Table of Contents 3
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. Decree of the Diocesan Year of Youth
5
Prayer for the Year of Youth
6
Letter from the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
7 10 11
What is the Year of Youth? Implementing the Year of Youth in Your Community Highlights of the Year of Youth
13
Diocesan Year of Youth Events For Junior High & High School Teens
16
Diocesan Young Adult Events in the Year of Youth
17 21 27 31 37 41 45 46
The Entire Parish With Young People in Community With Young People in Service Works With Young People in Prayer With Young People in Formation With Young Adults and College Campus Ministries NET Ministries Information Connect with Us
“I’m inviting us all to celebrate the young people of our Diocese in a special way,”
3 | Year of Youth
“I’m inviting us all to celebrate the young people of our Diocese in a special way,”
4 | Year of Youth
PRAYER Loving God and Father, You have given us every good gift and promised to be with us always. We ask for your blessing as we journey through this Year of Youth in the Diocese of Trenton. Surround us in your care and enfold us in your love. Guide our bishop. Inspire our priests, our deacons, our religious, and all the faithful. Bless our families. Strengthen our parishes and schools. Make this be a time of grace for the young Church; a time of growth and renewal for all who take part in this Year of Youth. Send your Holy Spirit among us to awaken in our hearts the courage to live the joy of the Gospel in everything we do. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. 5 | Year of Youth
From the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries Greetings! Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the vision of Bishop O’Connell, we are very excited to initiate a yearlong celebration of young Catholics in our Diocese called the “Year of Youth”. Special events will be held for youth and young adults throughout the year led by the Diocese, but I am most excited to see how our parishes and schools will use this opportunity to celebrate and empower the gifts of young people in new ways. No matter how successful your community may or may not be at engaging young people, I hope this Year of Youth will be an inspiration to start something new and/or take efforts to the next level! In this book there are many ideas for parishes and schools to celebrate the Year of Youth, to highlight young people and engage the entire community. You will also find information on Diocesan events for youth and young adults, as well as adults. Please share these materials and opportunities with all who minister to youth in your community. There are many important goals for the Year of Youth, but for me, the most important will be to intentionally give our young people the opportunity to dive deeper into their relationship with Jesus and empower them to live their faith as important members of their parishes and communities. The Year of Youth should not be viewed as a program, but as a catalyst to increase engagement of young people in our Church that will last for years to come. Together, united as the Catholic Church of the Trenton Diocese, let’s seize this great opportunity to celebrate and embrace young people as the great gift they are to our Church today and to our future. Please join us. God Bless you,
Dan Waddington, Director Dept. of Youth and Young Adult Ministries 6 | Year of Youth
What is the
Year of Youth?
It is a yearlong celebration of youth and young adults in the Diocese of Trenton designed to facilitate greater opportunities for our young people to encounter Jesus Christ and to engage them more intentionally into the life of the Church.
Goals for the Year of Youth To increase the active engagement of young Catholics in a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and help them to grow in faith as missionary disciples. To celebrate the gifts of young Catholics and increase their opportunities to make a difference at home, in their school, their parish, their Diocese and the world. To challenge misconceptions about the Church and cultivate a more positive attitude among young adult Catholics about the desire of young people to live and witness their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To inspire parishes throughout the Diocese of Trenton to welcome young people, help them to feel at home and encourage participation in parish life.
Why a Year of Youth now? In October, 2018, the Holy Father will host a Synod of Bishops which will focus on Youth, Faith, and Vocational Discernment. Also, in January 2019, the worldwide gathering of young people with the Pope known as World Youth Day will occur in Panama. As a result, along with participation there will be worldwide conversation and celebration of Catholic youth around these events. The Year of Youth is our Diocese’s response and connection to what is happening in the Universal Church. It will also serve to support the efforts of the many cohorts that have named youth and young adult ministries in their goals for implementing “Faith in our Future”.
Who can participate?
All Catholics, of all ages, are invited to participate in the Year of Youth! Entire communities are called to pray for the young church and lead local efforts to embrace and celebrate all youth and young adults. In addition, the Diocese will offer events that will focus on young people of particular ages, along with a few special opportunities for adults as well. 7 | Year of Youth Phpto Credit: Craig Pittelli/The Monitor
How to implement
Year of Youth
in your community.
Gather your ministers of youth... The best suggestion is to gather a few of the people in your parish/school that have the most contact with young people in ministry to review these materials , share in the vision and then develop a plan to inject the Year of Youth in the life of your community in ways that best suits your parish or school. Suggestions for the committee might be the Pastor, your DRE, Youth Minister, Leader of Altar Servers, Music Minister, Scout leaders, etc.
Let the Goals guide you...
There are 4 goals for the Year of Youth listed on page __ of this resource book. Please allow these ideals guide and inspire your planning to help young people have an encounter with Christ and know they are essential to our Church both today and in the future. As you plan, consider the best way to engage both the young people you see often and those that you wish you saw more.
Menu of Options...
This resource book is not meant as a recipe that must include every ingredient‌ rather treat it as a menu of options designed to inspire conversation and lead to possibilities. Please consider options to involve your entire parish as well as special opportunities for young people..
Refesh what is already happening...
Every parish and school already does some great things with and for young people. What do you already do that can be enhanced or used to engage even more young people during the Year of Youth?
What could be New? This book offers many suggestions for possible events and initiatives. Are there a few that your parish or school could focus on to make the Year of Youth come alive in your community? Have the options inspired any new ideas of your own? How could your community embrace young people in a new way during the Year of Youth? What could your community do to invite those that are not as engaged as others to participate?
Allow us to serve you! If the Diocese staff can support or help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us! Please find our contact information on page __. 9 | Year of Youth
9810| |Year YearofofYouth Youth Phpto Credit: Craig Pittelli/The Monitor
How to implement
Year of Youth
in your community.
Gather your ministers of youth... The best suggestion is to gather a few of the people in your parish/school that have the most contact with young people in ministry to review these materials , share in the vision and then develop a plan to inject the Year of Youth in the life of your community in ways that best suits your parish or school. Suggestions for the committee might be the Pastor, your DRE, Youth Minister, Leader of Altar Servers, Music Minister, Scout leaders, etc.
Let the Goals guide you...
There are 4 goals for the Year of Youth listed on page __ of this resource book. Please allow these ideals guide and inspire your planning to help young people have an encounter with Christ and know they are essential to our Church both today and in the future. As you plan, consider the best way to engage both the young people you see often and those that you wish you saw more.
Menu of Options...
This resource book is not meant as a recipe that must include every ingredient‌ rather treat it as a menu of options designed to inspire conversation and lead to possibilities. Please consider options to involve your entire parish as well as special opportunities for young people..
