WESTERN CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTERS
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Youth Speak News Mentorship

7/8/2015

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Dear friends in ministry,

As you may already be aware, The Catholic Register newspaper is recruiting for next year's Youth Speak News mentorship program. We are looking for aspiring young writers. ages 16 to 25, who would be interested in working with media professionals in Catholic media to hone their media and communications skills. 

Because we aim to have a broad cross-section of youth writers from across the country, I would like to extend our YSN program application deadline for your candidates. We would love to be able to have all parts of the Canadian Catholic community, so please extend our invite to your youth ministry. If you have a candidate that you would like to recommend, please have their applications sent to us by July 27th. 

For more information, you can also visit our recruitment page here at: http://catholicregister.org/ysn/ysn-application

Again, the extended deadline is Monday, July 27, 2015. 

Thank you very much for your continued support,

Jean Ko Din
Youth Speak News editor
The Catholic Register
(416) 934-3410 ext. 403
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Help our fellow Christians in the middle east!

3/13/2015

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Hello Brothers and Sisters in Christ! 

Our youth group is hoping to hold a fundraiser event called a Silence-a-Thon in solidarity with those in the Middle East who have been “silenced” by the Islamic State militants. Before March 20th, the youth group will collect pledges with all the proceeds being sent to CNEWA (Catholic Near East Welfare Association) Canada (cheques made payable also to CNEWA Canada), and in turn will be sent on to those in the affected areas who are working to support those displaced from their homes. On March 20th, from the moment the youth get up until some point during the Youth Group (we’re still working out details) they must be silent. No TV, no music, no video games, no speaking, and during this time, they are asked to pray for those who have lost so much.

I am wondering if you would be able to get the word out to as many youth groups, schools or other organizations who might be interested in raising money in this way for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ as possible.

I’ve attached a poster and pledge form as well. Thank you for your help!

May the Lord bless you, keep you and give you peace and joy.

In Christ,

Dynae Stamp

Youth Minister & Sacramental Preparation Coordinator

St. Augustine's and St. Joseph's Parish

5009 48 Ave, Taber, Alberta, T1G 1T4

Phone: 403-223-2226

Fax: 403-223-2501

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wui51xmtarxihhg/pledge%20form.pdf?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4lag5av35fwkqol/silence-a-thon%20poster.pdf?dl=0

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AGM Postponed

1/3/2015

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Hi Everyone,

As may be known to you or suspected, we will be cancelling this January's Annual Gathering for a myriad of reasons.


First and foremost I want to ask for your continued prayers for Lisa, our Treasurer, who is mourning the passing of her mother. We are more than anything a large family.

I wanted to take a few days over the Christmas break to take account and think this all through. Sorry for the delay, as I then was laid out with back pain.

At this point, we probably can only expect half of CORE to even be able to be at the AG. Before anything, that's not sufficient to hold our AGM.

Second, we simply seem to be working upstream against many factors. This has been a difficult road the last few months, and every new hurdle has made me weary of doubling our efforts for this AG, and sensing we need to pull the plug and refocus our efforts more appropriately.


We've seen people leave us for new positions (congrats Andrew!), personal struggles for core members, the sudden departure of Sr. Maybelle from her role as administrator of Summer Seminar (which I'm temporarily overseeing until we can hire someone else) and simply an overwhelm of too many tasks with too little time and personnel.

We had big plans to finalize a new constitution that would redefine what WCACYM has become; a community of networking and support and a mechanism for training opportunities not available at a local level. With the emergence of CCYMN and support from Diocesan & Eparchial Directors the new approach was to be funded at that level and membership automatic and free to any involved in Youth Ministry.

We're on the verge of launching our Solidarity Fund with parameters to allow local leaders to find support for the training and events they couldn't experience without outside financial aid. But we're behind in some of our financial status work and struggling to find an accountant willing to help.

All to say is I take full responsibility of not getting us ready and able to offer an Annual Gathering worthy of your time and money to approve and finalize all these great initiatives. It was a failure of leadership that I'm learning from. But I do not think it would be good stewardship to host a conference and cause all of us to spend limited funds when we're not able to achieve our desired goals and give you the experience you expect from the last few amazing Annual Gatherings.

My thought upon some of the leg work on the new constitution, is currently it says we need to meet every 15 months. Although I don't think it is realistic or ideal to organize another gathering in 3 months - I think we can honour that by holding an AGM. 

