoming (FREE) Webinar Opportunities for NACYML Members

Saying 'Amen' to Lay Ecclesial Ministry - May 25, 2010, 4-5pm ET
Bishop Matthew Clark will be giving a forty-five minute presentation on lay ecclesial ministry and fifteen minutes for Q&A.

Visit the webinar website for more information and to register. Space is limited.

Peace in the Holy Land: New Possibilities - May 26, 2010, 2-3pm ET
This Catholics Confront Global Poverty webcast explores the prospect for peace and how Catholics can make a difference.

RSVP to participate in this webinar! Space is limited so act now!

Youth & Young Adults and Mental Illness - June 10, 2010, 1-2pm ET
Webinar with Robert McCarty, DMin and Paul Myers, PhD

(see previous blog on May 10, 2010 for link to flyer)

WEBINAR: "Advanced Considerations: Mental Illness in Youth and Young Adults" - June 10, 2010

Please note. The date for this webinar was changed from May 4 to June 10. It takes place from 10-11am PDT.

We have been made aware of a webinar available to all youth and young adult ministry coordinators in the Archdiocese of Seattle because we are a member of the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM).

It is entitled, "Advanced Considerations: Mental Illness in Youth and Young Adults" and will include a presentation by the Executive Director of NFCYM, Bob McCarty.

Please go to this document for more information and to register.

"To Save A Life" - Suicide Prevention

The "To Save A Life" DVD is now available for parish screenings in both PG-13 and cleaned up "church-friendly" versions. The details are in the link below.

http://email.tosavealifemovie.com/mail/10_0325/1003_eml_tsalmass16.htm

Please contact OYYAM if you would like to screen the movie.

ACCY - Region II - June 5, 2010, 10-1pm, St. Anthony

The larger gathering at the Chancery is not going to happen so we will be taking the opportunity to meet as regional ACCY on Saturday, June 5, 2010 from 10-1pm at St. Anthony Parish in Renton. This will be a gathering of regional ACCY youth (2-3/parish) and adults (1-2/parish) to build community, vision and brainstorm for ACCY next year.

Please contact Tauno Latvala at tauno.latvala@seattlearch.org or Joy Galvez at jgalvez@st-anthony.cc with questions or more details.

JOB OPPORTUNITY - Jr. High Youth Ministry, St. Michael, Olympia

ANNOUNCEMENT:

St.Michael Parish & School, located in Olympia, WA, is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Youth Minister position. The positions primary focus will be on Middle School faith formation (grades 6-8) & Campus ministry (grades 5-8).

St. Michael Parish & School has approximately 2,800 registered families and 8,000 individuals, serving two worship sites in Olympia. There are approximately 600 youth involved in the Faith Formation Program (Preschool through High School) and 270 youth enrolled (grades K-8) at the school.

The successful candidate should meet the following criteria:
· Practicing Catholic
· Bachelors degree in Theology, Religious Education or a related field
· Archdiocesan Catechetical Certification, or in the process of earning
· Ministry experience and degree are preferred

The position does require many nights and weekends.

St. Michael Parish offers a committed pastor, collegial dynamic staff, and a competitive salary and benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants please send a cover letter, completed application and resume to:
St.Michael Parish, Attn: Leanne Bergford, PO Box 766, Olympia, WA, 98507

Applications are available by contacting the parish office at 360-754-4667, M-F, 9a to 5p or online at saintmichaelparish.org
Application Deadline: Friday, May 14

ONE Week - Summer Service Opportunities for Jr. High and High School

Looking for an opportunity for your youth to serve their community this summer? Do you need a program that is local, affordable and well-established in the Seattle Archdiocese?

Do you want to offer a summer service program to help bring the faith of your youth and community alive but don't have the time, energy, expertise and/or resource to prepare, plan and implement?

We are offering the ONE Week program in various towns and cities throughout the summer. Groups of Junior High or Senior High students and their leaders can experience a local community and learn about and serve the special needs in that community. The schedule is filling up quickly, so please send your registration in as soon as possible.

Junior High
July 18-23 Hoquiam
August 1-6 Forks Full
August 8-13 Everett Full
August 15-20 Seattle

Senior High
July 11-16 Forks
July 25-30 Seattle Full
August 1-6 Hoquiam
August 8-13 Bellingham

If you are at all interested in any of these weeks, please email Britta.folden@seattlearch.org to tell of your potential interest in a certain week. Those weeks with low or no interest may be cancelled, so it is important to know if you are interested. We will re-evaluate sites on May 3rd and those with low numbers may be cancelled so we can give parishes and staff appropriate notice.

WEBINAR: Ministry veteran Mike Patin on "When Hawkeye Pierce met Jackie Chan", May 13, 11AM PDT

The last NACYML webinar of the program year, which will feature Mike Patin is almost upon us. I can say that I have personally enjoyed his style AND substance because I witnessed his keynote at NCCYM awhile back and because I have listened in the car to a parish mission he led that is available on CD. See, there are good things about an hour long commute!


Please see below a description of the content and a little bit about Mike Patin.

For registration information, please go the flyer. Registration deadline is May 5, 2010.

Webinar Description
There can be a lot of conflict and negativity in ministry.
And we’re supposed to be the “nice” people. How do we
handle rough situations a little better? Let’s take a
humorous look at what we do, and what people expect of
us. Then, let’s look at strategies to deal with these
expectations in a healthier way.

About Mike Patin
Mike Patin uses energy, humor and stories to affirm the
goodness of God's presence among us while inviting others
(and himself) to take the "next step" in our journey with
God. Mike is a trained facilitator for Stephen Covey’s 7
Habits of Highly Effective People . He holds a Masters degree
in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University of the South in
New Orleans.

Jr. High Midsummer Night's Scream - June 25, 7:30pm - June 26, 7am

Once again, the Snohomish Deanery Youth Ministers are sponsoring "Scream", an all-night extravaganza for Jr. High youth (going into 6-9th grades) which will begin on Friday, June 25 at 7:30pm at Archbishop Murphy HS. Youth and chaperones travel from location to location by bus and finish up at 7am on Saturday morning.