Refesh what is already happening...
Every parish and school already does some great things with and for young people. What do you already do that can be enhanced or used to engage even more young people during the Year of Youth?
What could be New? This book offers many suggestions for possible events and initiatives. Are there a few that your parish or school could focus on to make the Year of Youth come alive in your community? Have the options inspired any new ideas of your own? How could your community embrace young people in a new way during the Year of Youth? What could your community do to invite those that are not as engaged as others to participate?
Allow us to serve you! If the Diocese staff can support or help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us! Please find our contact information on page __. 9 | Year of Youth
10 | Year of Youth Phpto Credit: Craig Pittelli/The Monitor
Implementing the
Year of Youth
in your community.
Gather your ministers of youth... The best suggestion is to gather a few of the people in your parish/school that have the most contact with young people in ministry to review these materials, share in the vision and then develop a plan to inject the Year of Youth in the life of your community in ways that best suits your parish or school. Suggestions for the committee might be the Pastor, DRE, Youth Minister, Leader of Altar Servers, Music Minister, Scout leaders, and active youth and young adults in your community.
Let the Goals guide you...
There are 4 goals for the Year of Youth listed on page 7 of this resource book. Please allow these ideals to guide and inspire your planning to help young people have an encounter with Christ and know they are essential to our Church both today and in the future. As you plan, consider the best way to engage both the young people you see often and those that you wish you saw more.
Menu of Options...
This resource book is not meant as a recipe that must include every ingredient‌ rather treat it as a menu of options designed to inspire conversation and lead to possibilities. Please consider options to involve your entire parish as well as special opportunities for young people.
Refresh what is already happening...
Every parish and school already does some great things with and for young people. What do you already do that can be enhanced or used to engage even more young people during the Year of Youth?
What could be New? This book offers many suggestions for possible events and initiatives. Are there a few that your parish or school could focus on to make the Year of Youth come alive in your community? Have the options inspired any new ideas of your own? How could your community embrace young people in a new way during the Year of Youth? What could your community do to invite those that are not as engaged as others to participate?
Allow us to serve you! If the Diocese staff can support or help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us! Please find our contact information on page 46. 10 | Year of Youth Phpto Credit: Craig Pittelli/The Monitor
Highlights of the
Year of Youth
Find a complete list of our Year of Youth Events at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/yearofyouth
JUL.
2018
DEC.
29 - Aug. 3
Mission Jersey (5-Night)
St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor, NJ
OCT.
2018
2018
Catholic Schools Mass
with Bishop David O’Connell, C.M. Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, Freehold, NJ
2019
27 Feb. 2 Catholic Schools Week
1
Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Guadalupe
St. Mary Cathedral, Trenton, NJ
11
JAN. National Event
FEB.
2019
9
6-8
Diocesan Youth Conference
National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry
Holy Cross Preparatory Academy Delran, NJ www.dioceseoftrenton.org/dyc
Tampa, FL
JAN.
14
Year of Youth Fest and Mass
2019
18-28
21
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
with Bishop David O’Connell, C.M St. Mary of the Pines, Manahawkin, NJ
18 -28
NOV.
World Youth Day
MAR.
18
NET Ministries Retreats
2018
11
Your Body and Your Life Unveiling God’s Love Princeton University
11 | Year of Youth
Panama City, Panama
March for Life
Washington, D.C. Photos courtesy of The Monitor / Jeff Bruno / Craig Pittelli
National Event
2019
27 - Feb. 2 7-28
Check out the back page for more information! www.dioceseoftrenton.org/netministries
APR.
2019
Pam Stenzel
Chastity Speaker traveling the Diocese of Trenton
MAY
2019
19
NJ Catholic Youth Rally
Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ
JUN.
2019
9
Diocesan Youth Sunday Parish Celebration for the Year of Youth!
21
End of Year of Youth Celebration! St. Aloysius, Jackson, NJ
12 | Year of Youth
Diocesan Year
of Youth Events
For Junior High & High School Teens
Year of Youth Fest! - October 14, 2018
at St. Mary of the Pines, Manahawkin, NJ This will be the official kickoff event for the Year of Youth! Our event will begin with Mass with Bishop O’Connell and include an opening procession of young people representing parishes and schools from around the Diocese. All communities are encouraged to invite all young people and their families.Young representatives from each community will be invited to carry a parish/school banner as a part of the procession. Join us after for food and entertainment featuring “Young Catholic’s Got Talent.” This talent competition will have 2 age groups (junior high and high school) with great prizes. Please invite your talented young people to enter. For more information please contact Jerry Wutkowski at 609-403-7182.
Diocesan Youth Conference - February 9, 2019 at Holy Cross Academy, Delran, NJ Last year nearly 700 teens (8th – 12th grades) joined us for this amazing and fun event! For the Year of Youth we hope even more young people and parishes will join us for a day of great music, speakers and an opportunity for a powerful encounter with Christ! For more information and for ways to get your community involved in DYC, contact Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140.
NJ Catholic Youth Rally - May 19, 2019 at Six Flags Great Adventure
Phpto Credit: Craig Pittelli/The Monitor
This special event is for ALL young people AND their families in our Diocese. Youth Groups, Young Adults, Altar servers, Scout groups, home schoolers, and families are all invited! In addition to a great day in the park, discounted pricing, and a buffet lunch, the day will feature Mass in the Great Arena with Bishop O’Connell! For more information, please contact Jerry Wutkowski at 609-403-7182
Year of Youth Closing Event - June 21, 2019
Our Year of youth will come to a close with a celebration on the Feast of St. Aloysius, Patron Saint of Catholic Youth, at St. Aloysius Parish in Jackson! More details coming soon! 13 | Year of Youth
14 | Year of Youth
Diocesan Year
of Youth Events
For Junior High & High School Teens
Year of Youth Fest! - October 14, 2018
This will be our official kickoff event for the Year of Youth! Our event will begin with Mass with Bishop O’Connell and include an opening procession of Young People representing Parishes and Schools from around the Diocese. All communities are encouraged to invite young people from all their different ministries that engage youth. Young representatives of each community will be invited to carry a banner as a part of the procession. After Mass will be a festival for young people and their families with food and entertainment featuring “Young Catholic’s Got Talent.” This talent competition will have 2 age groups (junior high and high school) with great prizes. Please invite your talented young people to enter. For more information please contact Jerry Wutkowski at 609-403-7182.
Diocesan Youth Conference - February 9, 2019 at Holy Cross Academy, Delran, NJ Last year nearly 700 teens (8th – 12th grades) joined us for this amazing and fun day! For the Year of Youth we hope even more young people and parishes will join us for a day of great music, speakers and an opportunity for a powerful encounter with Christ! For more information and for ways to get your community involved in DYC, contact Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140.
