Honoring God and Country July 4 - Independence Day Faithful Citizenship: Mixing Faith and Politics by Sean Lansing (high school) The Christian Patriot: Loving God and Country by Sean Lansing (high school) Honoring the Saints of July July 3 - St. Thomas the Apostle Blessed are Those Who Have Not Seen, But Believe: Putting an End to Being a Doubting ...

As we are about halfway through Lent, it is helpful to review our progress and journey so far. Some of us begin with bold and ambitious goals in how we are going to serve others and how we are going to pray. While my plans haven't panned out the way I would always like, there is some rich awareness developing in this Lenten season.  This Sunda...

Sometimes we question how much of an impact mission trips for high school youth really make. Do they help deepen a sense of missionary discipleship in those who participate? Or are they a one-time "feel good" experience which doesn't extend beyond the week? God sends me the answer to this question in really incredible ways, and I'd like to share on...

Advent: Celebrate this Season of Anticipation with Youth Preparing Our Hearts: Youth-Led Advent Reconciliation Prayer Service by Susan Searle (High School) Anticipation Advent: The Joy in Waiting by Genni Sayers (Middle School) The Pursuit: Advent Labyrinth Walk by Hannah Quast (High School) 24 Hours of Hope: An Advent Retreat by Leslie Barkin (Mid...

At a recent gathering of the board and staff for the Center for Ministry Development, leaders were sharing stories of their first contacts with CMD. My story begins in 1986 when I began work as a Consultant for Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Sister Edith Prendergast, who was the Director of Youth Ministry at the time, had arrange...

November 1: Honoring the Saints A Cloud of Witnesses: The Church is a Communion of Saints by Jennifer Haman (High School) All Saints Day: A Feast Day for All by Catherine Brunell (Middle School Fifth Night) Communion of Saints: Among Holy People, Of Holy Things by Therese Brown (High School) Do You Have to be Dead to be a Saint? Called to be Holy b...

The V Encuentro was an awesome and humbling experience. I had the opportunity to participate in the local and national events over the last two years. The national gathering took place over September 20-23, 2018 and was comprised of 3,000 ministry leaders from across the country. This most recent national event is the culmination of a two-year proc...

"Maybe next time!" "Sorry your grades just weren't good enough!" "Sorry you're having family problems." "Too bad you didn't make the team." There are many everyday conversations and situations in the life of a teenager that can cause pain and struggle.  As youth ministers, we accompany young people in their joys and sorrows.  &n...

Dear friends, I was in a conversation yesterday with a ministry leader who said that this moment is like waiting in the tomb. It's September, but it feels like Good Friday. The continuing reports of sexual abuse with children, youth, and adults, and the cover-up of abuse are alarming and disturbing. This crisis impacts our ministries with youth and...

"When we meet Christ and accept His Gospel, life changes and we are driven to communicate our experiences to others. …the Church needs genuine witnesses: men and women whose lives have been transformed by meeting with Jesus, men and women who are capable of communicating this experience to others." Saint John Paul II, World Youth Day (Toronto, 2002...