Please see the pdf flyer and contact Susie King, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (ph: 425-870-9137) for more details and registration information.

There is also a word flyer in case you would like to modify information for distribution in your own parish or school.

FYI. Tentative dates for Scream 2011 are June 24-25. Once they finalize, we will send out the dates.

Region II Meeting - St. Anthony, Renton - Thursday, April 22, 2010

Reminder that our next Region II meeting for youth and young adult ministry will be taking place this Thursday, April 22, 2010.

We will meet at St. Anthony Parish in Renton from 5:30-8pm.

Our primary focus will be calendaring for 2010-11.

Please bring your calendars and your thoughts in the following areas:
1. ACCY
2. Collaborative Events
3. In-service/training
4. Networking/support
5. Young adult ministry
6. Hispanic ministry

ONE Week update - Register soon...

If you are looking for a "plug and play" service and mission trip that is affordable and rooted in Catholic tradition and teaching, ONE Week is for you!

Your spots are reserved when your registration and deposit is received.

The Forks sites appear to be full at this point but there are still other opportunities available. Please contact Britta Folden at 206.382.2010 or britta.folden@seattlearch.org for more information.

ACCY - DRAFT Structure

Here is the ACCY Structure DRAFT that was shared at the Region II meeting on February 22, 2010.

Remember, there will be a gathering and commissioning of ACCY for 2010-11 on June 5, 2010.

If you have ACCY in your parish in Region II and are wanting to get them involved in the next steps, please contact Tauno Latvala at tauno.latvala@seattlearch.org.

REGION II - Strong Catholic Families, NFCYM training

One of the in-service/training opportunities discussed at the Region II meeting on February 22, 2010 was Strong Catholic Families, NFCYM. This document has some additional sample pages that were not available at the meeting.

Please contact Tauno Latvala at tauno.latvala@seattlearch.org with any questions.

REGION II - Standing as One Human Family, CRS and CMD

Here is one of the in-service/training opportunities presented at the Region II meeting on February 22, 2010: Standing As One Human Family, CRS-CMD.

If you have questions, please contact Tauno Latvala at tauno.latvala@seattlearch.org.

FLYER: High School Boat Cruise, Friday, April 30, 2010, 7-10pm

Here is the flyer for the High School Boat Cruise Dance sponsored by St. Vincent de Paul on Friday, April 30 from 7-10pm. Please contact Maryelyn Scholz at mscholz@stvincentparish.org for more information.

Stewardship Formation Days 2010

For those of you who will NOT be attending the annual Youth and Young Adult Ministers Retreat from June 1-3, 2010 but want to be engaged and inspired, the Stewardship Formation Days 2010 promises an exciting program for all - whether your parish is immersed in or new to the "Engaged Church".



The options are at St. Madeline Sophie in Bellevue (June 2) or St. Rose in Longview (June 3). Both days are from 3-9pm with dinner included.



See more details an how to register on this flyer.

WEBINAR: "Advanced Considerations: Mental Illness in Youth and Young Adults" - June 10, 2010

NOTE: This blog post has been edited from its original. The Webinar has been changed to take place on June 10th instead of May 4.

We have been made aware of a webinar available to all youth and young adult ministry coordinators in the Archdiocese of Seattle because we are a member of the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM).


It is entitled, "Advanced Considerations: Mental Illness in Youth and Young Adults" and will include a presentation by the Executive Director of NFCYM, Bob McCarty. It takes place on Tuesday, May 4 from 10-11am PDT.


Please go to this document for more information and to register.

Youth and Young Adult Ministers Retreat, June 1-3, 2010

We have been able to secure the Far-A-Way Retreat Center for the Annual Youth and Young Adult Ministers Retreat on June 1-3, 2010. We will subsidize it so that the cost for the retreat will be only $50/participant!

2 nights and 2 days of rest, rejuvenation, relaxation and inspiration...

Spread the word...

More details to come...

High School Boat Cruise, Friday, April 30, 2010, 7-10pm

St Vincent de Paul Parish, presents the High School (grades 9-12) Spring Cruise aboard the Good Time II on Friday, April 30 from 7-10pm. Please contact Maryelyn Scholz @ mscholz@stvincentparish.org for info or send $25 per person to hold your ticket. There is only space for 200 folks.

"Dead Man Walking" Author Sr. Helen Prejean - Thursday, April 15, 1:30pm at St. Madeline Sophie

Sr Helen Pejean, author of "Dead Man Walking" will be speaking at St Madeleine Sophie on Thursday, April 15 at 1:30 PM in the Church.

She is both an entertaining and thought provoking speaker who has lived out Catholic Social Teaching and reinforced the value of the "consistent life ethic" in many ways but is perhaps most well known for the story that was made into a movie that garnered Academy Award nominations for Tim Robbins (Best Director) and Sean Penn (Best Actor) and the Academy Award for Susan Sarandon (Best Supporting Actress).

The event is being sponsored by CCS, but all parish ministers are welcome to attend.

St. Madeleine Sophie Catholic Church
4400 130 pl. SE
Bellevue, WA 98006
www.stmadsophie.org

Respect Life - Gabriel Project Training for Parishes

The following is an email that went out to a distribution list held by Jim Thomas from the Office of Catholic Faith Formation. If you or someone else in your parish has an interest, please contact Jim Thomas on or before April 12, 2010.

Life, Justice and Peace Contacts,

The Gabriel Project, a parish-based ministry to support pregnant women, is coming to the Archdiocese of Seattle. Started in Texas, the project “helps women in crisis pregnancies by offering Christian love and practical solutions at the parish.” Under the leadership of Fr. Ed White, pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr parish in Renton, plans are under way for a local training in September. The training would be provided by Dr. Marcella Colbert, Gabriel Project National Office. We are in the process of identifying people who are interested in the training and starting this ministry in their parish. Initially, we would like to have at least one parish in each of the ten deaneries.