NJ Catholic Youth Rally - May 19, 2019 Phpto Credit: Craig Pittelli/The atMonitor Six Flags Great Adventure This special event is for ALL young people AND their families in our Diocese. Youth Groups, Young Adults, Altar servers, Scout groups, home schoolers, and families are all invited! In addition to a great day in the park, discounted pricing, and a buffet lunch, the day will feature Mass in the Great Arena with Bishop O’Connell! For more information, please contact Jerry Wutkowski at 609-403-7182
Year of Youth Closing Event - June 21, 2019
Our Year of youth will come to a close with a celebration on the Feast of St. Aloysius, Patron Saint of Catholic Youth, at St. Aloysius Parish in Jackson! More details coming soon! 14 15 | Year of Youth
Diocesan Young Adult Events in the Year
of Youth
Your Body and Your Life: Unveiling God's Love Princeton University - November 11, 2018 A Young Adult Conference Join us as we come together to deepen our faith through inspiring speakers, community, and prayer. This young adult conference promises to be relevant, engaging, and informative! Young adults are invited to come and discover the meaning and purpose of their sexuality and how it applies to their unique mission in life. The day will feature both large and small group sessions designed to facilitate open dialogue among peers, and will conclude with the celebration of Sunday Mass at the Princeton University Chapel.
Service and Social - Spring 2019
All young adults from our Diocese are invited to come together for this one day event as a community to put our faith into action and serve those in need. There will be a time for work and then play! Join us as we serve the Lord and his people. “It is more blessed to give than to receive!” (Acts 20:35)
A Young Adult Evening with Bishop David O’Connell - Spring 2019
All college students are invited to this unique opportunity to connect with each other and spend time with our Bishop! Join us for Mass at 7:30pm followed by a relaxed evening with music, food, and conversation as we share in our faith together. Date and location to be announced.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Holiness - March 2019 Phpto Credit:What Craig Pittelli/The is God'sMonitor plan for my life? What does it mean to be free? Is holiness possible? Life, Liberty, and
the Pursuit of Holiness is a retreat geared toward young adults (18-39) looking to find a deeper meaning for their lives. Join us as we attempt to answer these questions and more. Come rest, relax and retreat with us! This one day event will offer our young adults a chance to take a break from the craziness of life and have an encounter with Christ!
Outcast Movie Screening - Spring 2019
A movie that does more than just entertain…. It challenges you. Movie night like no other! Join us as we have a screening of the award winning film by grassroots films “Outcasts”, a social justice film that will truly move you. After the film, there will be a panel discussion and a “meet and greet” with producer, Joe Campo and special guests. Details to come soon! For more information, contact Cristina Imparato, coordinator of Young Adult Ministry cimpar@dioceseoftrenton.org or 609-406-7410
16 | Year of Youth
Formation Opportunities for Adults during the Year of Youth Senior Spirituality Day - July 18, 2018
Inviting all Seniors 55+ to come for a day of inspiration, formation, entertainment, and more! This year’s theme inspired by the Year of Youth is “Passing on the Faith to the Next Generation.” For more information, please go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/pastoral-care
Addiction and Recovery - September 29, 2018 So many people in our diocese suffer in addiction or struggle in recovery. If you would like to learn “Practical Parish Strategies to address the Addiction Epidemic.” Please join us for this educational experience. Talks will be applicable to those who minister to youth, young adults, and beyond. For more information, please go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/addictions-ministry
NCCYM National Gathering - December 6-8, 2018 The National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) gathers and forms adults to inspire, strenthen, and nourish those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ. This year’s conference will take place in Tampa Bay, FL For more information, please contact Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140
Catechetical Conference - February 23, 2019
This annual one day diocesan event is an opportunity for those who teach or minister to young people to learn and be strengthened in their ministry. DRE’s, Catechists, Youth Ministers, and volunteers who serve young people are invited! For more information, please contact Brian Jefferes at 609-403-7133
Youth Minister Retreat - May 3, 2019
Phpto Credit: Craig Pittelli/The Monitor
The Annual Pastoral Care Retreat during the Year of Youth will take place at San Alfonso Retreat Center, West Long Branch, NJ and will focus on “Ministering to the Minister,” with a special emphasis on those who minister to youth. Youth Ministers and their volunteer teams are invited. For more information, please contact Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140
Kerygma Retreat Training
Opportunities will be offered for adult leaders to experience and learn about “A New Life” retreat. This life changing, one day retreat for teens is centered on an encounter with Christ! This retreat can take place in your parish or school. For more information, please contact Maria Guzman-Paczkowski at 609-403-7154 17 | Year of Youth
21 | Year of Youth
A Celebration for the Entire Parish! The Year of Youth is not just for youth! It is our hope that the Year of Youth will invite ALL parishioners to participate in some way. It will take the entire community to work and pray together if this year is to truly impact young parishioners. Below are a list of some resources as well as some suggestions to bring the Year of Youth to as many areas of parish life as possible.
Universal Prayers for throughout the year.
Please find on pages 35-36 , a list of petitions for the young Church that can be used during the Universal Prayers at Mass. They are written for each liturgical season and around specific Year of Youth events. Use them for multiple weeks or for a single week. Please help us unite our Diocese in prayer for the young church!
Year of Youth Prayer
Please embrace and share the Year of Youth Prayer in all aspects of parish life. The prayer can be used to open or close ministry gatherings, open or close religious education classes, as well as placed in bulletins and on parish/school websites for the year. A copy of the year of youth prayer can be found on page 5 of this resource book.
Banner/Posters
-Pope Francis Palm Sunday 2018
Year of Youth Posters will be made available. Please hang them in the church, religious education center, school or anywhere that will promote this celebration. Consider hanging banners outside the church as well to communicate with your larger community about our celebration of young people. If you are interested in ordering a banner, please contact the diocesan Dept. of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at dotyouth@dioceseoftrenton.org or 609-403-7182.
Media Support (Website, Bulletin, and Social Media)
Our Year of Youth logo will be made available digitally at ww.dioceseoftrenton.org/yearofyouth so it can easily be used in your bulletin, on parish/school websites, and in social media. Videos, news pieces, and other materials will be shared with you throughout the year. Please share these media features with your community when possible.
18| Year of Youth
Essential to the Life of the Parish
Our young people are so important to our Church. The Year of Youth calls all adults to embrace, encourage, and empower the youth and young adults in their parish. Please ask: “Where can young people become involved in the life of the parish? How can we be more intentional about engaging, forming, and welcoming young people wherever they are missing?
