NFCYM History
Welcome the the history of Catholic youth ministry and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Use the links in the sidebar to move quickly to a particular year or time in history.
NFCYM Pre-History
1930s: CYO Begins
The CYO began in 1930 as an athletic program for elementary and high school youth in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Bishop Sheil founded the CYO as a parish-based program. His experiences as a prison chaplain led him to see the beneficial impact of the athletic program on the prisoners. The program emphasized training youth in boxing and only later expanded to include other sports. In 1932, the CYO Center was established in Chicago and in 1937 the Catholic Youth Bureau was established in Washington.
1940s: National Catholic Youth Council Unifies Separate Groups
In 1940, the Vatican asked the bishops of the United States to unite the separate groups of Catholic youth in a "National Catholic Youth Council . . . in order to better promote Christian ideals and better safeguard the young from the many pitfalls they encounter."
The National Council of Catholic Youth was formed shortly after and included a College and University Section and a Diocesan Section. The latter included parish youth councils associated with the Council through respective dioceses. The first convention was held in Cincinnati in 1951.
1960s: National CYO Federation
In 1961, the NCCY Diocesan Section was renamed the National CYO Federation, with teenage and young adult sections. The NCYOF held biennial conventions at which time its president along with the executive council was elected. The Young Adult Section was abandoned in 1971. The representative for Campus and Young Adult Ministry in the Department of Education, USCC assumed responsibility for organizing the church's efforts in their behalf.
CYO, as envisioned by Bishop Sheil, grew beyond its initial emphasis on athletics and supported group activities such as retreats, community service projects and other projects aimed at local needs as well as athletic programs. The National CYO Federation, primarily a federation of youth councils, served diocesan youth programs with programming suggestions and resources for establishing a local CYO, adult training programs and examples of other diocesan activities.
Early Years 1980-1981
1980: Changes at USCC
Just before 1980, changes began to take shape at the USCC. Two youth-serving structures, NCYOF (youth) and USCC Division of Youth Activities (adults diocesan youth directors) operated independently of one another in a time of double-digit inflation and no possible increase in "Cathedraticum" (church tax). A call was made for a 35 percent cutback in USCC's budget which resulted in a fifty percent cutback in the Department of Education. USCC budget cuts forced the layoff of all USCC specialists, except the NCYOF because of its independent funding from 90 dioceses. Shortly after this reduction in staff, the bishops decided that any group that could independently fund a staff should become independent. This change affected organizations such as NCDD, NCYOF and Catholic Chaplains and brought to life the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Inc.
The decision by the Bishop's Administrative Committee to move forward with separate organizations apart from USCC was made public on April 1, 1981 and chaos followed. The NCYOF director left with no new hiring. USCC books showed a debt of $33,000 owed by NCYOF to USCC. Right about this time the National Committee for Girls Organizations joined the NCYOF.
1981: Setting the Stage for NFCYM
The January 1981 Advisory Board brought unrest, chaos, anger and a letter to USCC. In addition, possible structures and responses were discussed. The meeting concluded and it was left to the regional coordinators to work out a plan. In June 1981, regional coordinators met in Chicago to define assumptions and move forward with their planning. Several models were considered in response to the questions: "What national services are essential and how can we make it happen?" A discussion of retaining the CYO name brought a $15,000 grant offer and free office space in Indianapolis. The coordinators chose to use the entire philosophy of youth ministry, rather than a program (CYO). Therefore, a name change was necessary. The organization would become an adult organization with youth integrated. It would let go of the direct services to youth and take on the role of enabling diocesan youth ministry. A final plea was made to the USCC that their planned reduction be held off until June of 1982. USCC continued with its original decision and suggested that if the field needed a national organization, they would support it. Have faith.
A New Start
1982: Birth of NFCYM
On January 20, 1982 at 11:17 a.m. in Malvern, Pennsylvania, a unanimous vote of the advisory board on the name and structure brought to life the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, Inc. There was difficulty developing a flow or organization chart, since this was to be a new and different model for a national organization, "a bottom up, rather than top down" organizational structure (grass roots). The legal process was begun to establish a nonprofit corporation. An office location was sought. A new director, Maggie Wilson Brown, was hired and the waiting game with USCC continued. For six months the NCYOF and the Federation coexisted. The Federation operated with no money and a substantial debt to USCC.
An emergency meeting in May 1982 established new programs. The Federation office opened at the College of St. Paul in Washington, D.C. The Federation sponsored the first National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry (NCCYM) in November 1982. It was held in New Orleans. The success of the conference along with sales of youth ministry publications and religious recognition publications and medals brought real money to the Federation.
1983: Initial Conferences and Steps
The 1983 annual meeting held in Orange, California, was chaired by Rev. Monsignor Francis Weldgen. Solvency came with a grant of $27,000 from the American Board of Catholic Missions and the first two youth conferences, one in Washington, D.C., and the other in San Francisco, to be sponsored by the Federation. Federation membership accepted the bylaws and witnessed the first transition of officers. The Federation had begun to grow. In addition, Emmaus Letter was published as the Federation newsletter and NFCYM, Inc. was granted membership on the USCC Committee on Education. Bishop Daniel F. Walsh was episcopal moderator (1983-86).
1984: Committees at Work; First Publications
The committee structure of the Federation began to work in 1984. The annual meeting was held in Dayton, OH. Dr. Tom Bright was chair. The financial condition stabilized and the staff was expanded to include a full-time conference director in July and a full-time secretary/administrative assistant. New publications included: Materials for the Observance of International Youth Year; Faith Maturing: A Personal and Communal Task; and The Survival Kit: Leadership Training in Youth Ministry. The NCCYM was held in Phoenix with 850 participants.
1985: Developing The First Challenge; Maturing in Faith Conferences
The year 1985 saw a growth in programming and the process to develop the Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis paper. The annual meeting was held in Douglaston, New York, chaired by Rev. Roger Thibodeaux. Fifteen "Maturing in Faith" workshops were held together with the Center for Youth Ministry Development. Two youth conferences were held, in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Phoenix, with a combined participation of 4,000.
1986: The Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis; Evangelization Forum
The year 1986 brought the publication of the Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis document and resource manuals, Readings in Youth Ministry: Foundational Issues and A Vision Remembered. The annual meeting was held in San Francisco, CA. Rev. Roger Thibodeaux served as chair. Symposia were held on peace and justice and multicultural youth ministry. Besides these two gatherings, a forum on youth outreach and evangelization was held as a prelude to the NCCYM. The NCCYM was held in Cincinnati. A special task force was selected to begin a review of the Federation structure that eventually led to a revision of the Federation bylaws. Maggie Wilson Brown, executive director, announced she would resign in June 1987.
Growing Up
1987: Staff Growth; Youth Conferences Expand
In 1987 staff growth continued with a full-time executive director, conference director, office manager/conference assistant, publications manager and a part-time orders clerk, secretary and bookkeeper. The annual meeting was held in Rapid City, S.D. Rev. Roger Thibodeaux served as chair. James Knowles was selected to serve as the second executive director. Two National Catholic Youth Conferences were held in Portland, Oregon, and Pittsburgh, with a combined participation of 5,000. New publications included: Sports Psychology for Youth Coaches, along with the parish and diocesan resource guides for The Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis document. The Federation endorsed Catholic Teen. Follow-ups were held to the previous year's symposia. The family project began and the Federation offered its endorsement of the Youth Ministry Television Network (YMTN). Bishop Robert J. Carlson served as episcopal moderator (1987-90).