To find out more about the Gabriel Project, please visit Dr. Colbert’s website (www.archgh.org/RespectLife/gabrielproject.htm). She serves as the Director of the Respect Life Office for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

If you are interested in the training and starting this ministry in your parish, please let me know by April 12. I will pass along the names to Fr. White and the other organizers.

Peace,
Jim

Jim Thomas
Director of Adult Faith Formation for Catholic Social Teaching and Family Life
Archdiocese of Seattle
710 - 9th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104-2017
Dir. (206) 382-4268
Toll-free (800) 950-4970
Fax (206) 264-2084

“The Eucharist commits us to the poor.” Catechism of the Catholic Church 1397

" I think the world today is upside down.... We have no time for our children, we have no time for each other; there is no time to enjoy each other. In the home begins the disruption of the peace of the world." -- Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Holy Week Reflection

I received an email forward from my mom that included an invitation to pray the rosary on Good Friday between 12-3pm to unite with others around the world to pray for peace in the world and the return of moral values into our communities. This is certainly a well-intentioned thought that has probably made its way around the internet and was additionally mentioned at Mass on Sunday.

The rosary is a beautiful prayer and one that draws us closer to God for those that practice it. If you are not familiar with praying the rosary, go to the internet and search "praying the rosary" and you will come up with a host of helpful sites in doing so.

The invitation struck me and caused me to think more deeply about Lent.

During our experience of Lent, from the moment we receive the ashes that begin our period of more intentional prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we recall Jesus' 40 days in the desert. These observances lead us to renew ourselves, draw us closer to God and prepare us for the new life of the Easter season. While saying a rosary on Friday might be a very specific way to be unified with Christians all over the world, hopefully through our Lenten observances, we have already done so.

I don't know that I "did" Lent as well as I have in past years. My practices and intentionality were inconsistent as I got caught up in the obligations of work and family and moving our home from Seattle. Yet, in the end, what I am buoyed by, is the intentionality of the moment and moving forward.

I remember something I took from a past Lenten homily by Archbishop Brunett where he communicated the reminder that the fruitfulness of our Lent would not come in how we give up chocolate for 4o days but how we have made a lasting change in our lives that brings us closer to God.

Fr. Thomas Vandenberg, at the Chancery Employee Retreat on Monday shared among his reflections the thought that people will know we are disciples of Christ by the love we have for one another and the need for us to surrender to that relationship and all the challenges that it entails.

Pondering these together has challenged me to think beyond a moment of common prayer time and to think about the entire Easter Triduum and surrendering to allow the experience transform me to new life in the Easter Season and beyond; a reengaging of the relationships I have in the community and with God, so that I can be the Light that God has called me to be and have source of faith I need to be so.

Whether it is through prayer, fasting or almsgiving, I pray for you all a fruitful Holy Week and new life in the Easter Season to come, with a sense of unity of purpose and action with others around the world!

CRS Haiti Response - Resources

Below are a few resources CRS wanted to share.

The video on “surviving the earthquake” is very powerful.A CRS staffer describes surviving the earthquake in this moving video.

Read about how other schools are making a difference.

Use this discussion guide to compare life in Haiti to life in the U.S.

Hold a prayer service for Haiti

Buckets of Hope lesson plan on Education website. education

CRS Thank You from Haiti

Thank You All - from Haiti

We in Haiti, are all shouldering the loss in some way here, but we hope you can take pride in some of the burden you’ve helped to lift. As of today, February 8, alongside our Church and Caritas partners, we have been able to achieve the following:

• Distribution of food to 264,200 people, and non-food items to 25,000 people.
• Provision of medical care and treatment to a total of 4,126 people, and hygiene kits to 10,000 people.
• Support of medical materials and supplies, volunteer doctors and nurses, food, water and other support to expand emergency medical care at St. Francois de Sales Hospital.
• Establishment of three functioning operating rooms—conducting an average of 12 severe surgical cases per day—as well as a laboratory, X-ray room and blood bank at St. Francois de Sales Hospital.
• Resumption of health care at 12 highly populated areas in Port-au-Prince
and Leogane.
• Launching of public health campaign carried out through megaphone and radio.
• Installation of four water storage and purification units in various areas of the city, and water and sanitation assessments in another 14 locations.
• Creation of designs to build a latrine at St. Francois de Sales Hospital, and an initial strategy for drainage, showers and sanitation at camps and temporary settlements.
• Child protection trainings taking place. Five child friendly spaces have been set up at camps. Assessment of 101 orphanages and child care centers supported by CRS/Caritas Haiti is ongoing.
• First phase of emergency shelter kit distributions in Pétionville provided for 6,500 families (39,000 people).

It is going to be a long road to recovery, and our teams of professionals are mapping out the transitional and long-term programming that fits with the needs and context for people to rebuild their lives. We’ll be sure to share those updates and stories with you.

In the meantime, thank you for making this possible and please keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers.
A saying is popular in Haiti that you can hear on the streets and in camps:
“Nou bite men nou pap tonbe. We may stumble but we will not fall.”
Indeed, with your support, few things have rung so true.

CRS History in Haiti
Catholic Relief Services began working in Haiti in 1954 after Hurricane Hazel devastated the country and killed upward of 1,000 people. High population density, severe deforestation and decaying infrastructure make Haiti particularly vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

In the beginning, CRS’ work centered on responding to the massive loss of lives and physical destruction caused by the hurricane. However, since 1954 CRS Haiti has grown to include both emergency relief activities and long-term development work. CRS Haiti now focuses not only on emergency response, but on spurring economic growth for Haiti’s poorest citizens through agriculture, natural resource management, and microfinance/small-business development. We also help Haitians by providing much-needed programs in education and health.