Sunday, June 9, 2019 will be Diocesan Youth Sunday Mary accompanies new generations on their pilgrimage of faith “We are accompanied by the example and intercession of Mary, the young woman of Nazareth whom God has chosen as the Mother of her Son. She walks with us and guides the new generations on their pilgrimage of faith and fraternity.” “From her we learn inner silence, the gaze of the heart, the loving faith to follow Jesus on the way of the cross, which leads to the joyful light of the Resurrection.” Pope Francis Palm Sunday 2018
“
“We are called to be holy, and we are called to be saints, and there is only one way to it – to look forward, to look ahead, to look at Christ and love what he loved, to love the people he loved, and to make a difference in our world.” Bishop David O’Connell, C.M. Homily, Diocesan Pilgrimage to the National Basilica 2017
19 | Year of Youth
Pentecost Sunday 2019 will be an opportunity to celebrate young people in a special way as important members of the parish. Please consider highlighting the good works of the of the Youth Ministry programs, celebrating the youth choir, installing young people as liturgical ministers, recognizing Altar servers, and inviting scouts. We invite our parishes to celebrate young people by having liturgies served completely by young people. (readers, ushers, music ministry, etc.) Please arrange this day in ways that will be best for your parish.
St. Timothy Award
Each year the diocese invites parishes and schools to nominate one young person to receive the St. Timothy Award. The award recognizes young people as witnesses to their faith in the example of St. Timothy. Please consider distributing the St. Timothy Award during one of the masses on Diocesan Youth Sunday. For more information on the St. Timothy Award go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/timothyaward
Events for Parents
Consider hosting events for parents to build community, strengthen their faith, and support their efforts in handing on the faith to their children. Social events, speakers on parenting or supporting the mental health of teens, and prayer or retreat experiences can all provide support and help your parents connect with each other. Don’t forget to offer babysitting! For more ideas and suggestions call Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140
Events for Families
Consider events such as family movie nights, bus trips, teaching Masses, and community service days that entire families can do together. These opportunities help build community among your families as well has help families live and learn about our faith. For more ideas and resources call Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140
Formation Opportunities for Adults during the Year of Youth Addiction and Recovery - September 29, 2018 So many people in our diocese suffer in addiction or struggle in recovery. If you would like to learn “Practical Parish Strategies to address the Addiction Epidemic”, please join us for this educational experience. Talks will be applicable to those who minister to youth, young adults, and beyond. For more information, please go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/addictions-ministry
NCCYM National Gathering - December 6-8, 2018 The National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) gathers and forms adults to inspire, strenthen, and nourish those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ. This year’s conference will take place in Tampa Bay, FL For more information, please contact Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140
Catechetical Conference - February 23, 2019
This annual one day diocesan event is an opportunity for those who teach or minister to young people to learn and be strengthened in their ministry. DRE’s, Catechists, Youth Ministers, and volunteers who serve young people are invited! For more information, please contact Brian Jefferes at 609-403-7133
Youth Minister Retreat - May 3, 2019
Phpto Credit: Craig Pittelli/The Monitor
The Annual Pastoral Care Retreat during the Year of Youth will take place at San Alfonso Retreat Center, West Long Branch, NJ and will focus on “Ministering to the Minister,” with a special emphasis on those who minister to youth. Youth Ministers and their volunteer teams are invited. For more information, please contact Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140
Kerygma Retreat Training Opportunities will be offered for adult leaders to experience and learn about “A New Life” retreat. This life changing, one day retreat for teens is centered on an encounter with Christ! This retreat can take place in your parish or school. For more information, please contact Maria Guzman-Paczkowski at 609-403-7154 20 | Year of Youth
21 | Year of Youth
Striving for holiness, Together. Young people feeling connected in community is one of the most important building blocks that leads them into a deeper relationship with the Church, and fosters an invitation to grow in their faith. Young people want to be together, feel accepted, and know that they belong. They want to have a purpose and know they are valued and needed in the larger community. They also need to know there is opportunity to share their gifts in a meaningful way. Helping our young people to feel connected to our community and to each other can be the first step in strengthening their connection to Jesus! Mary accompanies new generations on their pilgrimage of faith
Personal Invitation...
To build community with Youth and Young adults and the church begins with outreach and often personal invitation. Personal invitation builds a sense of belonging and communicates that you are important. Once a young person accepts an invitation to come to an event or be involved, be prepared to engage them right away and invite them to follow-up opportunities in the near future. Also, in order to truly grow, an invitation should always consider those who are active and those that are missing. What are the important roles within your community for young people? Identify ministries or clubs that are prepared and able to welcome young people. Some young people would never consider themselves as a lector, Eucharistic minister, a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society/service club, or even to be a member of the youth group/campus ministry unless they are personally invited!
Word of Mouth...
-Pope Francis Palm Sunday 2018
The most powerful tool at your disposal for effective outreach to young people, are other young people! Do you have a group of engaged young people in your parish or school? Include them in your Year of Youth committee’s discussions. Ask them to help you pick and plan events that will draw in the participation of other young people. Listen to them, get to know them, follow their lead on what events to choose and especially how to advertise these events. Teach your active young people to be able to talk to their peers and empower them to invite their friends.
Meet them where they are...
Young people don't come to us fully formed. Young people need to be met at the imperfect and often messy place that is their world. To learn about their needs, desires and questions is critical in knowing how to engage them, and how to help them feel welcomed and valued. This also enables you to know how to connect the dots as to how our faith and their participation in the Church are relevant and meaningful to their everyday life.
22 | Year of Youth
What is the invitation all about?
Begin with fun and social activities that are relevant to your young people, comfortable for them and help them to feel welcomed. Slowly build to events and programming that bring young people more deeply into their faith and the life of the church. Don't forget to ask your current youth and young adults what they think will work for the young people in your community. Also, as you plan events for the Year of Youth, especially events that will build community, consider the events you are planning through the eyes of a young person or family that is not active. Is this event going to invite in someone new? Will it make them feel welcome? Efforts to reach out to those young people and their families who are not active is just as important as engaging those who are most active.
Below are some suggestions and events to consider that may support your efforts or inspire possibilities as you work to build community among young people, both with each other and with the larger community. This is not a complete list; there are many other options to consider. Please adjust anything necessary to fit the needs of your community.
Fun “One Time Outreach” Events
Social events that young people can come to with their friends or families that are fun and don’t require a future commitment can be the best place to start. Young people are busy and are often afraid that showing up means they are joining forever. Have an outdoor movie, bonfire, or run a trip that is just about the opportunity to build relationships. Give them the chance to get to know each other and more about your community, with no strings attached. As you advertise these events, consider how to reach and invite those who are not active as well as those who are! For more ideas or for support in organizing an event, call Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140.
Highlight your existing youth group/campus ministry or start one!
