This group
functions as the Archdiocesan Youth Council and is made up of
representatives of parish youth ministry programs and the Catholic
high schools. They work to communicate the needs and interests of
youth in the Archdiocese, learn valuable leadership skills for
ministry and life in general, and assist in planning the local World
Youth Day and other youth events.
A packet with the
qualifications for joining, and registration details, is sent to all
youth ministers and Catholic high schools in the area. Call Floyd
Bonneval at (504) 836-0551 ext. 25 for more information.
Purpose/Mission
Teen CROSS exists to:
Further develop the gifts and leadership skills of youth
Improve communication between the schools and parishes of the
Archdiocese of New Orleans and the CYO/Youth Ministry Office
Assist and lead
ministry efforts with, and to, the (young) Church of the Archdiocese
through planning and implementing archdiocese-wide youth event
Represent the ideas and concerns of the young Church to the Archdiocese
Teen CROSS
provides different services to the Catholic Youth Ministry Community
Further outreach to
Catholic Youth
Encourage faith
development among young people
Respond to
youth-at-risk issues
Educate for justice
Serve the (civic)
community (these tasks include
involvement in
annual events such as World Youth Day, Abbey Youth Fest, Hofinger
Conference, and the Youth Revival)
Composition
Teen CROSS is made up of 2 persons (preferably sophomores and juniors in
high school) from parishes and Catholic high schools across the
Archdiocese. It is recommended that no one who has been appointed for two
years by their parish/school be appointed for a third term. The CYO/Youth
Ministry Office may add “at-large” members.
Selection
Adult youth ministry coordinators from parishes and schools recommend (via
letter) the young people. This takes place in early spring (March-
April.) The CYO/Youth Ministry Office also makes selections of "at-large"
members during this time.
Qualities/Abilities
Sought
High school student
(preferably sophomore or junior in 2008-2009)
Person of FAITH;
witness to Catholic Christian lifestyle
Active in local
(parish/school) youth ministry efforts
Leadership ability
(planning skills, communication skills, work with groups,
responsible/dependable, organized)
Willing to work (speak
their opinion, spend time --during meetings and
between meetings--on assigned tasks, communicate progress and problems
Length of Commitment
Members are asked to serve a one-year term (May to April).
Renewable terms are an option after review with the Teen CROSS member,
local adult youth minister and the CYO/Youth Ministry Office. We
discourage nominating anyone who has previously served for two years.
There will be monthly general Teen CROSS meetings each year.
At least one of the general meetings is an overnight retreat.
Additional committee meetings may be necessary. World
Youth Day and Abbey Youth Fest are mandatory commitments.
Members will be asked to sign-up to help at the Hofinger Conference.
Responsibilities
Serve as a Christian example to youth and adults
Remain active in local (parish/school) youth ministry setting
Communicate information and needs to/from local setting and CYO/Youth
Ministry Office
Attend
all Teen CROSS meetings
Assist with various CYO Youth Ministry events (World Youth Day, Leadership Celebration, etc.)
Assist with Teen CROSS goals and project
Supervision and Support
The CYO/Youth Ministry Office, the Office of Religious Education, and
appointed adult mentors give support and supervision. Final
accountability lies with the director of the CYO/Youth Ministry Office.
(Items such as vacancies and removal from Teen CROSS will be handled on an
individual basis.
Benefits
Opportunity to share
faith, ministry, prayer and friendship with youth from across the
Archdiocese of New Orleans.
An active voice in youth
ministry
On-going leadership
development
Learn more about youth
ministry at archdiocesan, regional and national levels.