1988: Bylaws Changes; New Projects; Paul Henderson at USCC
The Federation in 1988 increased its publications with A Voice to be Heard —Youth Representation on a Diocesan Level, Outdoor Ministry—Today and Tomorrow and The Spirit Alive Girl Scout/Camp Fire program. The special task force completed its work and recommended new bylaws for the Federation. These bylaws were accepted with some changes and "warm discussions" at the annual meeting in San Antonio. Jim Reinhardt served as chair. Projects or areas of cooperation included the Catholic Education Futures Project (May), Just Wage and Benefit Study for nonordained ministers, Global Horizons and YMTN. Quarterly updates were published for affiliated dioceses and the first National Catholic Committee for Girl Scout and Camp Fire News was published in the fall. The NCCYM was held in San Diego with 1,400 adults attending. Paul K. Henderson began work with the National Conference for Catholic Bishops Conference Secretariat for Laity and Family as special assistant for youth and young adults.
1989: The Foundation Is Incorporated; Connections Newsletter Begins
The 1989 Membership Meeting was held in Panama City, Florida, with Bob McCarty as chair. The year saw the incorporation of the National Foundation for Catholic Youth and brought Readings in Youth Ministry Volume II: Pastoral Approaches to print. Connections became the official Federation newsletter with a summer issue. In addition, two National Catholic Youth Conferences were held, in Louisville, and Denver.
1990: Competency-Based Standards; NFCYM Associates
The year 1990 saw the conclusion of a process to develop competency-based standards for the coordinator of youth ministry. The membership meeting was held in Spokane, Washington. Bob McCarty served as chair. The Federation membership accepted the standards in January and these were also approved by the United States Catholic Conference Commission on Certification and Accreditation. The NCCYM was held in Rochester, New York. In addition, a revision of Building a Rainbow was published; the Federation initiated NFCYM Associates, a membership category for individuals supportive of the Federation mission; and an associate director was hired. Finally, James Knowles announced he would resign as executive director in June 1991.
1991: First Youth Congress; Losses to the Field
The 1991 membership meeting was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sr. Linda Campbell, OSB served as chair. On a sad note, a key member of the Adolescent Catechesis Subcommittee, Sr. Lynn Tooma, died at this meeting. Also, this year, the diocesan director of St. Paul-Minneapolis, Jeff Johnson, died. The year saw the first National Youth Congress, a bishop-youth exchange, cosponsored by the Federation and the NCCB Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth. The Youth Congress was held together with a single National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis and was supported in part through a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. A think tank on youth outreach and evangelization was held in Worcester, Massachusetts, supported by grants from the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities, Inc., the American Board of Catholic Missions, the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association and the Federation. Reverend Leonard Wenke was hired as the third executive director of the Federation. The NCCB Secretariat for Laity and Family changes its name to Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women, and Youth. Paul Henderson is associate director.
Committed to the Future
1992: Competency-Based Resource Manual; NFCYM at 10
The 1992 membership meeting was held in St. Louis. Mrs. Cheryl Tholcke served as chair. The Resource Manual, to accompany the Competency-Based Standards, was published. In addition diocesan directors received a Diocesan Director's Notebook. The 24th NCCYM was held in Houston. This event brought to a close the year-long celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Federation. Bishop Charles Chaput, OFM Cap. served as episcopal moderator (1991-94).
1993: The Challenge of Catholic Youth Evangelization; World Youth Day; 7,000 at Youth Conferences
The 1993 membership meeting was held in Bethesda, Maryland. Mrs. Cheryl Tholcke served as chair. The Challenge of Catholic Youth Evangelization: Called to Be Witnesses and Storytellers, developed by the Federation's Youth Outreach and Evangelization Subcommittee, was approved. It was released in May in collaboration with Don Bosco Multimedia. The members also approved the focus for Federation services. This focus is to be on diocesan adult leaders. The inaugural New Diocesan Directors Institute (NDDI) was held in Washington, D.C., in May. In August, the United States hosted World Youth Day in Denver. Members of the Federation played key roles in the planning and implementation of this gathering. The National Catholic Youth Conference was held in Philadelphia in November with 7,000 attendees.
1994: New Associate Directors on Board, True Love Waits
The 1994 membership meeting was held in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Dennis Kurtz served as chair. The NCCYM was held November 30-December 3, 1994 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The theme was "Echoes Heard, Stories Spoken—Ecos Oidos, Cuentos Compartidos." A change in the staffing of the Federation (with two new associate directors) allows the needs of the membership to be fulfilled in a new light. The new associate directors have backgrounds in diocesan or youth ministry settings and share their talents and knowledge with the membership. One development from this change was the Federation's role in True Love Waits, an interdenominational program dealing with teenage chastity.
1995: Strategic Planning Process sets the Future; 10,000 for Youth Conference; Stand Against Violence
The 1995 membership meeting was held in Rapid City, South Dakota. Mr. Dennis Kurtz served as chair. The strategic planning process (SWOT) was a key subject area of the meeting. Work from that session was presented in a published report (before the next meeting); task forces were formed to work on goals and then a draft plan published. After feedback a final plan was presented to the membership in January of 1996. This plan will determine how the Federation will operate in the future. The membership affirmed official implementation in 1996 of the voice of youth proposal. The NCYC (Voices That Challenge) was held in Minneapolis in November. Over 10,000 were in attendance.
The Federation also developed the National Catholic Youth Initiative to Stand Against Violence. A resource manual was developed and published in English with a parish/school packet available in English or Spanish and a Spanish translation of the diocesan process section. This initiative which addresses reducing violence by and against youth was the focus of the National Catholic Youth Congress (Be Peacemakers and Apostles of Hope) held in conjunction with the NCYC in Minneapolis. Bishop Patrick J. McGrath served as episcopal liaison (1995-98).
1996: Strategic Plan Approved; New Mission Statement
January 1996 found the membership back in San Antonio. The meeting was led by Mr. Dennis Bozanich (chair). The strategic plan was affirmed by the membership as well as a new mission statement and values and goals. Article 7 of the bylaws was suspended for another two-year time period. The 26th Biennial NCCYM was held in Orlando, Florida. A record attendance of 1,600 participated in the conference. Ana Villamil is named associate director, USCC Secretariat for Family, Laity, Women and Youth. Paul Henderson is named director for the USCC Office of the Millennium.
Building Upon the Past
1997: From Age to Age: The Challenge of Adolescents and Worship; Structure Changes; 16,000 at Youth Conference
The 1997 membership meeting was held in Newport, Rhode Island, and hosted by the Diocese of Providence. Charlotte McCorquodale (Diocese of Lake Charles) presided as chair of the board of directors. A change to the bylaws affirmed by the membership was to Section 4.03 Term of Office (for at-large board members). The change allows the term of office for at-large board members to be equal to those of board members from the regions. From Age to Age: The Challenge of Adolescents and Worship was approved by the membership. This membership paper was released in the fall. NFCYM Structures: A "White Paper" Reflection was presented by Rev. Leonard C. Wenke, NFCYM executive director. The document was used during the meeting to stimulate conversation regarding the Federation's organizational structures. The membership surprised Fr. Len with a "thank you" party celebrating his tenure as executive director. The inaugural Second Wind, a retreat for experienced diocesan directors, was held in Washington, D.C. Mr. Robert J. McCarty became the fourth executive director of the NFCYM on July 1, 1997. November 1997 was a time of witness for 16,000 participants at the NCYC (held in Kansas City, Missouri) hosted by the dioceses of Kansas City-Kansas and Kansas City-St. Joseph.