My thought is perhaps during the week of CCYMN meetings for the directors in Kelowna in February. With consultation with their steering committee and the Western Directors perhaps we can find a soft spot in the schedule at a lunch, morning or evening and host an abbreviated AGM meeting. We can offer a way to conference call/video in non director members to be present as well, and email out to members before things needing review to be voted on there or by proxy. I will try to give an update to members about this option by mid January.

It could save the cost of organizing another gathering on short notice, but still ensuring we fulfill our obligations without incurring lots of work and costs. Also, we can be sure many of the key people we need in the work ahead of us will be there. WCACYM is for all, but will only thrive according to the support and direction of our Diocesan and Eparchial leaders. Their leadership and support is critical in communication and reaching the grass root communities.


It also gives us about a month and a half to get some of these reports and proposals ready to give.

We also need to get members to renew, because technically at this point we only have about 4-5 paid members. So if you or your Diocese or Eparchy hasn't renewed your paid membership please do so. Without a quorum of members present we can't proceed with any of these new proposals and membership structure for the coming year (2015-2016).

Thank you for all the effort and concern you have given to WCACYM, and I apologize for a lot of the failings we have had. A lot is a failure of leadership and I've not been the best chairperson these last few months, but I hope to finish my run this coming year better.


WCACYM has been a massive blessing in my life and I'm truly sorry I've let you down. But I believe under the circumstances this is the hard but right decision.

Peace and love to you all. 

-Colm


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Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow 

11/2/2014

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Dear WCACYM friends, family, & students of Summer Seminar,

It is my duty as Chairperson on behalf of Sister Maybelle de la Cruz to inform you that she has been called to another mission. 

Things happened quite quickly, and she is now off back to the Philippines to visit with family and spend time with her community. After, she will in the new year begin a new mission in Sicily, Italy! She has been called to help run a retreat house and reach out to the young people there.

Obviously, this came as a great surprise to us and we are filled with mixed emotions. Myself, I am devastated at losing such a gift to WCACYM and to Youth Ministry in my local Diocese of Saskatoon. But Sister's impact has reached all of Western Canada. Quickly thought my heart filled with gratitude and eyes filled with tears. I will remember my meeting with her discussing her move for many years to come. My heart simply burst in thanksgiving for who she is and what she did and sorrow for no longer being able to collaborate with her. But she reminded me that obedience and faithfulness to the call of God is primary. Sister wanted me to let you all know the great honour it was for her to serve you all, and that she continues to pray for us everyday. I in turn let her know how much she has been a blessing to WCACYM, Summer Seminar, Youth Ministry in Western Canada. More importantly, the friendship and witness to Christ that Sister Maybelle was to myself and my family and I'm sure others will not vanish! She shared her desire to be with her community more, and live a life of pray (even more!) and this is an answer to that. 

Her years of service as WCACYM Summer Seminar Administrator have continued the great legacy she inherited from Odile Wilson and Jacinthe Green. We have seen continued advocacy and passion for professional training in our field of ministry. We will continue to offer the Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies, as well as the Enrichment Stream that will be one of the legacy marks left by Sister Maybelle. 

In the interim, I have taken on the responsibilities of administering Summer Seminar. November - January is a critical juncture in finalizing details and sending out packages and letters to supporters. We will in due course be searching and advertising for her replacement.

But, CORE has also seen this as an opportunity to really call on the alumni of Summer Seminar and WCACYM family to step up and serve! After Sister Maybelle turned over her responsibilities and boxes of stuff, I was overwhelmed at the work she and the administrators before have taken on.

So leading up to the Annual Gathering in January (Details WILL come out this week, we apologize for the delay), I would like to ask you to pray and discern if you are in a position to join a volunteer team to help the future Administrators of Summer Seminar. This could be during the year doing admin and promotion work from where you are, or coming to help facilitate and prep for the week in the summer. Reflect on your gifts, time, and how Summer Seminar has been a blessing to you. With more hands on deck, we have the opportunity to make Summer Seminar grow and flourish even more.

So let us give thanks and press on! I encourage you to email us if you wish to get involved. We will also be putting something together at that Annual Gathering to pass on our gratitude to Sister Maybelle.

Finally, if you wish to pass on words of thanks to Sister Maybelle you may connect with her still on Facebook, or email wcacym.summerseminar(at)yahoo.ca which we'll ensure she receives.

Peace to you all, and blessed All Souls Day!

-Colm Leyne
Chairperson, Western Canadian Association of Catholic Youth Ministers
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In the words of my daughter, "I'm sad because I'm just going to really miss her". Me too, me too.
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Enrichment Stream @ Summer Seminar!

6/10/2014

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What you've always wanted, and more!