CRS Haiti continues to support “safety net,” or social welfare, centers such as children’s homes and centers for the aged and dying. Catholic Relief Services Haiti works to improve access to health and nutrition services, education, and water and sanitation. CRS programs assist with emergencyresponse, HIV and AIDS, social safety net institutions, and agricultural development. These efforts focus on ensuring social justice and preserving human rights.

For more information, please visit www.crs.org

Movie: Letters To God, Release April 9, 2010

Below is a letter from folks involved in the release and promotion of "Letters to God" an inspirational movie to be released in theatres on April 9.

Dear Friends,

It is not often that we see excitement build for a movie the way that we've seen the movie LETTERS TO GOD gain momentum. Unlike most Hollywood movies where the experience of a movie is what's anticipated, we’re finding that many are excited about LETTERS TO GOD because of the anticipation of the hope that the movie stirs inside our hearts.

The release of LETTERS TO GOD is less than one month away. April 9th brings this emotionally gripping and spiritually uplifting movie to your neighborhood cinema. The movie chronicles letters written to God by a young boy who struggles with cancer. Please spread the word about the hope found in the movie to your circle of influence. Whether it's telling struggling families whom you know about the movie or blogging about it or emailing your friends, LETTERS TO GOD is a movie that so many suffering families need to hear about.

To access the official movie website, Facebook page or You Tube clips, go to the official website at http://www.letterstogodthemovie.com/

To see the discussion guides and other resources available for use in your parish or study groups you can go to www.worthawarenessmarketing.com.

God calls us to commend the good and this movie advances the good in our world. Please take a moment and spread hope by spreading the word about LETTERS TO GOD.

Thank you and God bless,

Tom Allen, Exec. Producer, Champions of Faith
Ted Baehr, Publisher, Movieguide

Fundraising for WYD or mission trips?

Do you need to fundraise for WYD 2011 in Madrid, for mission trips or for other purposes?

Jim Robinson at Totally Catholic Fundraising, who you may be familiar with from their booth at Youth Convention in November, can be reached through their website at www.TotallyCatholicFundraising.com or 1-866-338-0879.

ACCY Gathering/Commissioning - June 5th, Isaac Orr Conference Center

We have confirmed that the June 5th gathering and commissioning of ACCY members will take place at Isaac Orr Conference Center. We will be firming up the timeframe soon...

Chrism Day - Hope for the Culture: The Blessing of Marriage

I am sure by now you have received your invitation to the Chrism Day and Chrism Mass on Thursday, March 25. If not, please know that

All Church Employees and Ministers in the Archdiocese of Seattle are invited.

Chrism Day will take place at St. Edward parish in Seattle at 4213 S. Orcas St.

The presenter is Most Rev. Joseph Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville, who will be speaking on "Hope for the Culture: The Blessing of Marriage".

Chrism Day Schedule:
12:30pm Registration and Gathering
1:00pm Welcome and Prayer
1:30pm Presentation and Break
4:25pm Closing Prayer

Chrism Mass will take place at St. James Cathedral at 7pm.

Please make sure you RSVP to the Office of Catholic Faith Formation at ocff@seattlearch.org

For more information on Chrism Day, contact OCFF at 206.382.4593

For more information on Chrism Mass, contact the Liturgy Office at 206.382.4878

Region II Meeting - ACCY conversation

Thanks to David Morris and the St. Bernadette community for hosting us last night for our February Region II meeting. Among the things discussed was ACCY. Our plan is to meet twice prior to the ACCY Spring Gathering/Commissioning on June 5th.

We will be meeting twice among the dates of:
March 27
April 10, 17, 24
May 1

Please check with your youth and adult leaders who will be involved with ACCY and see what will work for them. Because of where we are in the timeline and the year, we will not necessarily be able to accomodate everyone at both meetings but the hope is we would get a majority of people involved between the two of them and start formally with the June 5th gathering for next year's group. If you have individuals who are graduating this year and will not be around next year but want to be part of that formative process, they can be your parish representatives...

While we will use the 2 gatherings prior to June 5th as a springboard into next year, it is not required that the youth representatives from your parish continue on into 2010-11. That is up to each individual parish.

We are looking at a timeframe of 10-1pm. The hope/expectation is that each parish that participates would come up with 2 youth leaders and 1-2 adult leaders for the regional ACCY.

The subcommittee will continue its work on fleshing out other items related to ACCY in the weeks prior to our next Region II Meeting on March 25.

The basic outline for the first Region II ACCY gathering will be:
1. Community building/networking
2. Role of ACCY - Listening Session where youth leaders voice their thoughts
3. Mission/purpose - visioning what ACCY in Region II will be about

Contact Joy Galvez or Tauno Latvala with questions...

REVISED DATES for ONE WEEK - HS and Junior High

Please note the change in dates for the Bellingham High School site as noted in red below.

For more information about a particular site or for registering your group, please contact Britta Folden at 206.382.2010 and/or britta.folden@seattlearch.org. Please keep in mind that it will be first come, first served in filling these spots once registration materials are available. Your non-refundable deposit check per participant holds your spot until confirmation of numbers date...look for more information to come!

JUNIOR HIGH
July 18-23 - Hoquiam
August 1-6 - Forks
August 8-13 - Everett/Snohomish
August 15-20 - Seattle

HIGH SCHOOL
July 11-16 - Forks
July 25-30 - Seattle
August 1-6 - Hoquiam
August 8-13 - Bellingham - NOTE: changed dates

Chaste Teens Less Likely to be Depressed

Here is an article on the Catholic News Agency website regarding a study that indicates that chastity positively impacts teens. Confirming things we know but giving us numbers for discussions with teens and/or parents.

Junior High Rally - REGION II REPRESENT!!!

Britta Folden, OYYAM Events Coordinator is trying to fill in the leader positions for Rally and she could use some help...

Currently, we have two potential youth speakers, but neither have been confirmed and it would be good to have a few others to choose from.

Also, we need a couple of groups to lead a prayer during each of the 2 general sessions.

Lastly, we need 2 readers and servers for Mass.

This is a great way to be directly involved with Rally and get some buzz going among your youth to participate in this annual event!