1998: Management Committees Operate in New Structure; Rural Youth Ministry Paper; Web Site
The year 1998 was one of great change. The annual membership meeting was held in Santa Rosa, California, and hosted by the local diocesan youth ministry office. Nancy Werner (Diocese of Sioux Falls) presided as chair of the board of directors. The structure revision process begun in 1995 in response to the Strategic Plan came to fruition as the membership overwhelmingly affirmed new bylaws which enable the membership to have more ownership of the Federation's work. Management committees formed are: advocacy, finance, membership, adult training and certification, NCCGSCF, youth ministry, publications, and youth conference. Each management committee's work will be completed by task groups which exist only as long as needed to complete a task. The board of directors was expanded by three (3) one NCCGSCF and two at-large to meet professional and constituency needs of the Federation. Membership categories were simplified: affiliated and collaborating members. Some anticipated projects for this year are the completion of the rural youth ministry paper, translation of the Family of God religious recognition book, investigation into long-range financial planning, fine-tuning of a web site, 1998 World Youth Day Resource Manual, and evangelization training manuals. Bishop Matthew Clark, Diocese of Rochester, began his first term as Episcopal Liaison. The inaugural Called to Witness immersion trip, a collaboration of the NFCYM and Catholic Relief Services, sent a group of diocesan and parish ministers to Haiti. The biennial adult conference, Instruments of Hope/Instrumentos de Esperanza, is hosted by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati on December 2-5.
1999: Adolescent Catechesis; Marketing; NCYC '99
NFCYM embarked on two of its broadest ranging projects in 1999, the revision of the Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis and developing a comprehensive marketing plan. A shepherding group of representatives from the NFCYM, USCC Department of Education, and National Conference of Catechetical Leadership sat down in May to look at the possible structure and content of the revision. One of the initial outcomes of that meeting was a consensus that the revision would be a collaborative project of the organizations interested in the issues around adolescent catechesis. In the area of marketing, a task group out of the Membership Management Committee developed a plan that focused on two goals, (1) to promote the Federation as a leading advocate for the total personal and spiritual growth of young people, and (2) to promote the Federation as a leading advocate for comprehensive Catholic youth ministry. The annual membership meeting was hosted in Prescott, AR by the Diocese of Phoenix and was chaired by Dobie Moser, Archdiocese of Cleveland. New collaborating members included GROUP Publishing, The Emmaus Center, and St. Anthony Messenger Press. The environmental justice resource manual, Protecting God's Creation, was published. In April the national staff responded to the shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO. In July the national staff was expanded to add a third associate director with responsibility for the NCCYM and other projects. In cooperation with the Archdiocese of Military Services and Military Community Youth Ministry, the NFCYM instituted a formal outreach to young people living on U.S. military bases in Germany. Mark Moitoza was hired to coordinate youth ministry on bases in Mannheim and Heidelberg. The 1999 NCYC, held at the America's Center in St. Louis, was the largest youth conference ever hosted by the NFCYM. The attendance of 22,400+ was 35 percent larger than 1997. Fr. J-Glenn Murray, Michael Pritchard, Susan O'Connell-Serio, and Craig Kielburger were keynote speakers, anchored by emcee Jesse Manibusan. The theme of the Youth Congress was youth and scripture. Participants donated over $30,000 to the Foundation during the collection on Sunday.
2000: New Collaborating Members; CARA Study of Diocesan Youth Ministry Directors
In January, the annual membership meeting in Baton Rouge, LA was chaired by Dobie Moser, Archdiocese of Cleveland. The NFCYM welcomed new collaborating members, Catholic Relief Services, Cultivation Ministries, Life Teen, Marianist Life (Society of Mary), and Oregon Catholic Press. During the Foundation's Board meeting, Fr. Mike Cherup (Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee) was discerned as chairperson, John Vitek (Saint Mary's Press) was discerned as vice chair, and Sheila McCarron (National Council of Catholic Women), became the secretary/treasurer. The Foundation also approved a five year development plan. In March, the Called To Witness immersion trip went to The Holy Land and the West Bank. The national office moved into new quarters in the Theological College in Washington. The National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry, held in Birmingham, had almost 2,000 participants, making it the largest NCCYM yet. During the conference, a survey of parish youth ministry coordinators was begun. The Called To Witness immersion trip sent a group of diocesan and parish ministers to India. CARA completed a Study of Diocesan Directors of Youth Ministry.
2001: NCYC, Terrorism, Youth Congress on Vocations, New Staff
The annual membership meeting in Williamsburg, VA was hosted by the Diocese of Richmond and chaired by Sr. Jude Ruggeri, Diocese of Palm Beach. New collaborating members included Steubenville University, St. Meinrad's School of Theology, Apex Ministries, Catholic Association of Musicians, and Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. An in-service on marketing and sessions on adolescent catechesis, accreditation and certification, and the strategic plan were also included. In February, the national staff hired an associate director, responsible for NCYC, and in July, the staff was again expanded to include a director of development and marketing. A summary report on the lay ecclesial youth minister study was published in the summer. The national staff developed website resources to assist parish and school ministers in responding to the September 11 day of terrorism. The National Catholic Youth Conference was held in Indianapolis in December with record attendance of 24,000. The Youth Congress focused on vocations with 48 bishops participating.
Entering our Third Decade
2002: NFCYM Celebrates 20 Years
The annual membership meeting was held in San Diego, California, and was chaired by Sr. Jude Ruggeri, Diocese of Palm Beach. The meeting was the start of the year-long NFCYM twentieth anniversary celebration. New collaborating members included the Military Community Youth Ministries, The New Zealand National Council of Young Catholics, The Loyola Institute for Ministry at Loyola University in New Orleans, Disciples Now Ministries, and the National Catholic Network of Pastoral Juvenil Hispana. The NFCYM also adopted a new mission statement, “To serve those who serve the young Catholic Church”, a vision statement, and revised organizational values to complete the 2002 – 2007 Strategic Plan. During the year the NFCYM published several new HelpNotes, the Lay Ecclesial Youth Minister Study, and Hiring for Youth Ministry: A Process for Success. This year may be most remembered for the sexual abuse scandal that rocked the Catholic Church. The NFCYM developed a print resource for diocesan directors and website resources for youth ministers. The NFCYM also offered our resources and assistance to the bishops, as they prepared their response and guidelines. The year ends in Denver with the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry, which had 2,200 participants--our largest adult conference ever--and closes our 20th anniversary celebration.
2003: NCYC, New Standards and Competencies, and a New Logo
The year started in Salt Lake City with the Annual Membership Meeting, chaired by Sr. Jude Ruggeri, Diocese of Palm Beach. We welcomed our new collaborating members: Crosier fathers and Brothers, Kim and Reggie Harris, World Library Publications, and GIA Publications. We also approved the new standards and competencies for lay ecclesial ministers serving in various ministerial roles and a code of ethics for youth ministry leaders. This was a collaborative venture with the National Association for Lay Ministry and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. The joint standards and competencies were approved in March 2003 by the USCCB Commission on Certification and Accreditation. We also approved a new logo for the NFCYM, more clearly reflecting our mission. The NFCYM also began a series of clergy inservices on “Renewing The Vision”, sponsored by a grant from the Catholic Youth Foundation. We held our second European Catholic Youth Conference in Speyer, Germany, and then partnered with the Archdiocese for the Military Services in creating a new staff position serving military communities. We held Second Wind and the New Diocesan Directors Institute and we sent diocesan and parish youth ministry leaders to Rwanda with Catholic Relief Services. We also served on the advisory board for the National Study of Youth and Religion, conducted by the University of North Carolina and we partnered with Boston College on a symposium on adolescent catechesis. NCYC 2003 in Houston had over 24,000 participants and we adapted the program to reflect a World Youth Day model. This has been a very fruitful year for the NFCYM.
