New Beginnings

New beginnings are exciting, yet at the same time can cause anxiety. I write to you for the first time as the Chair of the NACYML Leadership Team with both of those feelings. Excitement in serving in this capacity for the next two years and anxiety in hoping I can meet the expectations and challenges ahead. I would like to share with you some thoughts concerning what lies ahead as well as to introduce myself to you since many may have said “Glen who?” when the announcement of a new chairperson was made.

First and foremost, I extend sincere appreciation to Mary Mueller, the immediate past chairperson, who during her tenure led with great vision, professionalism, and strength. Additionally, we have all benefited from the leadership of Mary’s predecessor, Grace Cassetta, the founding chairperson.

Who Is Glen?

Now to answer the question, “Glen who?” I currently serve as the Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey. I have been working in the field of youth ministry for the past twenty-seven years. For the past seven years, I have also served as an adjunct professor of theology at the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, New Jersey. Prior to being discerned as chairperson, I served on the NACYML Leadership Team as the chair of the Marketing Coordinating Committee. I look forward to serving as chair and continuing to move us forward as a professional organization.

Challenges Ahead

I also mentioned challenges. One that I wish to bring to your attention is in the area of adolescent catechesis—an area that has gained much attention over the past few years and is the focus of this newsletter.

One of the greatest challenges I believe we face as youth ministry professionals is collaboration with those ministry professionals who work specifically in the catechetical field. This collaboration I speak of is not just on the local level but on the diocesan and national levels as well.

I encourage you to read the National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis resource regarding advocacy initiatives, and hope that it challenges you as it did me in working towards the common goal of adolescent catechesis.

Contact Glen
I also would like to hear from you on how you see NACYML, as an organization, working toward this goal of collaboration. I encourage your input and suggestions. You can send them directly to me via e-mail.

Here is hoping the future holds more excitement than anxiety for all of us!