Youth Ministry in a parish includes everything from religious education to altar servers. However, one of the most popular ministries among the youth and effective aspects of youth ministry can be a “youth group.” The group, defined by a particular age range, can create a great opportunity for community building, learning about our faith, connecting young people to parish life, and helping them know how to live their faith in their daily lives. The same could be said for school campus ministry. For support on how to take your youth group/campus ministry to the next level, or start one from scratch, contact Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140.
Family & Youth combined Events
To effectively engage young people it is also important engage their parents. Consider fun and social events that both kids and their families can attend. A trip to see a youth friendly show that begins by gathering for Mass and fellowship, a parish/school night at a local sporting event or a family game show night are all great opportunities for families to get to know each other and feel more connected to the community
23 | Year of Youth
24 | Year of Youth
Each One/Reach One - Bring a Friend Events
As stated earlier, one of the most powerful tools for making connections can be personal invitation. Please consider youth and young adult events when current members can be empowered to bring a friend and introduce them to the opportunities of their ministry. Events should be casual, interactive and communicate how important they are to our Church. This type of approach can be used by many different groups or ministries in your community.
Cohort Youth Gatherings
Consider networking with the parishes in your cohort to have collaborative events many young people can attend. Many of the above activities could be considered as a cohort event to gather larger numbers or even as a friendly competition between parishes. An outdoor mass, open gym nights, field days, or inter-parish “Olympics” are just a few additional possibilities! For more ideas or for support in organizing an event call Dan Waddington at 609-403-7140
Dear Brothers and Sisters, ”At the start of the Christian adventure, the early Church receives the power to begin the mission entrusted to her by the Risen Lord: to spread the Gospel to every corner of the earth, the Good News of the Kingdom of God, and thus to lead every human person to the encounter with Him, to the faith that saves. - Pope Benedict XVI General Audience, October 2012
Spotlights on Individual Youth . With parental consent, help your community get to know some of your active young people and the great things they do through bulletin articles, school papers, or spotlights on your web sites and social media. Include a picture along with some information about who they are, the things that are important to them, how they are involved, and most importantly, why their faith is important to them. Consider one young person a month or even someone new each week! Those to highlight could be young liturgical ministers, members of the youth group/campus ministry, or simply a teen who regularly attends Mass. Ask those who are connected to young people in your community to share their nominations now! Meet the...
…Pastor, priest, principal, whoever! Consider events that will allow young people the opportunity to relax, talk, be listened to, ask questions and to learn about your community’s leadership. Many young people have questions and don't know where to get the answers, or think they are not welcome to ask. These events can fit perfectly as a part of a Confirmation program, for Altar servers or music ministries and for youth group/campus ministry events!
Altar Server Appreciation Events
Consider inviting one of your parish ministries to host an appreciation event with the Altar servers. Pizza with the Pastor, a movie night or a trip to a local attraction can all be fun events that say “thank you for your ministry!” - St. John Paul II, 1985
Connect your School/Religious Education Community to your Parish Community
Our Catholic Schools and Religious Education programs do so many great things with young people and their families! What do you do that could be highlighted, celebrated and integrated with the larger parish community?
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To serve and not to be served Youth and young adults are hungry for the chance to put their faith into action and to make a difference in the world! Seize this as an opportunity for your parish, school, cohort, or county team to draw young people together to impact their faith and to serve God’s people. Every time we offer a young person an opportunity to put their faith into action, we facilitate a desire to answer God’s call in their lives, both in the present and in their future as adults. Below are some suggestions and resources we hope will inspire possibilities to lead young people of Youth. There are many other options to consider… these are just a few that have been proven to be successful for young people. Please adjust anything necessary to fit the needs of your community.
Mary accompanies new generations in acts of service to God’s people during the Year on their pilgrimage of faith
Year Long Service Projects:
Adopt a theme for a particular area of service for the year in which any youth organization, the youth group, campus ministry, or religious education students can take part. There might be 3-4 events that happen around that theme throughout the year. Consider documenting these events well with pictures, video, and teen reflections. Celebrate these efforts with your community on the Diocesan Youth Sunday, June 9, 2019 and/or by submitting them to the Monitor You can contact the Monitor at monitor-news@dioceseoftrenton.org
Engage Young People in Parish Charitable and Service Efforts.
Intentionally invite youth and young adults in Thanksgiving food drives, Christmas donations, This can be a powerful way to help young people feel connected to the community. Encouraging the youth of your parish and school to be more involved in these works will also help them to understand the needs that exist within the community. Contact the organizers of these events to see how youth can take a more active role in these works of mercy.
-Pope Francis Easter2018 baskets, etc. Palm Sunday
“Souper Bowl” of Caring
In the weeks leading up to or on Super Bowl Sunday, young people take up a collection (many use soup pots), asking for monetary donations and/or non-perishable food for people in need in your community. 100% of their donations are given directly to the local hunger-relief charity of their choice. More information can be found at www.souperbowl.org.
Soup Kitchens/Food Pantries
Engage teens by having them lead donation efforts for local food pantries. After the donations are collected, a day of service can be planned to assist the food pantries distributing or organizing the collections. Please go to https://dioceseoftrenton.org/catholic-social-services and click the link under “resources” for list of soup kitchens/food pantries in our Diocese you may be able to partner with.
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Nursing Home Ministry:
Consider making a connection with a local nursing home and facilitating an opportunity when young people and their adult leaders can spend time with residents in activities. For this to be successful, it is important that adults lead a “training” for young participants on what to expect and best practices before they go.
Special Projects:
Special one-time-events like making blankets for children in hospitals or fundraising in support of an organization that serves the community are great! Respect Life events like a baby shower for crisis pregnancy centers or National Pro-Life Cupcake Day are events that can make a difference and create awareness. These options and many others can be very attractive for young people, especially if they are helped to understand the needs and how their contribution can have an impact in the community.
Mission Trips/Experiences:
Mission work as a day trip or overnight event can have a tremendous impact on young people as they use their hands to build, make repairs and improve the living situations of those in need. Partnering with organizations like “Habitat for Humanity”, the “Fix-it Program of Catholic Charities” or “Center for Faith Justice,” can be very successful. Martin Luther King Jr. day is a “National Day of Service”. This could be the perfect opportunity to gather young people as a parish/school, cohort or county to help young people put their faith into action and make a difference in the community. For programs and project ideas, go to www.nationalservice.org/mlkday or google “MLK Day of Service.”
Through the Diocese there are summer mission options for you to consider such as “Mission: Jersey.” These are Community Service retreats that bring teens together from around the diocese to live out their Catholic Faith and help those in need. The Department of Youth and Young Adult ministries organizes and leads these events, but youth participate as members of a school or parish group.
For more information, please go to www.dotyouth.org and click on the links towards the left.
