The Gathering for Youth Ministry Leaders (Youth Ministers,

Directors of Religious Education, Core Team Members, Volunteers) offers:
• Spiritual growth and retreat
• Modern and creative ministry resources
• A strong community of like professionals that provides collaboration and new resources
• Dynamic presentations to expand your knowledge of the Church and youth ministry

The Gathering for Youth Ministry Leaders meets the second Thursday of every month, from September to May. A typical Gathering includes hospitality at 9:15am, a training session, Mass, and a complimentary lunch beginning at 12:15pm.

Contact the Local Outreach Department with any questions, suggestions or concerns.

Upcoming Gathering Dates

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Thursday, March 13, 2014
The Eucharist: The Power House of Grace

with Gina Bauer

As youth ministry and faith formation leaders, we can be overtaken so subtly. Before we know it, the demands of planning, prep, and paperwork have dominated our time. Even our great efforts to evangelize, catechize, and disciple can be sabotaged if we don’t keep the main thing the main thing…young people must be brought into an encounter with Jesus Christ truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

This is not only vital for young people, but for catechists, families, Confirmation candidates, and sponsors.

This month you will learn:
• Why this is vital and the centerpiece of all faith building
• How to plan a “user-friendly” and “youth friendly” Eucharistic encounter with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
• How this “Powerhouse of Grace” can reach the heart and transform the soul

With us this month is national youth ministry speaker and trainer Gina Bauer from the church of St. Joseph in West St. Paul, MN. She has spoken at the Ave Maria Youth Conference (Ave Maria University, FL), St. John Bosco Conference for Catechists and Religious Educators, the Steubenville Youth Conferences (Franciscan University), and throughout the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and beyond.

Register:

1. Register by March 5th (Wed) @ 12 Midnight for a complimentary lunch. (Registrations after March 5th are most welcomed but no lunch can be offered.)
2. Registration closes March 11th (Tues) @ 12 Midnight.
3. You will receive an email confirmation after we receive your registration.

Thursday, April 10, 2014
Three Pitfalls of Youth Ministry Leaders… And Three Keys For God’s Blessing

with Sr. Mary Juliana

As a youth ministry leader you are in a position of great influence with potential for great good. You may be blessed and fortunate enough to offer youth retreats, Confirmation programs, and ministry events which are considered effective and life-changing. By God’s grace, good things are happening (or you are moving mountains to make it happen).

However, the good you do can be destroyed by subtle (or glaring!) blind spots, vices, or pitfalls. No matter how skilled or gifted a leader you may be, these blind spots can destroy the good you do and ruin your influence. Your pastor, parish staff, and ministry volunteers are also affected.

What are the three most common pitfalls (those vices) that void our effectiveness, ruin our influence, and negatively impact our career in youth ministry?

What are the three key attitudes (those virtues) that will enable you to minister in freedom with the blessing of God?

With us this month is Sr. Mary Juliana, O.P., who serves as Principal at St. Croix Catholic School in Stillwater, MN. She has committed her life to the task of the Dominican Order, namely, sacred preaching for the salvation of souls.

Register:

1. Register by April 2nd (Wed) @ 12 Midnight for a complimentary lunch. (Registrations after April 2nd are most welcomed but no lunch can be offered.)
2. Registration closes April 8th (Tues) @ 12 Midnight.
3. You will receive an email confirmation after we receive your registration.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Youth Ministers’ Dinner With Archbishop Nienstedt

Note: This serves as the final Gathering of the year

• 5pm- 9pm
• St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (Doran Hall) in St. Anthony, MN
• Pre-Registration Required

Register:

1. Please note: This dinner is for official Youth Ministers of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis only.
2. Check your mail and email for registration information.