2004: In Progress
The field of youth ministry was impacted by the fallout of the sexual abuse scandal as well as an economic downturn. Downsizing and office closures within diocesan structure were part of the challenges addressed in Austin, Texas, at the Annual Membership Meeting, chaired by Sr. Jude Ruggeri, Diocese of Palm Beach. We welcomed our new collaborating members: HeartBeat Records, Ministry Training Source, and Pflaum Publishing. The NFCYM members approved two new initiatives: the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders and the National Center for Catholic Youth Sports. The NFCYM website resources page grew significantly with much more youth and youth ministry related information, including resources to assist with the movie “The Passion of the Christ.” The National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts and Camp Fire Management Committee proudly announced the availability of new patches for youth who have completed any of the four religious recognition programs. The Called To Witness delegation with Catholic Relief Services scheduled to depart for Pakistan was postponed due to visa difficulties right before increased hostilities broke out. The trip was re-scheduled for September to Rwanda. The NFCYM received a $10,000 grant from the Koch Foundation to support the military youth ministry project and Catholic Home Missions awarded NFCYM $10,000 for clergy in-services in mission dioceses. These in-services were scheduled in 7-9 dioceses for the 2004-2005 year. The NCCYM held in December in Pittsburgh attracted approximately 2,200 participants and served as the inaugural event for the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders and for the National Center for Catholic Youth Sports.
2005: Cutting Edge Research
The Annual Membership Meeting was hosted by Savannah, Georgia, and chaired by Rev. Thomas Dunne, Archdiocese of Boston. The new National Study of Youth and Religion from the University of North Carolina was published and the findings from the Diocesan Director Survey 2005 were released. We welcomed new collaborating members: Harcourt Publishing, Boys & Girls Clubs USA, The Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry at Boston College, the National Religious Vocations Conference, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, OMI. The NFCYM also began the process of revising our strategic plan. The Catholic Youth Foundation USA announced a 25th Anniversary Campaign to build an endowment to support Catholic youth ministry. NACYML and NCCYS continue to expand their services. The NFCYM also received another grant from Catholic Home Missions to continue our clergy education project. The national office realigned staff roles and responsibilities and designed four work centers to order our tasks. Website resources were developed for both the death of Pope John Paul II and the conclave selecting Pope Benedict XVI. NCYC, held in Atlanta, had 18,000 in total participation. The conference was spirited and spirit-filled and utilized a new format for bishops' involvement. However, it was the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the generous response of the youth ministry community that will be remembered.
2006: The 25th Anniversary Begins!
The annual membership meeting was hosted by Portland, OR and chaired by Rev. Thomas Dunne, Archdiocese of Boston. NFCYM welcomed The Dead Theologians Society, Acts E&W, The Joseph Cardinal Bernadin Center Peacebuilders Initiative, and the National Catholic College Admissions Association as collaborating members. The major membership work was approving a new five year stretegic plan, resulting from a two year consultation process. Additionally, we unveiled our revised member and board i-net, using SharePoint technology to do the work of the federation. Partnerships with national organizations on adolescent catechesis and on certification/acreditation issues continue to move forward. NFCYM hosted our fourth European Catholic Youth Conference in Cologne, Germany. The National Center for Catholic Youth Sports has sponsor agreements with the American Sports Education Program and the Hershey Foundation and continues to expand their services. The NCCYM in Las Vegas had its largest attendence - about 2,500 participants,exhibitors, speakers and volunteers - and an excellent program. The conference celebrated our 25th anniversary with the field of youth ministry and was highlighted by the Golf Tournament run by our collaborating "Angels" and benefitting the CYFUSA.
2007: The 25th Anniversary Continues!
The NFCYM membership celebrated our 25th anniversary in January 2007 at the Membership Meeting in Colorado Springs, CO, chaired by Carole Goodwin from Louisville. We welcomed new colaborating members: Loyola Marymount, The Mexican American Cultural Center, 23rd Publications, One Family Outreach and the Australian Network of Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinators. Each general session began with a look back at the history, accomplishments, and growth of the NFCYM. Below are several of the special reports on our history.
25th Anniversary Review: Executive Director's Report, Bob McCarty
I would like to share some reflections on the Federation in addition to the State of the Federation Report that has been posted on the members i-net.
The State of the Federation Report lists our activities, our liaison relationships, our new publications, and our programs. I encourage you to review the report in order to get a sense of the Federation’s work and accomplishments this year.
Time to Take Stock
I appreciate this annual opportunity with the membership to provide a general view of the Federation. And it’s especially significant this year because with this membership meeting, the NFCYM completes our 25th anniversary year – a remarkable milestone. We began remembering and celebrating our 25 years last year in Portland and we carried this celebration throughout the year, culminating at NCCYM for the field of youth ministry.
But a moment of reminiscing is called for.
In January, 1981, the USCC Advisory Board for Youth Activities was informed that because of budget constraints and a change in philosophy, the USCC was no longer going to provide direct services to dioceses. That meant that the Advisory Board and the NCYOF would no longer be funded. For the next six months, the twelve regional coordinators facilitated regional consultations and discussions about whether a national organization was needed – and if so, what structure would be most effective. The regional coordinators, in the fall of 1981 at a meeting in Chicago, devised a structure, proposed a range of services, and selected a name – which was a very significant decision – since NFCYM represented a commitment to the comprehensive approach of the 1976 document, A Vision of Youth Ministry, rather than a description of either membership or structure. Naming the organization, National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, went a long way towards determining its mission, membership, and scope.
In January 1982, the Advisory Board met for the last time, in Malvern, PA- and several of our current members were there. (Please stand). At that meeting the NFCYM was voted into existence, bringing the Advisory Board and the NCYOF into one structure. For the six months between January and June, 1982, parallel organizations – the NFCYM and the NCYOF existed together, coordinated by Maggie Wilson Brown (now McCarty!). For those six months, the regional coordinators worked to establish financing, find office space, and determine affordable staffing.
On July 1, 1982, the start of the new fiscal year, Maggie moved her desk, chair, file cabinets, and storage shelves from USCC to the new offices in the Paulist College. (PS – we still use that desk and we have the file cabinets and shelves – good stewardship).
Coincidentally, the former NCDD – now the NCCL, under the same mandate from USCC, moved into the same office space with the NFCYM – and shared the same secretary and phone system – which is why NCCL’s phone number was only one digit different from NFCYM’s until last year.
In January, 1983: the First Annual Meeting was held in Orange, CA, chaired by Msgr. Francis Weldgen from Buffalo, Maggie Wilson Brown, E.D. There were 93 participants from 53 dioceses, there were 12 regions – and they created region 13 during the meeting.
The meeting minutes are filled with references to motions, seconds, friendly amendments, and the call to order (Roberts Rules).The 1983 Board of Directors was equivalent to 2007 membership, the 1983 Executive Committee was 2007 Board of Directors, and in 1983 –there existed a National Youth Council.
In 1983 - 80% of the dioceses pledged affiliation – compared to 95% in 2007.
The key issues in 1983: developing a structure, committee mandates, finances
Should collaborating members have voting privileges – the members decided no – there were 3 liaisons, now we have 59 collaborating members.
They chose a task group to develop a paper on adolescent catechesis – the defining issue: what is the definition of adolescent catechesis?
Ethnic representation in NFCYM and ministry with/to ethnic communities was a central concern.
Relationship of parish YM and HS campus ministry to the national organization was confusing. Athletics and scouting were critical issues.
In 1982, the first NCCYM sponsored by the NFCYM was held in New Orleans, with @880 participants. (Please stand if you were there). The conference theme was “From Vision to Reality” and the conference logo was a blue circle, filled with birds, with one bird flying outside the circle… sound familiar?
There were two NCYCs in 1983 – Washington and San Francisco = 3,300 participants versus 25,000 expected in 2007.
There was a report that 1,000 USA teens were going to Rome in July 1983 for the first International Gathering of Young People – and World Youth Day was born. (Please stand if you were there).
The NFCYM newsletter, The Emmaus Newsletter – Fall’83 had as a lead article: the Bishops Statement on War and Nuclear Disarmament and its impact on YM
The 1982 - 1983 Budget listed about $300,000 income and expenses, compared to $4.4million in 2005-2006.
There were 1 ½ staff versus nine staff today.