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Photo Credit: Jeff Bruno/The Monitor
Christian Charity Practical activity will always be insufficient, unless it visibly expresses a love for man, a love nourished by an encounter with Christ. My deep personal sharing in the needs and sufferings of others becomes a sharing of my very self with them: if my gift is not to prove a source of humiliation, I must give to others not only something that is my own, but my very self; I must be personally present in my gift.This proper way of serving others also leads to humility. The one who serves does not consider himself superior to the one served, however miserable his situation at the moment may be. Christ took the lowest place in the world—the Cross—and by this radical humility he redeemed us and constantly comes to our aid. Those who are in a position to help others will realize that in doing so they themselves receive help; being able to help others is no merit or achievement of their own. This duty is a grace. The more we do for others, the more we understand and can appropriate the words of Christ: “We are useless servants” (Lk 17:10). We recognize that we are not acting on the basis of any superiority or greater personal efficiency, but because the Lord has graciously enabled us to do so. There are times when the burden of need and our own limitations might tempt us to become discouraged. But precisely then we are helped by the knowledge that, in the end, we are only instruments in the Lord's hands; and this knowledge frees us from the presumption of thinking that we alone are personally responsible for building a better world. In all humility we will do what we can, - St.inJohn Paul II, 1985 and all humility we will entrust the rest to the Lord. It is God who governs the world, not we. We offer him our service only to the extent that we can, and for as long as he grants us the strength. To do all we can with what strength we have, however, is the task which keeps the good servant of Jesus Christ always at work: “The love of Christ urges us on” (2 Cor 5:14).” - Pope Benedict XVI Deus Caritas Est (34-35)
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Your companion on the Journey Many young people are deeply spiritual, but often they do not fully understand the power of prayer. It’s also possible that they have never been exposed to the many different forms of prayer that our Catholic tradition offers. The Year of Youth can be the perfect opportunity to gather young people of all ages and lead them in youth-friendly prayer experiences that will invite them into a deeper prayer life. One of our goals for the year is to foster an encounter with Christ. Bringing young people to prayer will be an essential step. Mary accompanies new generations Below are some and resources that may inspire possibilities to lead young people on their pilgrimage ofsuggestions faith
in prayer during the Year of Youth. While there are many other options to consider, these are just a few that have been proven to be successful for young people. Please adjust anything necessary to fit the needs of our community.
Eucharistic Holy Hour (or half hour) for teens and families
A guided holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament is capable of being life changing. Guided meditations on scripture, stories about saints, and/or contemporary praise and worship music during Adoration can lead to a deeper prayer experience for young people. Also, consider joining or hosting a Catholic Underground experience. A holy hour that is engaging can be used to bring all to a deeper encounter with our Lord. Some discussion and formation about Adoration before the event can be important to help your young people understand what this form of prayer is all about. For assistance on planning a youth friendly holy hour, or resources on how to prepare your young
-Pope people Francis for Adoration, contact the Dept. of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at 609-403-7182 Palm Sunday 2018 or dotyouth@dioceseoftrenton.org. For more information on Catholic Underground check out
www.catholicunderground.net
Stations of the Cross for young people
Consider hosting Stations of the Cross for children, families, and teens during Lent. There are many beautiful options available as a resource in print and multimedia that can allow you to be creative and cater this prayerful experience to the age group you are hosting. Consider ending the event with “food and fellowship!”
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Praying Scripture with Young People:
Consider opportunities for Bible reflection with youth, young adults, or families in the style of Lectio Divina. This can be very powerful for a young person if it is presented using simple language that is easy to understand and things like worksheets or journals are used to guide the experience. There are many resources available in print such as “Lectio Divina for Teens: Reading God’s Message for You” and even videos on YouTube that can be helpful.
Pilgrimage
Consider leading a pilgrimage to a holy place with young people and their families. This can be a powerful opportunity to pray, learn and grow together in the faith. “Holy Thursday Church Hopping” The perfect opportunity during Holy Week where parishes in your area will have the chance to greet and host young people at their Chapel of Repose. In some cases, food and fellowship is provided. A perfect event for your cohort. For more information on how to conduct this event contact Cristina Imparato at cimpar@dioceseoftrenton.org or 609-406-7410
Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated in our diocese with the traveling “Guadalupe Torches” and culminates with a beautiful procession through the streets of Trenton to St. Mary Cathedral for mass with the Bishop. For the Year of Youth, special ways to engage families and youth will be added as well as a special invitation for young people to represent their community in the procession. Please contact Maria Guzman-Paczkowski at 609-403-7154 for more information.
Scout Sunday
Don’t miss this annual event as an opportunity to pray with the boy scouts and girl scouts in your parish and school. It can be a perfect way to help your scouts to feel supported by the parish and highlight these young people for the community. Scout Sunday is always the Sunday preceding February 8th. For more information go to the National Committee on Scouting www.nccs-bsa.org
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Young people, Christ calls you God our Father, we entrust to you the young men and the young women of the world, with their problems, aspirations, and hopes. Keep your loving gaze on them and make them workers of peace and builders of the civilizations of love. Call them to follow Jesus, your Son. Help them to understand the value of giving their lives fully for you and for humanity. Let their response be generous and eager. Accept also, Lord, our praise and our prayer for the young people who following the example of Mary, Mother of the Church, believed in your wordand are preparing for Holy Orders for the profession of the evangelical counsels, for the missionary commitment. Help them to understand that the call you have given them is always present and urgent. Amen. - St. John Paul II, 1985
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The Rosary is a School of Prayer The Rosary is a School of Faith. -Pope Francis
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Universal Prayer Petitions Ordinary Time:
For all youth and young adults to come to know, love, and serve God through the gifts and talents that have been given to them especially during this Year of Youth. For young people who are struggling with addictions, mental health, and illness that they may come to know the healing touch of God and be consoled by His love and Mercy.
Advent:
Advent is a time of preparation. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ - we pray that your presence will be reborn in our young people in this Year of Youth.
Christmas:
We especially pray for our young people, in this Year of Youth during this Christmas season, that they may make room in their hearts for Christ’s love, grace, and peace.
Lent:
In this time of Lent, may it be a time of reconciliation and renewal for all the church and especially for our young people in this Year of Youth.
Easter:
We pray for our young people that the joy of the resurrection will dwell in their hearts and bring hope as we continue to celebrate this Year of Youth -Pope Francis Palm Sunday 2018
Year of Youth Fest on October 14, 2018
For the weekend of October 13/14, 2018 For Mass with the Bishop: For all our young people gathered here today and those throughout our diocese, that they may open their hearts to God’s love and mercy as we celebrate this Year of Youth. For Parishes: For our young people as we celebrate this Year of Youth, that they may be guided with a renewed sense of hope, confident in God’s plan for them and the strengthened with the wisdom to do your will.
