N.C.C.Y.M. (National Conference On Catholic Youth Ministry)

www.nfcym.org

August 28, 2008 

I want to recommend a wonderful INVESTMENT for your youth ministry…invest in yourself!  One of the primary tools you and I use in ministering with teens and adults is US!!!  We spend much of our time tending to others’ needs through programming, relationships, meetings and more.  Too often we put our self-development and “re-tooling” on hold.

I am enclosing a brochure describing the NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY (NCCYM.)  The conference, sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry is held ONLY every other year and will be from December 4-7, 2008, in Cleveland, Ohio.  This is the best training, motivation, rejuvenation experience offered to Catholic youth ministers from across the U.S.  Major Catholic publishers such as Harcourt and St. Mary’s Press, youth ministry experts such as Steve Angrisano and Jesse Manibusan, universities such as Franciscan and Notre Dame, and countless other resources and organizations take part in the convention. There will be 2300 adults just like you and me—volunteers, paid, parish, school, junior high, high school and more. 

I cannot recommend this event STRONGLY enough.  It provides the opportunity for you to be with peers and colleagues…to see the latest resources, to hear some of the best speakers in the country, to get new ideas, and to enjoy yourself for a few days.  Please also consider sharing this information with other adults involved in youth ministry at your parish.  It is an excellent opportunity for them too.

I know money is always a concern.  Please think about approaching your pastor, pastoral council, Knights of Columbus or other groups to help make this a reality.  You are worth the investment.  I will be writing to all pastors and principals encouraging their support both for you personally, and to help the Archdiocese of New Orleans prepare to host NCCYM in 2010.   Please see the attached sheets for detailed information about the trip and the process for registering, which is different from past NCCYM trips.

I hope you seriously consider this chance and respond as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please call me at 504-836-0551, ext. 23, or Cecilia Matherne at ext. 21. 

Sincerely,

John Smestad, Jr.
Director