It is, indeed, wonderful to celebrate our 25th anniversary – and it is a tribute to those upon whose shoulders we stand – that we gather here and assess our current vision and reality.
Time to Take Stock
The State of the Federation Report lists our activities, our liaison relationships, our new publications, and our program. I would like to share a specific learning from my work over my almost ten years as executive director.
I have been blessed to travel to and consult with Catholic youth ministry leaders in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and even in Samoa in the South Pacific –all in the name of Catholic youth ministry. NFCYM has provided me the opportunity to consult with youth ministry leaders from England, Croatia, Germany, Denmark, China and South Korea.
And from these experiences, I have learned that there are three elements necessary at the national – and also at the diocesan and parish level – in order for any ministry (YM, RE, Pastoral ministry) to develop effectively: Vision, Structure and Leadership.
Without being overly simplistic, I want to apply these three elements against the NFCYM at this time in our history.
First: Vision. We are blessed to have a national vision of youth ministry provided by the bishops in Renewing The Vision. Having a shared vision provides us a language to discuss goals, components and principles of comprehensive Catholic youth ministry. We can go anywhere in the country and find agreement on the vision, even if we have a spectrum of approaches and methodologies.
RTV provides direction for ministry training programs that teach towards shared goals – and now, shared competencies. A shared vision allows for the development of resources utilizing a common framework.
Having a common vision enables us to move forward our ministry to, with, by and for the young Church – and having this national vision since 1976 – and renewed in 1997 - is a very significant blessing for us – as evidenced by the number of countries working to develop their individual national visions.
For NFCYM, vision includes having a strategic plan that guides our decisions, our energy, and our actions. At this meeting we begin the process of implementing the strategic plan approved at the 2006 membership meeting.
The Second element: Structure. Structure is the organizational means of enfleshing our vision. Whether at the parish, school, diocese or national arena, effective ministry needs an organized means of communicating, planning, developing resources, fostering leadership, and collaborating – the unleashing of the community’s gifts to meet the needs of the community and to fulfill its vision.
Effective structures develop members’ ownership of an organization’s mission and values.
Structures are a means to an end, not an end in itself – and NFCYM has always had an openness to adapt our structure to meet the changing realities of both Church and society. In 1986 and in 1998, we revised how we work. In 2002 we established an outreach to the military community in Germany. In 2004 we established the NCCYS and NACYML. And at this meeting, we examine the question once again, are we structured for success? Are we structured to implement our strategic plan? Are we structured to fulfill our vision?
The third area is leadership. Vision and structure alone do not guarantee effective ministry at any level of church. The need for competent leadership has always been an essential element. This area has received significant attention at the NFCYM through our emphasis on the competency based standards since 1991, the development of resources to assess competencies, and our recent discussions about creating certification processes.
Competent and passionate leadership is required in our parishes and dioceses, certainly – but also at every level of NFCYM – in our board of directors, our management committees and task groups, and in our national staff.
This is particularly challenging for us – we have 72 new diocesan directors in the past 3 years. That represents about 40% of our membership.
EG: please stand if you are new to diocesan ministry in the last three years. Please remain standing is you are under 35 years old … please remain standing if you are under 30 years old. I ask about the age because of recent studies of millennials and gen x ers and employment, where changing jobs often is the norm, not the exception – creating implications for parishes and dioceses in hiring directors of youth ministry.
Further, recent studies indicate that there is usually a 12% turnover in the leadership of non-profits … roughly equivalent to diocesan turnover. Research also says that in choosing leadership for non-profits, 1 in 3 are bad hires. Both challenge our field in developing leadership.
Developing competent and committed leadership is obviously a priority for national organizations that want to remain viable.
I do want to highlight one area that deserves special attention.
Our most evident success this year was NCCYM. Clearly, this was our most spirited and spirit-filled conference. And I attribute this to the work of the management committee, to our conference leadership team, and to the Las Vegas and Region 11 team – and to the impact that our collaborating members have had on our conference programming. I think we found the right balance between inspiration and information in our keynotes, a balance between traditional and progressive approaches to Catholic spirituality in our prayer, and the answer to the question: “Are there hand motions in heaven?”.
It is fitting, therefore, that we pause a moment and acknowledge hear from the host Sr.Pat McGinly (letter) .. and that we thank the volunteers from Region 11 and Las Vegas, the NCCYM task groups, the production team, Michael Theisen and Maureen Gross Donovan as conference coordinators and the national staff for providing such an uplifting experience for all of us. Please stand as we express our appreciation for your work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, from the vantage point of executive director, I believe sincerely that we are blessed as an organization. We are blessed with a compelling vision for our ministry, an effective structure – and competent and visionary leadership in our officers, our board of directors, our management committee chairpersons, and in our task groups.
We are blessed with a flexible spirit. Our openness to change and our ability to be flexible enables us to respond to changing needs, to handle chaos, and to adapt to changing circumstances and realities.
We are blessed with committed and passionate membership. Almost daily I receive emails, letters, phone calls about the minute (NCYC forms, i-net passwords) and about the over-arching (ministry and organizational concerns). We had approximately 250 objectives suggested for the strategic plan – with the belief that we could do all of them in the next three to five years. You are a membership that really values the organization, and it’s a blessing to even be able to make that claim.
In a special way, we remember three leaders who have died in the past year: Tony Maione from Orlando, Don Kimball from Santa Rosa, and Fr. Gary Bagley from Buffalo. A 25th anniversary celebration wouldn’t be complete without mentioning those three. Others in our communion of saints will be remembered on Thursday evening.
And we are blessed with a competent and committed national staff. They have a passion for this ministry and for this organization, they are spirited – and spirit filled – and I consider them wonderful colleagues and friends.
I want to pause here and acknowledge two staff.
First, I want to officially welcome Paige Blache,, who joined the CYFUSA national staff in August as our director of development. (please stand) Paige brings development experience with the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, along with a BS degree in psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a MA in Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans. We are very pleased to have Paige with us.
Second, we welcome Matthew Robaszkiewicz as our membership services coordinator. (please stand) Matthew joined the staff in October after five years as diocesan director in Austin and ten years in Atlanta as diocesan director and in parish youth ministry. Matthew brings extensive experience with NFCYM programs and services, as well as a BA in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from Mercyhurst College and a MA in Theology from St.Vincent de Paul Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Finally – a reminder about hope.
Rubem Alves, a South American theologian, articulates so clearly, the relationship between hope and faith. He writes, in Tomorrow’s Child that “Hope is hearing the melody of the future, faith is dancing to it today.”
In this time of significant challenges, when we consider issues of vision, structure and leadership, may we remember that the reign of God always wins – and that is our hope – and that we are challenged to live the reign of God right now – and that is our faith.
May the good Lord continue to deeply bless each of us - and the NFCYM -in our ministry to, with, and for the young Church.
Thank you.
25th Anniversary Review: 1987 – 1992, Colette Kennett, Diocese of Belleville
We continue our anniversary journey of the NFCYM as we now move into the later 80’s through the start of the 1990’s.
Music is such an important part of adolescence that this morning, my introduction for our anniversary reflection includes some well-know tunes of the 80’s.
You may be wondering about my attire this morning. Well, in order to be culturally appropriate, the 1980’s brought an era where young people imitated the dress and style of their favorite rock stars. Yes, fashions like leg warmers, parachute pants, shoulder pads and “big hair” was in.
So I am wondering if that is why they gave me this time period to summarize!
In terms of youth, it was an era when “the Fonz” defined “coolness”. It was a time of the “dynamic duo” – and I’m not speaking about “Laverne and Shirley”. I’m referring to a period in our history when the NFCYM sponsored both an east coast and a west coast NCYC, taking place in Portland and Pittsburgh in 1987, as well as, Denver and Louisville in 1989.