Britta can be contacted at 206.382.2010 or britta.folden@seattlearch.org

"Saint?" Kateri

Many of you will remember this story about Jake Finkbonner recently posted on KUOW website telling the account of the boy and Blessed Kateri and the investigation that may lead to sainthood.

Letter from Haiti: Thank You All

Click here to go to a letter from senior communications officer for CRS, Caroline Brennan, who is in Haiti to report on the progress of earthquake recovery efforts on February 4, 2010

She closes the letter with the following...

In the meantime, thank you for making this possible and please keep the people of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers.

A saying is popular in Haiti that you can hear on the streets and in camps:
"Nou bite men nou pap tonbe. We may stumble but we will not fall."

Indeed, with your support, few things have rung so true.

Faith Trek 2, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Federal Way ~ Saturday, February 27, 2010

If you are looking for a one-day event to enliven your practice of faith, Faith Trek 2 may be for you!

Please go to http://www.seattleoyyam.org/oyyam/FaithTrekBrochure2010newest.pdf for more information or you can also contact Maryelyn Scholz at 253.839.2320 or mscholz@stvincentparish.org.

Please keep in mind that if you are planning on participating the CMD Youth Ministry Studies program that this is the same weekend.

Sometimes it is important to laugh...

The following joke comes from Jim at Totally Catholic Fundraising (one of our booths at Youth Convention) at info@totallycatholicfundraising.com:

After receiving a beautiful haircut, a doctor asks the barber, "How much do I owe you?""Oh, I never charge a doctor," the barber replies. "You all do such good, important work."

The next morning, the barber arrives at his shop and finds a thank you note and a bottle of wine on his doorstep from the doctor.

Later that day, a police officer walks into the same barbershop. After a beautiful haircut, the police office asks the barber, "How much do I owe you?""Oh, I never charge a police officer," the barber replies. "You all do such good, important work."

The next morning, the barber arrives at his shop and finds a thank you note and a box of candy on his doorstep from the police officer.

Later that day, a youth minister walks into the same barbershop. After a beautiful haircut, the youth minister asks the barber, "How much do I owe you?""Oh, I never charge a youth minister," the barber replies. "You all do such good, important work."

The next morning, the barber arrives at his shop and finds twelve youth ministers on his doorstep.

CRS Update on Haiti, Number 2

Please see below a message and second update on CRS' efforts in Haiti:

Friends,

Thank you for your continued prayers and donations for the people of Haiti. Attached is a second report with information about how Catholics in the U.S. are responding to the needs of our Haitian brothers and sisters through Catholic Relief Services. We continue to be awed by the outpouring of support from around the country.

As you look for resources on Haiti, CRS has lesson plans and prayer services available at http://education.crs.org. These resources can be included in your Food Fast to add a special focus on Haiti.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you again for your support of Catholic Relief Services.

Best,
Jennifer

Jennifer Swope
Catholic Relief Services - U.S. Operations
228 W. Lexington Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-951-7265 (direct)
800-235-2772 x7265 (toll free)


Special Report #2

Haiti’s Reality
CRS has worked in Haiti for over 50 years. Even before the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake, Haiti was a country in need. The nation is the poorest in the Western Hemisphere with 80 percent of the population falling below the poverty line. Estimates are 150,000 people were killed and 800,000 were left homeless.

Latest News from CRS/Caritas Haiti
"It may look to many in the rest of the world that those in need are not receiving any aid, but actually thousands here in Port-au-Prince are getting help," said Karel Zelenka, the CRS country representative in Haiti.

To date, CRS has:

• Provided food to 74,458 people, and non-food items to 15,692 people, distributing an average of 62 metric tons of food per day.
• Sent in medical teams that are treating 300 people per day.
• Supported 2,500 people at Missionaries of Charity centers.

For up-to-date information visit www.crs.org or crs-blog.org.

The U.S. Catholic Community Responds
Examples of the enormous compassion and generosity of the U.S. Catholic community:
CRS has received $26 million in cash donations and commitments.
Parishes are reporting extremely generous second collections for Haiti, such as Our Lady Queen of Peace in Arlington, VA, which raised 7 times the normal second collection. Oakland Cathedral in California held a benefit choral concert.
Hundreds of Catholic parishes with twinning relationships in Haiti are using social networks to help. St. Brendan’s in Cumming, GA organized a "virtual prayer circle" for Haiti.
Catholic universities, such as Notre Dame and Catholic University, responded immediately by setting up special websites. Others held special masses, prayer services and concerts. Seattle University students cancelled a previously planned trip to Haiti and are now raising funds. Basketball teams at Assumption College in Worchester, MA organized a half-time raffle. The Newman Center at Minnesota State University is organizing a benefit Valentine’s Day dinner. More stories…
Catholic youth and schools are responding with prayers and fundraisers such as dress down days wearing the Haiti colors of red and blue. Some have contributed money in lieu of lunch snacks or are holding Raise Money Right chocolate fundraisers. Many teachers are using a CRS lesson plan to teach about Haiti.

How You Can Help
Visit: www.crs.org for prayers, resources and information about the Haiti Earthquake. See us on Facebook.
Call: 877-Help-CRS (877-435-7277) or Text RELIEF to 25383 to donate $10 on your phone bill.
Mail: Catholic Relief Services, Attn: Haiti Earthquake, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090
Advocate: Join the Catholics Confront Global Poverty legislative network to advocate for issues including international assistance reform, relieving Haiti’s debt, and help for Haitian refugees.
Please share this with other Catholics interested in responding to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.

Parish Bulletin Announcement
Weekend of January 30-31

Haiti Earthquake Update from CRS
Generous contributions from Catholics across the country to Catholic Relief Services are helping thousands of Haitians after the devastating earthquake on January 12th. CRS has provided food and other emergency supplies to more than 90,000 people through two large sites and parish distribution sites across Port-au-Prince. CRS medical teams are treating 300 per day. For more information on CRS relief efforts in Haiti as well as prayer resources, educational resources, and information on how you can help with the long-term rebuilding process, go to www.crs.org.