Finally, we're able to unveil the courses for summer seminar's growing Enrichment Stream! We're sorry for the delay, but we're very excited about who we have joining us this year! Check out the course overviews and the instructors, and register online today!

And spread the word by sharing this! Thanks!

Peace

-WCACYM CORE

July 22/23rd;

MISSIONARY... MAYBE
This course will assist students in gaining deeper insight to the Church’s missionary nature; provide opportunities for discussion and the practice of pastoral skills used in missionary contexts; and encourage active faith-leadership together with diverse cultures. Particular attention will be paid to the mutual exchange of Aboriginal cultures and the Christian faith, especially on the topic of the development of youth and young adult ministry in Northern Canada. 

Alexandria Lepore

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Alexandria was born in London, Ontario and graduated from King’s University College at Western University with an Honors Specialization in Catholic Studies and a Minor in History (BA) in 2012. 

During her undergraduate studies, Alexandria experienced a call to re-enter the life and mission of the Catholic Church. That call led her to take on various volunteer roles throughout the Diocese of London; to serve as a Campus Minister with King’s Campus Ministry, and with the Centre of Jewish-Catholic-Muslim Learning; and after making a three-month mission trip to the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith, Alexandria’s role with the diocese became a more permanent position as the Associate Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. These experiences have led her to understand that effective ministry is holistic ministry, that is, faith that is lived in-relation-with and open-to being nurtured by diverse cultures and faiths. 

July 24/25th;

iSabbath; LIFE, REST & MINISTRY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE…
As Christians, the call to ministry rises out of our baptism and transforms the whole of our lives into opportunities for God to use us.  Having responded to a call to work in professional ministry, however, it is easy for the lines between life, rest and ministry to become blurred, pulling us in many directions and tempting us to believe we cannot afford to rest or live.  We will learn, think, share and pray our way to a more balanced way of saying yes by also saying no. 

Leah Perrault

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Leah Perrault is the director of pastoral services for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.  She is the author of two books, published by Novalis: How Far Can We Go? (2009) and Theology of the Body for Every Body (2012).  She and her husband Marc are the proud parents of Robyn (6), Eliot (3) and a new baby coming in the fall.  When she isn't working, parenting or playing in the backyard, she can be found speaking in churches and schools across the country, inspiring people to find and live faith deeply in everyday life.

REGISTER NOW ONLINE!
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Summer Seminar - Why?!

5/7/2014

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Dear Youth Minister Leaders,

Greetings of peace and joy in the Risen Christ!

It is with pleasure that I invite you to the Western Canadian Association of Catholic Youth Ministers 2014 Summer Training Seminars. It will be held on Saturday, July 19 till Friday July 25 at Queen's House of Retreats in picturesque Saskatoon and with our Diocese co-hosting the event!

This year, Summer Sem will be offering the following courses towards the Canadian Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies ---Foundations in Ministry Leadership, Skills in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Care of Youth. Our facilitators will be Andrew Bartley and Anne Walsh, skilled and highly qualified to train adults in the field of Catholic Leadership.

Enrichment Courses will be offered for the second year in a row as well (Details being finalized this week).

If you needed some more convincing, watch our new promo video, and share it!
Attached our letters of support and our brochure as well. 

Thank you and if you need any more assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

God bless you in your ministry!
In Christ,

Sr. Maybelle de la Cruz,
Summer Seminar Administrator
Register Now!
2014 Brochure
File Size: 1479 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

2014 Endorsements
File Size: 3897 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

2014 Poster
File Size: 687 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Core Positions: Nominations!

1/15/2014

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Hey WCACYM,

Below is the outline of duties for Core positions up for re-election at our AGM at Queen's House of Retreats in Saskatoon. We are in need of nominations to fill the positions of Chairperson and Treasurer currently held by Colm Leyne and Lisa MacQuarrie.

Please email Christian Martinez, chr.a.martinez@gmail.com your nominations. Below is the outline of duties traditionally done by Chairperson and Treasurer.

The Chairperson is responsible for the moderation of all WCACYM Core, Annual General and General Meetings. When the Chairperson is not available due to just cause, the Vice-Chair will serve as moderator. The Chairperson shall also be an ex-officio member of all WCACYM Committees. The Chairperson serves as a catalyst to ensure that the goals and objectives of the Association are being met.