It wasn’t until 1991 that the “federation nation” no longer stood divided as Indianapolis hosted the single NCYC complete with its very first national youth congress which focused upon “racism”! I am proud to say I participated in that congress.
While Ferris Bueller was trying to psych out his parents and teachers, The Federation was into a more serious study of psychology with the publication of “sports psychology for youth coaches”.
The 1980’s was an era for MTV to be born. And while we didn’t put it into a musical or add a dance routine, The Federation continued its own technological advances with the endorsement of the youth ministry television network or “YMTV” as it was known.
Can you believe that scanners didn’t even exist and a mouse was something that you tried to kill?
While you might have given your life for a ticket to ‘wrestle mania and a chance to see Hulk Hogan”, a similar wresting match took place at the NFCYM membership meeting in San Antonio in 1988 when federation members did their own “wrestling” with a complete revision of the NFCYM by-laws… and we birthed a structure that carved out the foundation for how The Federation does its work. You are a living testimony to this structure through your participation here at this membership meeting!
One of the key “empowerment” books during this timeframe was entitled, “A Guide to Cooperative Alternatives: Community Participation, Social Change, Well-Being, Appropriate Technology, Networking, and Almost Anything Else Hopeful in America.”
Well, in the later 80’s and early 90’s, The Federation empowered catholic youth ministry in the United States with the publication of significant resources including: “A Voice to be Heard – Youth Representation on a Diocesan Level” (1988), as well as, “Readings in Youth Ministry, Volume 2: Pastoral Approaches, (1989) “Resource Guides for the Challenge of Adolescent Catechesis” (1987) and The Federation gave its stamp of approval to the NFCYM competency based standards for coordinators of youth ministry (1990) followed by the 1992 publication of the “NFCYM Competency Based Standards Resource Manual.”
So you can see that we have our own books of empowerment that we can certainly boast about.
Additionally in 1987, The Federation gave its official endorsement to a magazine called “Catholic Teen”.
While some of the great architectural masterpieces of the 80’s included Trump Tower and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, the NFCYM also bridged the nation with events like National conferences for catholic youth ministry in San Diego (1988), New York (1990), and Houston (1992).
During this timeframe, Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman Supreme Court justice, Princess Dianna of Wales captured the heart of America, and Geraldine Ferraro was the first female presidential candidate.
Not to be outdone in strengthening the role of women, our own national catholic committee for girl scouts and camp fire paved the way for young women to learn more about the church
Through implementation of “The Spirit Alive” religious recognition in 1988 and also launched the first NCCGSCF newsletter in 1988.
While “USA for Africa” launched its collaborative humanitarian effort among some of the top artists, and the words “We are the World, We are the Children” were being sung across the nation, the NFCYM initiated its own concept of generating aid for those in need with the establishment of the national foundation for catholic youth in 1989 and their theme tune whose lyrics included “We are The Federation; We Need your Money”.
As radios across the country played “K.C. and The Sunshine Band” singing the song “Please Don’t Go” in 1992, the NFCYM found it was time to pack its bags and move from Augustinian College to their new home on Oakview Terrace in Washington, D.C.
The NFCYM has united the youth ministry efforts of dioceses throughout our nation with the publication of the “Diocesan Directors” notebook in 1992 and the launching of “Connections” as the official newsletter of the NFCYM.
With a spirit of hospitality, The Federation also established “NFCYM Associates” in 1990, a new membership category offering an invitation for involvement to individuals.
Optimists are always searching for that pot of gold at the end of a rainbow,
In 1990, the NFCYM gave us tools for “Building a Rainbow”, through the publication of this significant youth ministry resource.
Yes; Michael Jordan excelled as the “Big Shot” of sports during this time period, Mr. T was the toughest guy in the world and Florence Johnson or “Flo Jo” set a world record at the summer Olympic games for her speed.
Perhaps some of you did not know that youth ministers from across the nation had also begun their own training for a marathon that would require the physical stamina of Michael Jordan, the swiftness of “Flo Jo” and the brute strength of Mr. T. With their own marathon to an unknown place right here in Colorado called “Cherry Creek”. In my research I did discover that in the late 1980’s, trips to Colorado for a “Mountain Vacation” were extremely popular so I guess in the course of this week history will repeat itself if you can call this meeting a “Mountain Vacation”. (or is that a mountain of work)!
In conclusion, the Rubik’s cube was a popular invention of this era and it became a way to assess society. Since “assessment” is an important word in youth ministry language, perhaps this morning you can assess your own ministry style here at this meeting as we close this journey using the “Rubik’s cube assessment”.
This period of time was a time when society was divided into 3 categories based on the Rubik’s cube: those who solved it, those who fluked it, and those who pulled it apart.
I hope this morning I have pulled together a brief glimpse of the magnificent history of the NFCYM. Have a great day and let the music carry you away….
25th Anniversary Review: 1992 – 1997, Mark Pacione, Archdiocese of Baltimore
If the first 10 years of NFCYM were about establishing ourselves, finding ourselves and defining our work, the next ten years, especially 1992 – 1997 were about coming of age.
Coming of age, our work with adolescents makes that a very familiar transition. But in spite of our connectedness with adolescents, we didn’t get acne, we didn’t fail the test for our drivers license, we did not graduate from high school, we didn’t experience our first sweetheart and endure the breakup… but we did come age.
In those first ten years, I can remember sitting at membership meetings with other diocesan leaders wrestling with the challenge of getting the rest of the church to see what we were doing and recognize that this work was important to the entire church.
There is this image of youth ministry, and sometimes we kid each other about it. But we are definitely sensitive to it when others tease us when they say “all you need to do youth ministry is to… be able to sit on the floor, eat pizza, play guitar, drive a van, and read from the bible while sitting around a candle”
Between 1992 and 1997, we took powerful steps to put that image to rest.
Maybe the first step was when NFCYM published the “Competency Based Standards Resource Manuel” in 1992. Having the pastor successfully shame you into working with the teenagers was no longer qualification enough to be a parish coordinator of youth ministry.
And note that the phrase “coordinator of youth ministry “was starting to creep its way into the language.
In 1992 we celebrated our tenth anniversary in Houston…with a dinner and a special dance hosted by DJ’s Anna Scally and Don Kimball.
In January of 1993, we approved what I think is still one of our best works ever as a federation, the publication of Called to be Witnesses and Storytellers.
But clearly the most important moment in our coming of age was World Youth Day in Denver.
NFCYM came to be respected…. and began to be invited more to the table for important Catholic ministry discussions because of the role that our organization and our members played in WYD.
WYD was a USCCB/Vatican event… but in Denver, it had NFCYM fingerprints all over it.
NFCYM hosted meetings at every national gathering for two years, giving our membership access to the best information regarding the challenging of moving so many young people to Denver for such an event.
Of course at our membership meeting in Washington, the membership’s frustration grew such that the federation tried to vote against having World Youth Day. It was a lingering moment of immaturity.
We gained respect because of the great work of Fr. Len Wenke and his team of NFCYM members who produced the Papal Welcome at Mile High Stadium. Carolyn Adrain and probably others were members of that production team.
We gained respect when Paul Henderson created a vision of catechetical sessions in five languages for three days….World Youth Day had never had such organized catechetical sessions…but they still do them today. Who are the people here who worked on the catechetical sessions in Denver. Along with our Mile High Stadium facilitators…Anna Scally, Brian Johnson and Bob McCarty …
We gained respect for the teams of youth ministers around the country who hosted over 100,000 pilgrims in 8 hub cities offering them food, a place to sleep and prayer as they made their pilgrimage to Denver
Anybody here host or stay at one of the WYD hub cities…
We gained respect when our teams of youth ministers from across the nation produced the welcome mass for 50,000 in downtown Denver and the Papal Vigil and the Papal Mass at Cherry Creek State Park. Who here sat in the dust of Cherry Creek state park on August 14-15, 1993?