High School Snow Adventure - INVITE FROM ST. ANTHONY'S

Please see the message below from Joy Galvez, Coordinator of Youth Ministry at St. Anthony Parish in Renton. If you are interested, please contact Joy at jgalvez@st-anthony.cc, she has a flyer that she can send you for tweaking for use in your own parish. Please note that the deadline on the flyer is so that you can meet the deadline for letting Joy know your numbers on February 10th.

Hi All!!!

Our group does an annual snow inner tubing trip at Snoqualmie on President’s Day (fine, it is just my 2nd year at St. Anthony’s) and last year Dave (St. Bernadette’s) and I teamed up to bring a group. If you would like to team up (for the group discount) please let me know and I’d be happy to submit the payment (and you could cut a check to St. Anthony’s). I would just need to know numbers by Feb. 10th (that’s the latest).

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

High School Snow Adventure
February 15, 2010
Who: You, in grades 9 – 12
What: Inner Tubing Fun at Snoqualmie!
A fun time of tubing, friends, & snow!
When: February 15 – Presidents’ Day (Monday)
Where: Snoqualmie Summit Tubing Park
Why: Because we all deserve to have some fun!
Cost: $20 (Covers the tube rental, ticket & transportation)
What to wear: Layers of warm clothes, winter coat, gloves, hat & scarf!
7:15 am Meet in front of PARISH HALL
3:00 pm Return to St. Anthony’s
What to bring: A change of clothes, sack lunch or $$ for lunch

ALL FORMS ARE DUE FEBRUARY 8th by 4:30 pm
Questions? Please feel free to contact Joy Galvez, Youth Minister, at
(office) 425.277.6209, jgalvez@st-anthony.cc or (cell) 206.272.0373

ONE Week Dates/Locations for Junior High and High School

For more information about a particular site or for registering your group, please contact Britta Folden at 206.382.2010 and/or britta.folden@seattlearch.org. Please keep in mind that it will be first come, first served in filling these spots once registration materials are available. Your non-refundable deposit check per participant holds your spot until confirmation of numbers date...look for more information to come!

JUNIOR HIGH
July 18-23 - Hoquiam
August 1-6 - Forks
August 8-13 - Everett/Snohomish
August 15-20 - Seattle

HIGH SCHOOL
July 11-16 - Forks
July 25-30 - Seattle
August 1-6 - Hoquiam
August 8-13 - Bellingham - NOTE: changed dates

Update on Haitian Earthquake Response from CRS

Special Report: January 20, 2010

"I believe that our charity and the way in which we live this crisis will help increase our humanity. It will help us be more generous, open and available to each other, because the symbolic ways of living together has been destroyed."

-Bishop Pierre Dumas, President of Caritas Haiti

Latest News from Haiti
 CRS has committed $25 million to the emergency response and
rebuilding of Haiti.
 CRS has worked in Haiti, whose population is 80 percent
Catholic, for more than 50 years. The 313 staff of CRS in Haiti
started helping people within hours of the earthquake.
 Food is moving to people in need. CRS is arranging the
distribution of 2,100 metric tons of vegetable oil and grains from
the USAID for Food for Peace program.
 The CRS/Caritas team helped the St. Francois de Sales Hospital
open three operating rooms which are now up and running.
 For the most up to date information visit http://www.crs.org or the
CRS blog. http:/crs-blog.org/
US Catholics Respond
Over the past week, the US Catholic community has poured out compassion for the people of Haiti. Here are just a few examples:
 Catholics and other people of goodwill have donated $16.5 million to CRS for Haiti relief to date. Dozens of dioceses have held or will hold a special collection for Haiti.
 Social media has helped many CRS supporters express their compassion. CRS Facebook Fans have shared the link to www.crs.org on their profile page.
 Thirty priests and deacons who are CRS Global Fellows are preaching in parishes nationwide. Hundreds of local pastors have focused their homilies on our gospel response to those in need in Haiti.
 Schools and youth groups are finding creative ways to raise funds for Haiti. For example, youth groups are dedicating funds from their CRS Food Fast events to Haiti relief. Seaton Keough High School in Baltimore and Holy Cross School in Rumson, NJ organized school-wide dress down days, the latter raising nearly $19,000 in one day.

For youth/educator resources visit: http://education.crs.org/

Pray and Give

Visit: www.crs.org for prayers, resources and information about the Haiti Earthquake.
Call: 877-Help-CRS (877-435-7277) to give.
Mail: Catholic Relief Services, Attn: Haiti Earthquake, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090

Please share this with other Catholics interested in responding to the Haiti earthquake relief effort.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

A few quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr. to ponder on this holiday:

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
from Strength to Love, 1963

"Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it."

Let us stand up and let our love be the voice of others who don't have a voice, let our standing bear witness to what is just and let us be at once the rock of foundation and the light for the world.

JUNIOR HIGH RALLY FLYER and LEADERS PACKET

The Junior High Rally flyer will be back from the printer on Tuesday after 12pm and it will be mailed out (along with the Leaders Packet) on that day with a default of 30 copies per parish.

If you...
...need more flyers
...or would like to pick them up on Tuesday or Wednesday in order to have them for youth night on Wednesday night,
...or if you would like Tauno to bring them to our meeting for you on Thursday, January 21st,

please contact Britta Folden at 206.382.2010 or britta.folden@seattlearch.org on or before Tuesday at 12pm and she will hold them out of the mailing process.

Haitian Earthquake - NFCYM resources

In addition to the resources and information from CRS, here are some additional from the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry.

"To Save A Life" - Movie with a message - SCREENING?

I have received some promo and curriculum materials as well as a DVD for pre-screening the movie, "To Save A Life" for youth leaders with its release on the weekend of January 22-24. If you are interested in finding out more about the movie, please go the web page at www.ToSaveALifeLeaders.com. Would you be interested in coming to view the movie here at the office in the next couple of weeks? Please let me know and we will try and schedule.

