| From the Desk of Tauno Latvala As we near the end of the program year for 2009-10, we are also nearing the completion of the inaugural cohort of the "Companions in God's Service - Professional Certification Program for Lay Ecclesial Ministers". One of the reflections I have had often during the program has been the element of "extra" that it has added to my life. It has been an extra obligation to my already busy life and this was probably the most pressing obstacle to my decision to apply to the program. In the end, I decided to apply because it seemed as though life was not going to get any less busy in the years ahead and by intentionally creating the space to participate, the experience would bear fruits worthy of the commitment. This has certainly been the case. I believe I have grown tremendously as a lay ecclesial minister through the program. It has deepened my understanding of that role, enhanced my knowledge and competency and provided opportunities for renewal. All of this has taken place in the context of a cross section of ministerial roles represented by the other participants which has added to the fruitfulness of the experience. At times, it has been difficult to stay on track and afloat in the midst of everything else in life because of the extra commitments it made to my life. And yet the "extra" that I am most thankful for is the additions the program has made to my vocation as a lay ecclesial minister, as a husband, as a father and as a disciple. I would encourage you to prayerfully considering applying when the applications for the next program are made available. Sometimes the "extra" we give leads to more "extra" being returned. With that being said, I would like to ask you to also consider participating in the Annual Youth and Young Adult Ministers Retreat taking place on June 1-3, 2010 at Far-A-Way Retreat Center. It is a very affordable $50 for the experience and while it will add an extra thing to your schedule, it is an extra that past participants have found worthwhile. Please contact Britta Folden for more details or to register. |
| Summer Leadership Retreats Summer is rapidly approaching and OYYAM is getting geared up for our summer leadership retreats, Ascend, Ascend HD, Camp 4:12 and Summit. These retreats help teens develop the skills necessary to lead in their parishes and schools as Catholic Disciples. Ascend HD, June 23-27th at Camp Gallagher is designed for teens entering their Junior and Senior Year. To learn more about this program or download additional registrations visit our website. Ascend, July 6th-10th at Camp Hamilton is designed for students entering grades 9 and 10 in the fall. To learn more or download additional registrations forms visit our website. Camp 4:12, July 26-29 at Camp Don Bosco is for students entering 7-9th grades wishing to take the first step in their skills as peer leaders and Catholic Discipleship. Find more information or download the registration form. |
ONE Week: An Opportunity to Serve Very soon, youth from all over the Archdiocese will travel to new communities to assist with the variety of needs present and unique to that community. We are excited to provide youth with this experience of being of service to people from different backgrounds.Parish groups have been invited to serve in Seattle, Bellingham, Everett, Forks, and Hoquiam. Many of these communities have worked with our ONE Week program for years and they have expressed their excitement and appreciation for the youth who chose to spend their summer vacation working hard for others. There are still spots available for your youth ministry group at Everett, Bellingham and Hoquiam. This is the perfect opportunity for smaller groups or groups that cannot afford to travel a great distance or are otherwise unable to travel. For more information, email britta.folden@seattlearch.org. Put in my heart the ardent desire to work earnestly for the poor and the needy. Show me the garment with which you clothed me the day that I received you as Lord and Savior of my life. May I wear those garments at the service of my neighbor and of this community. Use me, Lord, for your work. (Prayer without Borders) |
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