Not just the other national organizations noticed….
Not just the bishops noticed.
The entire nation stood up and took notice of the powerful gathering…
When WYD was first announced, everyone feared that American youth wouldn’t want to come as they had in Spain and Argentina. But come they did…
And they came because of the work of campus ministers, and coordinators of youth ministry
We gained respect when those campus ministers and coordinators of youth ministry and scout leaders re-invented fund raisers. Selling everything from Halloween clean-up insurance to tortillas…we mobilized enough youth to make this the largest gathering of American Catholic youth ever or since.
I remember watching the procession for the Opening Mass and being stunned to see young people cheering for their bishops as rock stars. I remember Bishop Robert Carlson… Moderator of the Net Ministry Program receiving an overwhelming cheer from young people from Minnesota. He was a little sheepish about it and the bishop who walked next to him learning over to him saying, “good for you Bob, good for you”
United States Catholics feared that the young people would be angry with the pope and church teaching but again and again, our young people answered the probing questions of the media speaking about the respect they had for the man who truly loved them so much --- John Paul II.
None of us dreamed of that powerful moment when Jimmy Mulzet, a down syndrome multiple-handicapped young man from Roosevelt Island New York stood on the stage at Cherry Creek and said to the Holy Father for all the world to hear, “Holy Father, I love you this much.” Jimmy captured the words of the young church to the Holy Father. And John Paul II spoke for the assembly that night when he wrapped his arms around that brave young man who was unafraid to speak God’s love so boldly that night.
After WYD in 1993, the entire church looked at Catholic Youth Ministry and the work of NFCYM with greater respects…. We had come of age.
Later that fall we gathered for NCYC in Philadelphia. We feared that everyone would have spent their money on WYD and the crowd at NCYC would be small. We were wrong. It was the biggest NCYC to date…. And that spine tingling spirit that erupted when the WYD cross was reverently carried into the general session is one of my most precious and proudest moments.
And after WYD, we continued to “come of age with an impressive series of collaborations and accomplishments”
Also in 1993, the first NDDI was held…. The New Diocesan Directors Institute.
In 1994 NFCYM worked with True Love Waits international to adapt that program for Catholic youth…
We also hosted a great WYD survivors Party at the membership meeting in Portland that year. Charlotte McQuorcadale’s story of her groups return home from World Youth Day rivaled Homor’s Odessey. And I believe that there are still some diocesan staff practicing the ten steps to World Youth Day recovery.
In 1995 we hosted our second National Catholic Youth Congress…in Minneapolis…and this one focused exclusively on violence. It was part of a larger federation effort called the National Catholic youth initiative to Stand Against Violence. Dioceses across the nation used a nationally developed process to bring young people together locally to speak about the violence in their lives. When we got to the congress session in Minneapolis, I remember bishops who were overwhelmed and moved to tears as they listened to young people tell the stories about of violence.
In 1996 we really hit the big time by holding the NCCYM with Mickey Mouse in Orlando. It was there that we found two new friends. Apex Ministries burst on to the scene as well as a different look Catholic Rock group Scarecrow and Tinmen.
Maybe for me, the lasting image for these coming of age years was the public presentation at NCYC of the results of the third Bishop-Youth Congress held in 1997 in Kansas City. Mike Mosely was the facilitator for that congress.
The young people read beautiful statements of what was important about THEIR church while Steve Angrisano and Tom Tomasek braved the sparklers singing “You are the Light of the World” This minor moment for me was a great image of this period of our history.
This is how is was for us in 1997, lighting the way for the young voice of the church to be heard…and focusing them on the warm sparkle of the gospel… it was the beginning of a golden age….
Thank you for the privilege and honor of allowing me to re-tell this part of our story with you. IT IS SO VERY PRECIOUS TO ME...
but of course … THE TRUE PRIVILEGE IS TO HAVE LIVED IT WITH YOU.
God bless us all. Happy Anniversary
25th Anniversary Review: 2002-2007, Kathy Goller, Diocese of Buffalo
Good afternoon, Family!
I say that intentionally this afternoon. NFCYM is Family. Being here is being home. And I don’t mean that in a sappy or sentimental way. Those of you who know me know that’s not my style. I’m much more a thinking type. So when I say that NFCYM is family, I mean it in a very real way, with both my head and my heart.
And saying that NFCYM is family is different than what I would have said a year ago. I’ve always loved NFCYM, but had I been asked to give these reflections a year ago, I would have talked more about professionalism, colleagues, networking, growing in an understanding of ministry . . . . Those things are still true. But now there’s a deeper dimension for me. And I hope this is true and can be true for all of us . . . and that’s why I’m using this lens to talk with you today.
I want to talk with you about the past 5 years of our history – 2002-2007, and by extension, a bit about the future. But before I get to those five years, there are some things that you need to know about our history as an organization and about me personally. So please bear with me.
I am humbled, honored and privileged to be invited to share these reflections with you. I’ve found it so amazing to hear the stories of our history and celebrate our tradition at this event. I’ve loved it and eaten it up! I just hope to God it’s not been boring for the new members. I hope it’s not just been listening to the “old guys and girls” reliving “the glory days.”
For me, it’s been about family. Family in its role of storykeeper. Passing on the tradition. Family is the place where we come to know who we are. That’s why NFCYM is family for me. It’s been the place I’ve come to know who I am.
Part of the reason I think I was chosen to do this portion of the history reflection is because “I’m young.” (Incidentally, this is a welcome change for me. As I’ve been working with our Diocesan Youth Board back in Buffalo, I’ve come to realize that they think I’m old at the ripe old age of 32! I was pretty excited to come here!) But I’m not totally in the “young” category in Federation years. (Yes, there’s people years, dog years, and Federation years!) I’m young in people years, but I’m an old soul around here. You see, I was practically raised on the Federation.
I’m from the Diocese of Buffalo. We have a long history of youth ministry, beginning with CYOs in the 1940s. In fact, I owe my very existence to youth ministry – my parents met in CYO where they ran against each other for CYO President. I was baptized by Fr. Gary Bagley, and my pastor from the time I was 11 years old until this past summer was Father Fran Weldgen – the first chair of the board of directors of NFCYM. I was one of the teen participants at NCYC ’91 in Indy, and I was a young adult at WYD in ’93. I was mentored by Gary Bagley and eventually he hired me in the Youth Department. Within my first month on the job, I attended a Region II meeting and got to meet people like Sr. Eileen McCann, Michael Theisen, Mary Harrison, Michael McCarthy, and Fr. Michael Carrano.
What does all this mean? My youth was spent sitting at the feet of the founders. I heard the stories, and started to catch the passion that they had for ministry and for NFCYM. Ministry is more caught than taught. This is true for me. I was able to catch a passion and understanding of ministry as a result of the story-sharing, of people being storykeepers. Because that’s what family does. We pass along the traditions by being storykeepers. In fact, I heard about NFCYM so much from these mentors, that I knew many of you before you knew me. I knew you before we met, because of the stories that had been shared. I came to know who I was by hearing the stories of who we are together.
I am so blessed to have been given that gift. And I know now that because of the gift I’ve received, I have a responsibility. I now must become a storykeeper, too.
So what are the stories of the past five years? It’s the story of a family that experienced changing needs and responded to those needs.
Just like human families shift and dynamics shift, so too with NFCYM. In my own family, in the past eight weeks, we have had the birth of the first grandchild and the death of my last living grandparent. The generations have shifted with new roles and new needs. My parents have become grandparents, and my brother and I have had to come to the realization that “we’re the adults, now!”
I think the same sorts of shifts have been happening within NFCYM over the past five years, too, as we adjust to new needs and a new landscape.
