Though the month of September may be almost the end of the year, it marks the beginning of a new stage for many. Parents and children prepare for the new school year, buying new book bags, stocking up on school supplies and even getting a revamp on their outfits. While all of this is occurring, there are others who are preparing as well for a successful year: youth ministers.
Throughout Brooklyn and Queens, the Catholic Youth Ministry Initiative’s (CYMI) youth ministers have welcomed back the kids to their ministry, transitioning from the summer into fall, and they have filled the calendars with activities and reflections to bring them closer to Christ so as to have a better understanding of their faith.
CYMI welcomed back 16 youth ministers as they enter either their second or third year of youth ministry through Catholic Foundation’s grant, as well as 15 new ministers embarking on their first year. To start the year, full-time youth ministers gathered on September 8, for their first monthly training, where Ela Milewska, Director of the Archdiocese of New York, presented on why people leave the church, what we can do about it and Strategic Evangelization to all returning youth ministers.
For our new full-time ministers, Dr. James Walters, Director of Resident Campus Ministry at St. John’s University and Youth Minister at St. Mel’s in Flushing, gave a workshop on “dreaming big” for your ministry and how to set attainable goals for the first year minister. This day was designed to offer youth ministers a great start to a new year at their parishes.
CYMI also held their fall convocation where all youth ministers, young adult ministers, campus ministers, and Directors and Coordinators of Faith Formation/Pastoral Associates who work with youth and young adults, came together to hear Gene Monteraselli, a National Youth Ministry Presenter from APEX Ministries, discuss The Modern Youth Minister. Many came together for an evening of fellowship, networking and the keynote presentation. This is first convocation of the year, the second to take place on January 31 at Ss. Simon and Jude RC Church.
CYMI is looking forward to another successful year of evangelization and guiding our young people closer to Christ!