Haitian Earthquake - Resources for working with communities to respond

Another note from Jeanine Boucher-Colbert.

Please go to the CRS Education Website, to view parish resources, prayer resources and lesson plans. This is an “unimaginable tragedy” as Obama just said, that we can all respond to through prayer and giving. http://education.crs.org/

Haiti - Message from CRS West Youth Programs Organizer, Jeanine Boucher-Colbert

Below is a message from CRS West Youth Programs Organizer, Jeanine Boucher-Colbert. Please share as appropriate with your communities.


Dear friends,

It is rare that I personally send out a update on a global emergency, as I know we can all get overwhelmed at the world’s needs. Yet, the earthquake in Haiti is beyond words and needs a “hemispheric response,” as one person said last night. We are called to stand in solidarity in a very strong way today. Please pray at the very minimum for Haiti’s people and for CRS and the other NGOs responding to this catastrophic disaster. Attached (Ed. Note: see below) is an emergency update, prayer and where to send any financial help possible. Please send this around widely. CRS has been working closely with the Haitian church for decades and has a great record in responding to disasters because of that. Mass is being held as we speak at our Headquarters in Baltimore as emergency teams are being mobilized.

I had the great privilege to spend a couple weeks in Haiti a few years ago and was struck over and over at the incredible faith and Spirit in the Haitian people. I was also struck, despite having lived, volunteered and visited in many countries at the depth of their suffering. May the Spirit give the grace and strength they need, once again, to face this suffering and recover as a people.
Thank you so much.

Peace,
Jeanine

Jeanine Boucher-Colbert
Youth Program Organizer, CRS West
Office: 503-282-6406
Cell: 503-250-2989
5404 NE Mallory
Portland, OR 97211




January 12, 2010
Emergency Brief 1; Haiti Earthquake

Situation: A 7.0 magnitude earthquake has ravaged the island nation of Haiti. The quake occurred 10 miles southwest of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince just before 5pm EST (Haiti is also on EST). Port-au-Prince, with a population of over 2 million, has been devastated. CRS Country Representative Karel Zelenka reports that “Port-au-Prince was covered with a plume of dust from damaged buildings. We should be prepared for many thousands of dead and injured.”

The CRS offices were shaken, with some damage to the compound walls, but there were no injuries in the building. Two CRS staff members remain unaccounted for. Communication with Haiti remains very difficult.

There are also recently confirmed reports that the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Monsignor Joseph Serge Miot, was a victim of the quake. The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Port-au-Prince has sustained severe damage.


CRS Response:
CRS has made an initial commitment of 5 million dollars for immediate use in the relief effort. Our agency is geared up for a major emergency response to this severe disaster. CRS is mobilizing food and gearing up our emergency capacity, and deploying prepositioned emergency shelter and hygiene kits in Haiti, as well as bringing supplies in from the neighboring Dominican Republic.


From the Field:
Karel Zelenka, CRS Country Representative in Haiti: “I’ve been in earthquakes before. This was a major hit. And it was direct. Thousands must be dead.”

CRS in the News:

From the Washington Post:
"People are out in the streets, crying, screaming, shouting," Karel Zelenka, director of the Catholic Relief Services office in Haiti, said Tuesday night. "They see the extent of the damage," he said, but could do little to rescue people trapped under rubble because night had fallen.
"There are a lot of collapsed buildings," Zelenka said in a telephone interview from Port-au-Prince. "This will be a major, major disaster."
He reported that poorly constructed shantytowns and other buildings had crumbled in huge clouds of dust. Near the CRS headquarters, a supermarket was "completely razed," he said, and a gasoline station and a church were reduced to rubble.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/13/AR2010011300320_2.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2010011300336

Prayer

God of all creation, as we weep with our family in Haiti, console us.
In this time of crisis, open our eyes to look beyond the disaster
to see Christ in our brothers and sisters in Haiti, as Christ sees us.
Be with us as we stand in solidarity with those living and working in Haiti.
Be with us in our mourning and guide our efforts to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the grieving and stand for justice.
With your mercy, sustain us at this time as we continue to work for peace and justice.
Amen.

For our Brothers and Sisters in Haiti Affected by the Earthquake

Lord, hear our prayer.
For the Haitian people, that help comes to them quickly and comfort comes to those who hurt.
Lord, hear our prayer.
For the lost or buried, that they are found and reunited with their loved ones.
Lord, hear our prayers.
For the relief workers, that they have the tools they need, the courage and the strength to respond fully.
Lord, hear our prayers.
For the families in Haiti and in the United States who are waiting to hear from loved one, that good news comes to them.
Lord, hear our prayers.
For those whose who have perished, may their souls rest with you, oh Lord, where they will find eternal love.
Amen.

How to Help:
Donate via phone: 1-877-HELP-CRS
Donate online: www.crs.org
Write a check: Catholic Relief Services
P.O. Box 17090
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090
Memo portion of check: Haiti Earthquake

Information for Church Bulletins:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, is responding to victims of the massive earthquake in Haiti. To donate, please call 1-877-HELP-CRS, donate online at www.crs.org or send a check to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, MD 21203-7090. In the memo portion of your check, please write: Haiti Earthquake

For more information go to crs.org and crsespanol.org

LOCATION FOR NEXT REGION II MEETING - ST. ANTHONY, RENTON; THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2009

The next Region II meeting from 5-8:30pm (including optional simple meal) will be held at St. Anthony, Renton where we will be located in the current teacher's lounge (Old Chapel). Access can be gained from the front or back entrances to St. Anthony School which is located at 336 Shattuck Ave. S. 98057. Any day of meeting questions, please page Tauno at 206.344.9119. Thanks!

March for Life - Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Greetings all!

I know that many of you are already planning on participating in the "March for Life" rally and events next Tuesday. What you may or may not be aware of is that St. Michael's, Olympia is hosting a Mass prior to the march and a luncheon afterwards for those that participate.