On a global level, we now live with the reality of terrorism and war. Those needs came upon us, and NFCYM responded – with resources and prayer as we helped our communities to deal with these issues.
In the Church, we experienced the death of our beloved Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict. Again, NFCYM was involved, and provided resources and prayer to help us through the transition.
On the national level, we’ve had to deal with a changing landscape. Our country has is much more divided politically. And we’ve been hurt. The hurricanes – Katrina, Wilma and Rita – threatened our family. NFCYM was there – to support diocesan and parish leaders, to help young people get to NCYC, to help heal the wounds. Because that’s what families do.
Issues in our national church have threatened and wounded us too. The sexual abuse crisis, the cuts and closures of diocesan offices. Again, we responded as a family. We grieved for each other, we supported one another, we prayed for one another.
NFCYM has changed too. As we recognized new ways of doing ministry and new leadership for youth ministry, we opened our doors with a new mission statement: To serve those who serve the young Catholic Church.
And we got married! The approval and publication of the National Certification Standards meant that we were formally connected to our partner organizations – NCCL, NALM, and now NPM. This new relationship has brought its own adjustments, challenges, joys and possibilities of new life. In Federation years, the honeymoon is over, but we’re still newlyweds, working out the kinks of this partnership.
And like many families, we’ve experienced births! NACYML and NCCYS are new parts of our family. They are great examples of how NFCYM has grown and changed to meet new needs, and we welcome these new additions to our family!
In the area of adolescent catechesis, we recognized changing needs, and responded by being part of the Partnership for Adolescent Catechesis – again, showing how our family keeps expanding.
The publication of the NSYR findings and CoWorkers in the Vineyard of the Lord are important to our field, documents that shape our ministry. Again, NFCYM is involved – helping all of us to move our field forward with these new developments.
And in the last five years, just like any family, we’ve had our regular family celebrations. Three NCCYMs – in Denver, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. Two NCYCs in Houston and Atlanta. These events show us that we continue to thrive and keep the faith.
Through all these changes in our environment and in our organization, how did we manage to keep our focus? Tradition. Storykeeping. Because we are rooted in tradition, we are able to be flexible and adaptable to changing needs.
There is one other important part of the past five years and it reflects one other thing that families do. There are marriages, births, and also deaths.
We experienced significant losses in 2006. I need to talk about this for two reasons.
First, some of the loss really hit home for me. The loss of Gary Bagley was a huge personal loss for me. There are really no adequate words to describe who he was to me. He was mentor and teacher, but he was also priest and confidant, and one of my closest friends. Living through his death helped me to come to a profound understanding of NFCYM as family. I think that Bob was my third phone call on November 14. First was my husband, and second was Ann Marie Eckert – another one of “Gary’s kids” who now works for CMD. And after those two, my next thought was the NFCYM family. I knew that you needed to know, and I knew that I needed you to know. Our office was flooded with outreach from NFCYM. Phone calls, emails, flowers, and even the presence of some of you at the wake and Masses. The outpouring of love, concern, shared grief and support was unbelievable and amazing. I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to say a personal thank you to you, my extended family. On behalf of the Buffalo Youth Department and on behalf of Gary’s parents and family, I thank you. Thank you for showing all of us that we are indeed family – no matter how many miles are between us.
But I said there were two reasons that I wanted to talk about the losses of 2006. The personal reason is one, but there is a more important piece for all of us to reflect on. I think these losses of 2006 can be a lens through which we can look at the past five years and our present reality, and even our future. These losses are hard for us. Not only for obvious personal reasons, but for organizational reasons. These losses have been a tangible reminder that we have to let go of parts of our past.
Some parts of the past may not fit our current reality. The stories, the traditions – these can remain and should remain. But perhaps some of our practices and habits need to change.
Now this all sounds good, it sounds reasonable, and it sounds right. But it’s not easy. Because there are emotional ties. We’re attached to the past, and we may be reluctant to change. We can be tempted to cling to the old because it’s familiar, or because of a sense of loyalty.
But we’re called to be open to the new. Be open to the new . . . to welcome the new. And the hardest part is that it’s a new that we don’t know yet. Tom mentioned this morning at the end of his presentation that there are three parts of change – the ending, the neutral zone and the new beginning. The neutral zone is also called the empty zone, or the wilderness.
I think that perhaps the NFCYM is in a bit of an empty zone right now. A bit in the wilderness. So how do we move into a new beginning? We need to find a bridge. Or better yet, we need to BE a bridge.
We’re called to be a bridge in the empty zone that links endings to new beginnings. But being a bridge is risky and difficult. You have to stretch. And, as Gary always reminded me, being a bridge means that you get walked all over. But it’s what were called to as servant leaders, as a servant organization.
We need to be a bridge because there’s a lot of troubled water in our world today. Parts of our church are in troubled waters. Dioceses are in troubled waters. Parishes and clusters are in troubled waters. Some of us personally are in troubled waters. And most especially, young people are in troubled waters.
So what does family do when members of their family are in troubled waters? Please listen and reflect. This song speaks volumes about who NFCYM needs to be in 2007 and beyond. (Huge thanks to Stan Cordero for singing this live to the membership!)
When you’re weary, feelin’ small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all
I’m on your side – Oh when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water
I will lay me down
When you’re down and out, when you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard I will comfort you
I’ll take your part – Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water
I will lay me down
Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water
I will lay me down
Sail on Silver girl, Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine – Oh if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water
I will ease your mind
Like a Bridge Over Troubled Water
I will ease your mind
To my family of NFCYM – thank you for being a bridge over troubled water to me.
I hope you noticed the end of the song. “Sail on, Silver Girl, sail on by.” Who is the silver girl? Well, certainly, I hear Gary to me, “Sail on silver girl, your time has come to shine.” But today, who is the silver girl? Well, as we celebrate NFCYM’s 25th Anniversary – our Silver Anniversary – it’s clear to me that we are the Silver Girl – NFCYM “your time has come to shine, all your dreams are on their way; See how they shine!”
So sail on, Silver Girl! Sail on, NFCYM! Here’s to continuing to sail as family for the next 25 years!
2007 Continued
This year was highlighted by NCYC 2007. The conference was indeed a spirited and spiritual experience, with 20,000 participants, but was punctuated by the tragic death of Veronica Gantt from Las Vegas. We continue to hold Veronica and her family in our prayers.
This year was also highlighted by several important collaborations. NFCYM was a partner in the National Lay Ecclesial Ministry Symposium in Collegeville, MN; the Washington Theological Union "Eye on the Horizon" Institutes; the Alliance on Certification and Accreditation with NALM, NCCL and NPM; the Encuentro Strategic Planning task group; and the Partnership on Adolescent Catechesis with NCCL and NCEA. We received a $450,000 grant from the Lilly Foundation and a $75,000 from an anonymous foundation for our National Initiative on Adolescent Catechesis. The NCCYS and NACYML continue to grow, reflecting an expanding impact in Catholic youth ministry. Our Training Services has really expanded as well, increasing both the topics of our inservices and the number of dioceses accessing our training.
2008: Moving Forward
The 2008 Annual Membership Meeting was held in Little Rock, AR. We welcomed Souperbowl of Caring, Marian College, RCL/Benzinger Publishing and the Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame University as collaborating members. Carole Goodwin chaired the meeting, highlighted by the work of the management committees on the strategic plan.
We developed our new Annual Youth Ministry Report to the bishops and a New Members Packet. The NCCGSCF unveiled their new logo and the Sports Center developed a Parents as Partners brochure. The collaborative work of the Alliance for Certification, the Partnership for Adolescent Catechesis, and our involvement in the WTU Eye on the Horizon Project continued.
Pope Benedict XVI came to Washington, DC and to a youth gathering in Yonkers, NY, and over 15,000 pilgrims from the US participated in WYD 2008 in Sydney, Australia, giving this year an international flavor.
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