Highlights of this Issue

All About Change Changes in the liturgy, changes in ministry, changes in seasons, and changes in ourselves. This issue of NACYML News looks at some areas of change and provides some resources for implementing and adapting. Hopefully, the articles and resources in this edition of the NACYML News will prove useful in several areas of change. Changing Seasons: The NACYML Leadership Team, Publications and Newsletter Committees, and the NFCYM/NACYML Staff extend prayerful good wishes to each of you for a blessed and holy Advent season! National Catholic Youth Conference Are you attending the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis next week? If so, make sure to visit the NACYML booth (#302) in Victory Field Thematic Park.

Change is Happening I once heard someone say that the only good change is the change we find in our pockets. Something tells me the person who said that had a hard time with things being different. Do not we all have difficulty with change though? After all there is a certain level of comfort with routine and sameness; it is familiar and predicable. Read more of Rich's article. Changed for the Better One of my favorite songs from the Broadway show Wicked is titled, For Good. To me, it is a love song of sorts, sung by two friends who forged an unlikely friendship. The refrain includes the line, “I do believe I have been changed for the better...because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” There is no better line to capture my feelings upon recently completing my four year term as liaison to NACYML from the NFCYM board of directors. Read all of Leigh's article. Making Changes in Youth Ministry I have enjoyed learning about the National Study on Youth and Religion (NYSR) from various conferences, books, and online resources. My interest was first peeked at the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry in Cleveland. The image I remember most from that time of learning was during Kenda Creasy Dean’s keynote when she used the water as a symbol of our spirit—pouring and overflowing so as to splash all those around us. Her knowledge and depth helped encourage and support me and to create a personal connection. Read more of Katie's article.		From the Chair Change is not something that is easy for me. I have a feeling it is not easy for many of us. However, whether we like it or not – it is going to happen! But sometimes change can be exciting and even welcomed. Last year when we gathered for our biennial membership meeting in New Orleans, members of the NFCYM Accreditation and Certification Committee joined us to share some of the changes taking place in the field of youth and young adult ministry. Read all of Glen's article. Walking With Change Into College Fall is a hectic time for youth ministry as we recruit new young people to participate via Facebook, text messages, personal invitations, etc. In the midst of all this we have our graduating seniors beginning their first semester of college. It is tempting to say, “We did our job. Now they are off to college campus ministries.” Read all of Denise's article. Branching Out: Changes in Certification Some change comes upon us quickly and without warning – jolting us into a different perspective or reality. However, as the season of autumn unfolds in our midst, and the trees shed their leaves and reveal their limbs, it is an ideal time to ponder the kinds of change that happen more gradually and result in branches that allow us to stretch and grow and reach new heights. Read Kathy's article here.

Important Information and Useful Resources OnCourse Webinar Program 2011-2012 NACYML once again offers online ministry formation for both its membership and all those working in the field of youth ministry. These are provided in conjunction with Ministry Training Source (MTS) through seven online webinar sessions. Download the brochure for more information. (30 KB) Youth Ministry Specialization Certificate The certificate program is designed to meet the needs of men and women who wish to grow in their knowledge of, and skills for, youth ministry. The certificate program integrates instructional and informational technologies within its coursework and utilizes national competency-based standards in the development of curriculum and assessment. Visit the OnCourse website for more information. Purchase NACYML Polo Shirts Wear your pride and membership in the only professional association for Catholic youth ministers! NACYML polo shirts are perfect for any occasion. Made of a comfortable 50/50 blend, and sporting the NACYML logo, the shirts offer a classy compliment to jeans, dress pants, or shorts. The black, short sleeved shirts are available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. Order yours today at the NFCYM Online Store. Renew Your NACYML Membership for 2012 See what a professional ministerial organization can do for you! Membership registration and renewal is now online. Learn more about NACYML and how to become a member. Register now! Make the NACYML Connection NACYML Group on LinkedIn—NACYML has a group on the LinkedIn website and invites all members to participate. Join Today! NACYML Page on Facebook—NACYML has a page on Facebook. Stop by and add your thoughts and comments to the wall! Check out the NACYML Members' website for more important updates, resources, and information.

A Picture Is Worth . . . Articles in this newsletter correspond to the Core Competencies detailed in the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers. Look for the symbol in the article that indicates which core competency the article addresses. To learn more about the standards, see the resource page which is always accessible from the newsletter navigation bar. It provides a summary of the core competencies and the specialized competencies for youth ministry leaders.

Print the Newsletter! Print the entire issue (PDF) by using the link below. Or, download this PDF to your computer by right-clicking the link and selecting "Save Target As..." Download the PDF print file of all articles in this issue. (575 KB)