Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Saskatoon

The Western Canadian Association of Catholic Youth Ministers (WCACYM) has an annual gathering every year in January. It is in Calgary this coming year (Jan 12-15th) and I'm going! (as I'm vice-chairperson and need to run the business meeting... its also a fabulous time!)

PS - you can download the registration brochure here

Sometimes in life we get all caught up with presents, baking, parties, and decorating we forget what we're preparing to celebrate. So as a litle help to reflect, here's some neat videos to get your back to the reason for the season. It is very easy and with good intentions to get swept up and feel overwhelmed this season. I encourage you all as families to take a moment each day to be still and know the peace, hope, love and joy found in Christ, Emmanuel- God with us.

Read more...

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to let you kow of an opportunity to participate in the biggest gathering of Catholic Youth in North America - NCYC happening in Indianapolis this weekend!

NCYC happens every second year and is put on by the NFCYM, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry in the United States. It brings the best speakers, musicians, movements, and ministries in North America to empower our young people. The theme this year is "Called to Glory".

Below is a link to watch the main sessions online and get a glimpse into the awesome experience. There's special sessions designed just for parents, so grab a coffee tonight and tomorrow and enjoy!

Peace

http://ncyc.nfcym.org/STARTS in 15 minutes! #NCYC

-Colm

Ok, I do love that Beatle's song... but that's not quite the revolution I'm talking about. We're talking about the Chalice Revolution kicking off this winter in the hopes of raising money to buy some goats and other practical stuff for families in need in developing countries.

For a refresher read this.

Some of you may just be getting on board, some of you may be hitting a slump or need some inspiration. So below is a list of a lot of the great ideas our young people came up with at Inception on Oct. 22nd. Be inspired; but then don't let it become expired - go do something! Make a difference in someone's life this Christmas. Get a little less, give a little more.

A wii game or a goat for a family in need? A family night at the movies, or a goat to provide income to a family sruggling to survive. We are so blessed and should be grateful for all that the Lord has given us. Show that gratefulness, by sharing the gifts and blessings you have received.

Let's be the revolution of love this world needs. Here's some ideas how to do it:

-Bakes sales at church and school

-Dance

-Bottle Drive

-School/Church Presentations - also to Knights of Columbus, CWL, Parish council, Finance etc.

-Jelly Bean Guess

-Games Night

-Help neighbours do little chores for money

-Car wash

-Penny race

-Annoucement after mass

-Garage sale

-Sell hot chocolate at skating rink

-Girls club connection

-Create personal goat to donate

-Talent Show

-Share idea door to door, offer to rake leaves (now shovel I guess!)

-Appeal to family and friends over phone, letters, email

-Ask principal to announce at school on intercom annoucements

-Chores at home for some money.

-Walk dogs

-Help with Pancake breakfast, profits go to Chalice Revolution?

-Advertizing campaign explaining what, and how to donate directly

-% of Babysitting money.

-Appeal to your friends to pitch in  - buy a goat as a crew!

-Ask family and friends to give money to it instead of one more christmas gift

-Youth speak after masses

-Youth group do service or social night for parish to raise money

-Get school justice groups involved

-Ask CE classroom to try to buy a couple goats as a class.

-Work with challenge/conquest groups.

-Speak to mother's groups, men's groups to see if their families want to participate.

-Give portion of work money or allowance to goat fund.

These and many more are just the beginning of small ways you can make a difference!

Hey Everyone,

Just a follow up to those looking for some resources to learn more and share about the lifes of the saints. Lifeteen has a great new blog post summarizing a lot of their recent work and resources about the saints. Check it out!

http://www.lifeteen.com/blog/30-great-saint-resources-all-saints-day

Peace

-Colm