Fr. Jim Lee and Dave Whitesell have also forwarded an outline of a sample note to schools for the purpose of getting excused absences for any students who attend. Feel free to cut and paste and put on your parish letterhead as appropriate.

If you have more questions or would like to RSVP for the luncheon please contact Dave Whitesell at 360∙754∙4667 x106 or at dwhitesell@saintmichaelparish.org




MARCH FOR LIFE

On Tuesday, January 19th, 2010, the annual March for Life will be held at the Capitol at Noon. St. Michael parishioners will participate in the march as a witness to our faith that all life is sacred from conception to natural death.

The March draws people from all over the state and from many different faith communities. They come each year on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that decriminalized abortion, as a reminder that the unborn have not been forgotten.

At 10:00 a.m., the same morning, a Mass will be held at St. Michael to celebrate life. Many people will attend the Mass, then walk or ride in vans to the Capitol. A luncheon will be provided after the March in our Gathering Space around 1p.

This is an opportunity for your child to participate in an active gesture of faith to the community. The schools in the area are willing to provide children with an excused absence when they attend activities based on their religious beliefs and active forms of community leadership. Please simply present this form and ask about an excused absence.

We hope that you will support your child’s interest in attending the Mass and the March this Wednesday.


David Whitesell Fr. Jim Lee




I give permission for my child, , to attend the Mass and March for Life on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010, from 10a to 3p.



Name (PRINT)


Signature Date

Youth Ministry Studies Program - Empower and Train Leadership!

Interested in gaining confidence in your role with youth? Do you need a way of gaining credibility, but don’t have the time for a degree?

Do you want to stabilize and grow youth ministry in your parish or school setting?

Need training for core team members or youth ministry leadership that will root them in effective philosophy and best practices of youth ministry?

A mailing is on the way to pastors/pastoral coordinators with a more detailed brochure and program information. If you did not receive one at your parish, please let Tauno know.

The Youth Ministry Studies program is a ministry education program for those in ministry with youth, ages 11 to 18, in both parish and school settings. It equips leaders with the knowledge, skills, practical tools and techniques needed for creative and comprehensive ministry with youth. Recognized by the Archdiocese, these programs provide a solid foundation in catechetical formation and a specialized education in ministry involving adolescent youth.

The program includes eight courses. The primary aim of the program is to promote personal, spiritual and ministerial growth. Participating leaders will experience confidence, competence and credibility in their roles in youth ministry.

Courses will be offered on the weekends at our office in Seattle. The first course, Principles of Youth Ministry is coming up on February 27 – 28th! Optional housing and meals will be covered by the cost of the program.

We went back to the weekend format so that volunteers and youth ministry leadership who have other commitments during the weekdays could participate. Please don't see this as for "only the people who get paid". This is an incredible way to invest in the youth ministry in your parish by broadening the scope of who is speaking the language and who is empowered to support and/or lead youth ministry in a comprehensive way. As always, please don't let cost prohibit participation, if financial concerns are an issue, please talk with Tauno (at 206.382.2019 or tauno.latvala@seattlearch.org) or with Britta Folden who coordinates the program for OYYAM (please see her contact information below) about scholarships.

Find out more about the Youth Ministry Studies program and the other dates on the new and improved OYYAM website here and learn more about the Center for Ministry Development here (there is a link on their main page on the bottom to find out more about this program).

Interested in signing up or getting more info? Contact Britta.Folden@SeattleArch.org.

Jr. High Rally Details...Flyers to be available in mid-January...

Registration brochures will be available mid January...

Junior High Rally 2010
DIVE DEEP!
Saturday, March 6th

Location
Highline Community College
S 240th & Pacific Hwy South
Des Moines, WA

Cost
$50 per person on or before February 22nd
$55 per person between February 22nd and March 5th
$60 per person at the door (no t-shirt)
No refund after March 1st

Special opportunity! For every youth a parish brings over the number they brought to Rally 2009, the cost is only $10 per youth!

Tauno will request the registration numbers from last year so if you are interested in verifying how many you had, please let him know. This is a great way to make the experience more affordable by spreading out the costs among your participants. For those of you that didn't bring youth participants last year, this is a SCREAMING deal.

Get some preliminary information into your bulletins, family folders and information kiosks so that people save the date and so you can recruit your team of chaperones...also know that as per our policy we will not be scheduling CYO Athletics for 6-9th graders for that Saturday so there will NOT be a conflict.

Please remember that you must choose between scholarship and this discount and that adult chaperones are required to register as participants and pay full price. Many parishes build chaperone cost into their "parish fee" if their budget doesn't allow for it.

Age
Participants must be in 6th through 9th grade

Meals
Meals are not included. Please bring a sack lunch/dinner or make plans to visit off-site restaurants. The on-campus college cafeteria will be open for purchase of food.

Tshirts
Each participant who registers by March 5th will receive a tshirt.
(Ed. note: Please pay particular attention to this. Because we have to order the t-shirts in advance and in an effort to keep sunk costs down, we try to be as close to actual registrations as possible, this is pretty important to be aware of. Thanks.)

Schedule
8:30am Registration Open (in Gym)
10:00am General Session I
11:15am Workshop I
12:15pm Lunch (on your own)
1:30pm General Session II
2:45pm Workshop II
4:00pm Mass
5:30pm Dinner (on your own)
7:30pm Dance & Games
9:00pm End and Depart

Next Region II Meeting - Thursday, January 21, 5-8:30pm

We are still finalizing the location and specific agenda so look for more information to come. We will gather for those that can for a simple meal starting at 5pm, with some time for networking, connecting and reflecting until the business portion of the meeting begins at 6:30pm.

In terms of general agenda, we will be calendaring for the rest of our gatherings up until summer (youth and young adult ministry leadership as well as ACCY) so please bring your calendars with you. We will also discuss ACCY so bring your thoughts and energy around that as well.

More information to come...