Young Adult Conference on November 11, 2018
For the weekend of November 3/4, 2018 For the upcoming Young Adult Conference in our diocese, that it may be a time for young people to discover and live God’s plan for human love and authentic happiness. For the weekend of November 10/11, 2018 That the Diocesan Young Adult Conference may foster relationships based upon truth, beauty, and God’s plan for human life and love. 35 | Year of Youth
World Youth Day 2019
For the weekends of January 12/13, 19/20, and 26/27, 2019 As the young Church gathers in Panama for World Youth Day, we ask your blessing upon them. Keep them safe in your care and be their guide and inspiration. May you always encourage them to live out their mission to care for the world and each other.
Diocesan Youth Conference
For the weekends of February 2/3 and 9/10, 2019 As our young people gather for the Diocesan Youth Conference may they experience the joy of knowing you, hearing your word, and answering your call. Fill them with hope and courage to trust in you and believe in their ability to make a difference in their homes, schools, parishes, diocese, and in the world.
NJ Catholic Youth Rally
For the weekend of May 11/12, 2019 For all those preparing for the NJ Catholic Youth Rally, that the Holy Spirit may stir in their hearts the joy of the evangelization as they bring the witness of Christ to all who may journey with them. For the weekend of May 18/19 2019 For the Parish: For our Bishop, who is celebrating with young people from all over the state at the NJ Catholic Youth Rally, that he may stir in them the promise of God’s great plan for their lives. For the NJ Catholic Youth Rally: for young people and adults gathered here today at the NJ Catholic Youth Rally, that we may be renewed in the joy of a life with Christ as we build a solid community of faith around us.
Diocesan Youth Sunday on June 9, 2019
For the weekend of June 8/9, 2019 For our young church, that they may be inspired, challenged, and renewed in their relationship with Jesus Christ as we celebrate their gifts, talents, and hearts on this Diocesan Youth Sunday. For (NAME), our recipient of the 2019 St. Timothy Award for our parish. May he/she be inspired to continue to be a true witness of our Catholic faith as he/she moves forward in is/her faith journey.
Closing Event of the Year of Youth on June 21, 2019
For the weekend of June 15/16 and on June 21, 2019 Heavenly Father, we thank you for blessing our young people during this Year of Youth. We ask that you surround them in your care, enfold them in your love, and guide them by the Holy Spirit. May they have the courage to live the joy of the gospel in everything they do. 36 | Year of Youth
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Rediscover Your Story Many of our young people desire to learn about our faith. They have hard questions and are not afraid of hard answers, but they want to be a part of the discussion. They want to know how our faith and its teachings are applicable to the world in which they live. Create formation events that will engage them in their questions, provide them the truth about our Catholic beliefs, and help them to understand how to put our faith into practice in the real world. The more we are able to form our young people in faith today, the more likely we are forming adult leaders in our Mary Church accompanies new generations for tomorrow. on their pilgrimage of faith
Below are some suggestions and resources we hope will inspire possibilities to gather young people and/or their families for opportunities to learn about our faith during the Year of Youth. There are many other options to consider‌ these are just a few that have been proven to be successful for young people. Please adjust anything necessary to fit the needs of your community.
Family, Faith, & Fun Nights
To bring a family together to celebrate and learn about their faith and each other can lead to a deeper relationship with the parish, family members, and most especially God. A parish, family Pot luck Dinner with a speaker, bringing parents to join a special religious education session, family movies nights that -Pope Francis have2018 a faith sharing or formation discussion led by the pastor are just a few possibilities to consider. Palm Sunday For more information on how to lead these events, please contact Dan Waddington at or dwaddi@dioceseoftrenton.org or 609-403-7140
Y Disciple (Formed Program) – Teen Small Groups
A web based program included in our Diocesan subscription to Formed.org. It is intended for gender specific small groups to continue their formation but can be used in many ways. This program encourages teens to form a strong Catholic community so that together they will persevere in their faith journey. Resources can be found on Formed.org, search Y Disciple
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Retreats/Lock-In
Retreats/Lock-Ins can be very powerful events for teens. The event must have a goal, must be relevant and above all must be Christcentered. Young people today are among the busiest, making it extremely important to take time out and retreat to a place where they can be let go of the pressures of life and grow in their faith.
Rooted in Jesus Christ. “Effective catechesis with adolescens helps them understand the questions Jesus put to his disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (MT 16:15) It guides them, through reflection on the death, life, and Resurrection of Jesus, to an understanding of Jesus as the Incarnate Word of God. Further, adolescent catechesis invites young people to explore a personal relationship with Jesus so that they may grow in their understanding and knowledge of his teachings and the passions and commitments that framed his life. The Church ‘exists in order to evangelize’ ... Evangelization must be viewed as the process which the Church, moved by the Holy Spirit, proclaims and spreads the Gospel throughout the entire world.” (General Directory, nos. 46 and 48) The ministry of catechesis acknowledges the presence of God already in the lives of young people and provides them with the education and skills necessary for the participation as young evangelizers. Their energy and ideals offer the Good News of Jesus to their peers and to the parish community itself. Catechsis is nourished by the Church’s mission when young people enter into a deeper relationship with Jesus and learn to live as disciples who are willing and able to share their gifts with the wider community. For Catholics, faith is deeply communal, and it is in communiy that faith is nurtured. “The Christian community is in herself living catechesis. Thus she proclaims, celebrates, and remains always vital, indispensable, and promar locus of catechesis.” (General Directory, no.141) -Youth Ministry: The Component of Catechesis The Vision of Catholic Youth Ministry Saint Mary’s Press
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Consider hosting ½ or 1 day retreats for groups of young people that are engaged in parish life beyond their own ministry. Altar Servers, teen choir, VBS teams in addition to youth groups can benefit from retreats that strengthen them in their faith and in support of their ministry. The Dept. of Youth and Young Adult Ministries and The Dept. of Evangelization and Family Life will be happy to help you plan your retreat. Please contact dotyouth@dioceseoftrenton.org or 609-403-7182
Post Confirmation Cohort Event
So often, after Confirmation, young people may not know how to stay connected to our parish community beyond attending Mass. A post-confirmation event can reaffirm that the Confirmandi’s formation in the faith has not ended and there is an important place for them in the community. This can also be a time to invite them to connect to ageappropriate ministries in the parish, including liturgical ministries and high school youth groups. Together as a larger church, teens can see others striving to know, love, and serve God, and to know they are not alone in their faith. Please contact Maria Guzman-Paczkowski, in the Dept. of Evangelization and Family Life at 609-403-7154
Inspiring Speakers
Through a powerful witness story and evangelization a speaker can bring our faith to life and aid in inspiring youth and young adults to be more active in their parish and faith. Bring in speakers that are relevant, engaging, and inspiring. It is important to make sure that all speakers come with proper references. - St. John Paul II, 1985 For ideas or help in finding local speakers, contact the
Dept. of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at dotyouth@dioceseoftrenton.org or 609-403-7182 There will be a few events with chastity speakers offered throughout the Year of Youth, including Pam Stenzel in the Spring of 2019! For more information, contact Cristina Imparato at 609-406-7410 or at cimpar@dioceseoftrenton.org
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Dear Young People,
43 | Year of Youth Photo Credit: Jeff Bruno/The Monitor
“God is entrusting to you the task…”. “The future is in your hearts and in your hands. God is entrusting to you the task, at once difficult and uplifting, of working with Him in the building of the civilization of love.” – Pope St. John Paul II
Young Adult Ministry is a call to all those between the ages of 18 -39 to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and to form a community that will support and encourage them in their journey towards holiness. It is of vital importance to form, challenge, engage, and witness to these young men and women. Young Adults in your community represent a wide range of ages, and experiences. In many cases, they are not necessarily connected to a parish. For this reason, parishes are encouraged to work together in cohorts or larger regionally to have a successful young adult ministry. The Year of Youth invites young adults to not only be more engaged with their community but to share, witness and live out their beautiful faith. Here are some possible ways to encounter young adults and help them become more alive in the Church!
