Highlights of this Issue

A Focus on Adolescent Catechesis This is the first of two issues addressing the topic of adolescent catechesis within the wider arena of youth ministry. The second issue, in March 2010, will further the discussion on adolescent catechesis. However, in order to do so, your input is needed. Contribute your thoughts, comments, questions, and/or concerns via the NACYML Discussion Forums or the NACYML LinkedIn discussion page. Further reading on the relationship between adolescent catechesis and the National Directory for Catechesis can be found in an article written by Daniel S. Mulhall. Download the article.

Catechesis and Youth Ministry—Not So Different Catechesis is “the whole of the efforts within the Church to make disciples, to help people to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, so that believing they might have life in his name, and to educate and instruct them in this life and thus build up the Body of Christ” (Catechesi Tradendae (CT), #1). Read more of Ela's article... Being a Catechist Dean Diomedes compiles the comments from members of the NACYML Leadership Team, newsletter team, and other Catholic leaders on the topic of what it means to be a catechist. Submissions are less than 140 characters to simulate Twitter posts. Read more of Dean's article... An Update on the NSYR If you think you already know all about the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR), take another look. The NSYR is longitudinal study currently in the third wave of research. NSYR released a major report on wave two findings, Religion and Spirituality on the Path Through Adolescence, this past January. Read more of Faye's article...		From the Chair In her article, Mary reflects upon a young woman from her parish who travelled with a summer delegation to visit otheir sister community in El Salvador. Visiting with one of the Carmelite nuns at the site of Archbishop Oscar Romero’s assassination, this young woman asked, “Sister, has the Catholic Church ever apologized for our inaction during the most difficult times in El Salvador?” Read more of Mary's article... Family Farmers, the Hungry, and Global Warming As we look at the topic of adolescent catechesis, it is important for us to stay current on topics that provide us with opportunities to live our faith through our actions. Tony offers an update on issues of hunger and global warming, providing us with the knowledge we need to catechize not just those we minister to, but to all those we meet. Read Tony's article...

Announcements of Important Information and Useful Resources A live Internet seminar, Tools in Addressing Suicide: Pastoral Supports and Prevention Strategies, will be offered free of charge on Tuesday, October 20. The cost of registration has been waived for members of NFCYM and NACYML. Download the Flyer. For the 2009-2010 OnCourse program, all training sessions will be offered as Webinars facilitated by experts in the areas of youth ministry, theology, catechesis, pastoral ministry, etc. Sessions will last for ninety minutes, and will include downloadable resources. Watch upcoming e-mails and the NACYML website for more information. Freshmen Survival Guide 2009 is available for download or purchase. Busted Halo’s Freshman Survival Guide Book offers a holistic look into the lives of college students, and is a great resource for college orientation staffs, counseling services, campus ministers, and youth ministers. Download the Flyer. A NACYML members' exclusive—free programming from the Center for Ministry Development. Download your complimentary program on the NACYML website! Join Catholic Relief Services' Food Fast 2009-2010. Visit the CRS Food Fast website for more information. Join the virtual pilgrimage for the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in November. Visit the NCYC website for more details and information. 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.

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