The Chairperson ensures that each committee has a liaison from Core in order to oversee the activities of the committee. This is to provide continuity and integration with ongoing WCACYM projects

The Treasurer is responsible for collecting the membership fees and managing all other financial responsibilities according to the Association Rules. He/she will be responsible for maintaining the
books in good standing. The Association’s books are to be submitted to an accountant within six months of the end of the Association’s fiscal year for review. The accountant will provide to the Chairperson and Treasurer a report on the status of the Association’s books. The Treasurer will provide to the membership a Treasurer’s Annual Report at the Annual General Meeting. The Annual Report will include the Treasurer’s report on the Association’s finances for the fiscal year of concern, the associated accountant’s report and a budget for the new fiscal year.
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Testify! A Summer Seminar Story

8/17/2013

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My name is Deanna Beaudoin, I am a Parish Coordinator of Youth Ministry and have been working in full time ministry for nearly 6 years. It's my pleasure to endorse WCACYM's Summer Seminar.

When I first walked through the doors at Queens house three summers ago I had no idea how incredibly the formation I was about to receive would completely change my entire career. I came on the misconception that this was to be "some kind of youth ministry training" and half way through the first day I got my first glimpse of the professionalism possible in ministry that I hadn't even known existed.

Here are eight comprehensive and intensive courses that lay out the foundation, framework and Christocentric heart of Youth Ministry. I came hoping for some sort of direction that I might take back to my parish and left with a sound understanding of a theologically based, comprehensive and holistic model of Ministry.

Aside from the professionalism I encountered, there was so much more. WCACYM is much more than a puzzling acronym - it's a family of like minded yet completely individually gifted people passionate about building the kingdom of God. Whether we are part time, full time, or volunteers - it's widely embraced that we are ALL part of the fabric of ministry and working together greatly impacts our ability to affect change.

I've never felt more embraced, encouraged or empowered in a professional setting than my time spent at Summer Seminar.

It's my pleasure to share with you my experience which has been nothing short revolutionary.

Sincerely,

Deanna.
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3 C's for why you should attend Summer Seminar

6/10/2013

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AMDG

I wanted to take a little time this coming week to get alumni of our Summer Seminar program to explain why it is such a transformational and worthwhile program! 

We are blest to be launching a new Enrichment Stream for Certificate Alumni, or those looking to dive deeper into some topics not covered in detail, or emerging trends and issues. We'll highlight that later this week. 

But first my 3 C's on why you should complete the Canadian Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies.

Confidence

Participants feel more confident in their youth ministry role because they have integrated and applied the most recent and innovative theory and approaches into their own setting and responsibilities. 

Competence

The comprehensive sequence of courses provides a solid foundation of theory, theology and practical approaches, which can be applied in any parish or school youth ministry setting. 

Credibility

This is a nationally-recognized curriculum, offered in 25 sites and sponsored by over 50 dioceses, whose graduates are in parish, school, and diocesan leadership positions all over the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and Scotland. 

And that's just 3 reasons you should register today for Summer Seminar!
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the 101 on: Canadian Certificate in YM Studies 

6/10/2013

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The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies™ is a ministry education program for adults in ministry with youth in both parish and school settings. It equips leaders with the knowledge, skills, practical tools, and techniques needed for creative and comprehensive ministry with youth. 

This program is designed for adults involved professionally or as volunteers with younger (10-14) or older (14-19) adolescents in a parish or school setting. The potential audience for the program includes: coordinators of youth ministry, directors of religious education, youth ministry volunteer leaders, junior high leaders, high school campus ministers, teachers, clergy, university students and seminarians. Individual weekends are also helpful for leaders who specialize in particular ministries. For example, the Justice and Service course can serve leaders involved in social justice ministries. 

The primary aim of the program is to promote personal, spiritual, and ministerial growth. Courses in the first year cover youth ministry principles and practice, and leadership theory, processes, and skills. The second year focuses on fostering the faith growth of youth through evangelization and catechesis, prayer and worship, justice and service, and pastoral care. 

The Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies™ includes eight courses. Each course consists of fourteen hours of instruction provided in two days. These courses are being offered in a week-long format in the course of three summers. Summer courses on weekdays meet from 9 AM to 5 PM each day. 

The Certificate program is utilized in a number of ways: 

  • as an integrated formation program leading to a Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies 
  • as an enrichment or continuing education program for veteran leaders 
  • as a workshop series which can be taken on a course-by-course basis by professional or volunteer leaders 

A Certificate in Youth Ministry Studies is awarded by the sponsoring institution (WCACYM), the Redemptorists of English Speaking Canada and the Center for Ministry Development to students who participate in all eight courses and complete the certificate assignments for each course 

Learn more about WCACYM's Summer Seminar program which offers the CCYMS courses.
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