Relational Ministry, Outreach, and FUN!
Young adults desire to have an authentic community with their peers, and it is through those relationships that they come to know, love and serve Christ and His Church. This often begins with personal invitation and hosting events that have a larger social component and are fun. Events like Faith Uncorked, Theology on Tap, Retreat to Broadway, organized trips to museums, plays or other -Pope Francis Palm Sunday 2018game nights, sporting events and hiking trips all lend themselves to creating a more attractions, dynamic community and can be extremely helpful in growing this ministry.
Service Projects:
Young Adults love to get their hands dirty and make a difference! Give them an opportunity to serve whether in a soup kitchen, with habitat for humanity, or serving a family in need at your parish. Provide a goal, prayer, and fellowship to help this community grow. “The more one does what is good, the freer one becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just”. CCC 1733
Retreats:
Young adults are searching and so hungry for the Truth! Having a retreat experience for them can be extremely powerful so that they can dive deeper into their faith and more importantly into a personal relationship with Jesus. Provide a space, a thought provoking and inspiring speaker, adoration, confession, and Mass! Contact Cristina Imparato, cimpar@dioceseoftrenton.org, 609-406-7410 for ideas or themes
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Events for Recent Graduates or Newly Married:
To help encourage community within young adult community and to help graduating young adults find their place in the Church, consider a social event that is geared toward graduating college students to gather and become reconnected with each other and their home parish.
Dear Young People, ”That is our real “stature”, our spiritual identity: we are God’s beloved children, always. So you can see that not to accept ourselves, to live glumly, to be negative, means not to recognize our deepest identity. It is like walking away when God wants to look at me, trying to spoil his dream for me. God loves us the way we are, and no sin, fault or mistake of ours makes him change his mind. As far as Jesus is concerned – as the Gospel shows – no one is unworthy of, or far from, his thoughts.No one is insignificant. He loves all of us with a special love; for him all of us are important: you are important! God counts on you for what you are, not for what you possess. In his eyes the clothes you wear or the kind of cell phone you use are of absolutely no concern. He doesn’t care whether you are stylish or not; he cares about you, just as you are! In his eyes, you are precious, and your value is inestimable.” - Pope Francis, World Youth Da y 2016
Similar events for newly married couples could be a great opportunity to connect them with each other and strengthen their relationship with the Church. Photo Credit: Jerry Wutkowski
Each One / Reach One:
Whether you are a Campus ministry or a parish young adult group, it can be so hard to spread the message of what your ministry offers. It can also be very hard to reach those young adults that have fallen away from our Church. One of the most powerful tools of making connections can be personal invitation. Please consider young adult events when current members can be empowered to bring a friend to introduce them to the opportunities of young adult ministry. Events should be casual, interactive and offer an experience that helps them get to know your ministry and realize that they are an important part our Church.
Catholic Underground (Style Event):
The Catholic Underground offers not only a time of prayer before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament but it also offers a time for fellowship and community. The first hour takes place in the Church with Adoration, night prayer, and confession accompanied with praise and worship music, at the end of the night the young adults are invited to the basement for refreshments and a featured Catholic artist. For more information https://www.catholicunderground.net
Inspiring Speakers:
Bring in speakers that are relevant, engaging, and inspiring are integral in having a successful Young Adult event. It is important to make sure that all speakers are thoroughly researched. - St. John Paul II, 1985 For ideas or help in finding local speakers contact the Dept. of Youth and Young Adult Ministries at 609-403-7182 or dotyouth@dioceseoftrenton.org
“It is Jesus who stirs in you
the desire to do something great with
43 | Year of Youth Photo Credit: Jeff Bruno/The Monitor
-St. John Paul II
your lives.”
Dear Young People,
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Photo Courtesy of NET Ministriess
What is NET Ministries?
NET Ministries is an international youth ministry that challenges young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. This mission is fulfilled through youth retreats across the country. What makes NET Ministries the LARGEST and MOST SUCCESSFUL Catholic youth retreat ministry in the U.S. is their PEER -TO-PEER Ministry model. Catholic school teachers and youth ministers find that their students connect well with the team members because their own youthful experience allows them to be heard and understood by teens.
NET MINISTRIES will visit the Diocese of Trenton
MARCH 7 -28, 2019
More information is available at www.dioceseoftrenton.org/netministries 45 | Year of Youth
Connect with Us! Dept. of Youth and Young Adult Ministries If you have any questions or if we can help you in anyway, please reach out to us at anythine!.
Dan Waddington
Director 609-403-7140 dwaddi@dioceseoftrenton.org
Cristina Imparato
Coordinator of Young Adult Ministry 609-406-7410 cimpar@dioceseoftrenton.org
Jerry Wutkowski
Ministry Assistant 609-403-7182 gwutko@dioceseoftrenton.org
We are praying for you! All Cover page photos courtesy of The Monitor/Craig Pittelli
Follow the Year of Youth Journey!
Be sure to follow and share your Year of Youth Journey with us! Follow us on facebook and follow #CelebrateYOUth and #CelebrandolaJuvenTUD on twitter and instagram.
@DOTYYAM DOT Youth and Young Adult Ministries
@YOU.DOT DOT Youth and Young Adult Ministries
#CelebrateYOUth #CelebrandolaJuvenTUd 46 | Year of Youth