As we prepare to enjoy the last few weeks of summer and welcome the activities of the fall season, there is a profound sense of joy in recapping the remarkable accomplishments of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) throughout the fiscal year 2023 (FY23).
Looking back, gratitude fills my heart for the incredible work carried out by our members and friends. The theme that guided our work over this past year has been United in Christ…as Neighbors, as Members, and in Mission. This served as our compass, motivating us to strive to amplify the impact of NFCYM’s mission. I find abundant reasons for gratitude and celebration as I reflect on the ways in which we engaged and united members to advocate for the voice of young people as outlined in our 5-year strategic plan. This year alone, we had more than 170 members engaged in project teams, and our resources received more than 16,000 visits. As we conclude this fiscal year, the joy that emerges from our collective commitment to our mission is truly invigorating.
I invite you to join me in reflecting on and celebrating the accomplishments that unfolded this year.
In August 2022, we performed a survey that gathered ministers’ opinions on the Essential Elements of Comprehensive Youth Ministry. The finalized 9 elements were presented at Exchange.
Special thanks to the Essential Elements project team, Co-Chairs Christina Davis and Josh Salinas, and all who were involved in collecting field feedback and defining these essential elements.
Grant Initiatives Awarded –
To learn more about the grant awarded, Click Here >.
Many thanks to Joe Nufable and Lisa Gomez, project team Co-Chairs, and to Cooky Perez-Eraci, Michal Horace, Patrick Donovan, Charlotte McCorquodale, Dave Stagliano, Alison Tate, and JC Montenegro, sub-team Co-Chairs; and to Brigitte Burke, Project Manager.
To learn more about First Things, Click Here >.
Thank you to Kim McMillan, Michal Horace, and Jane Angha, First Things in Youth Ministry national cohort facilitators, for your time and dedication.
Grateful to Kathy Goller, Champion of Focus Area 1, Paul Jarzembowski, Essential Elements Context Documents project team chair, and the many individuals involved in the focus area.
23 new diocesan directors participated in the institute. Deepest gratitude to Lisa Gomes for her 10+ years of service on the project team, shepherding NDDI through the COVID-19 pandemic and leading as the project Chair for the past 5 years. Elaine Phillips is the new 2024 project Chair; Pat Kane will continue as co-chair.
The launch of the new engagement platform is the first step toward NFCYM being able to offer micro-credentials to youth ministry leaders. The platform facilitates track learning, mentor assignments, and oversees applications. Plans are underway to roll out micro-credentials in 2024.
Thank you to Cathy Becker and Deborah Scopocassa, micro-credential project team Co-Chairs.
A special thanks to Cathy Becker, Champion of Focus Area 2, for advancing the mission to empower those who minister to and with young people as well as the many individuals involved in the focus area.
The National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) was formed in August 2022 to exemplify shared leadership that empowers youth to activate their voices and gifts as members of the Church. In October 2022, they were granted an audience with the Holy Father, receiving a message for the young people of the United States, which was shared at 2022 NCYC.
To learn more about the Youth Council’s meeting with the Holy Father, Click Here >.
A special thanks to Bob Noel for leading as Champion of Focus Area 3, and a warm welcome to Marisally Santiago, the new Focus Area 3 Champion.
NFCYM received a $1 million grant in September 2022, and an additional $250,000 grant in June 2023 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to strengthen family-focused ministry in Catholic dioceses across the United States. The five-year grant will enable NFCYM to implement an initiative that will train church leaders to work more effectively with parents and caregivers in the faith formation of their children.
To learn more about the first grant awarded, Click Here >.
A special thanks to Mark Mann, Champion of Focus Area 4, for his dedication to further growing the resources for the domestic church and to Brigitte Burke, Project Manager. I would also like to thank Debbie Gonzalez, Christine Taylor, Diane Kledzik, Colleen Trevisani, Dunn Estacio, Marie Becker, and Joe Perdreauville, project team Co-Chairs and all the individuals who are working on this project.
2022 NCYC was the first NCYC on the west coast in over 40 years, thanks to the invitation from Archbishop Gomez. There were more than 2,700 participants, including 10 bishops, in attendance.
A special thanks to the members, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters, as well as the Co-Chairs, Joe Perdreauville and Maricruz Flores, and all involved in the sub-teams.
To view the NCYC 2022 recap, Click Here >
The first Exchange was held in February in Colorado Springs. The event drew individuals from all over the country. Exchange featured the State of NFCYM report, professional and personal development, networking, communal prayer, and more.
A special thanks to Julia Eckrich and Dave Neeson, Co-Chairs of the project team, and all members of the sub-teams, for making this first Exchange a reality.
Various webinars were offered in English and Spanish throughout the year, garnering over 1,400 views. The Momentum webinar series was held in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023, drawing significant participation in each session.
To view previous webinars in English, Click Here >
To view previous webinars in Spanish, Click Here >
To view Momentum VI – Secret Sauce: What Makes it Work, Click Here >
To view Momentum VII: Going Deeper: Gender and Faith, Click Here >
Much appreciation to Laurie Nick, Jane Angha, Brilema Perez, and Alex Barraza, Co-Chairs of the project teams for Webinars in English and en Español, to Alison Pope and Dan Pin, Co-Chairs of the Formation Team, and to Chris Miller and Elliott Gualtiere, Co-Chairs of the High School Resource Page project team.
The Imago Dei Initiative completed its pilot of 10 sessions with 12 participants. A new Project Team will be developed to continue this leadership formation opportunity for a new cohort in 2024.
The Diversity & Inclusion Training Pilot is being presented for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Two additional pilots are planned at the regional and national levels this fiscal year, with the goal of finalizing the training for all members to participate in FY25.
Special thanks to Sherine Green for her work on the Imago Dei Initiative as the Project Manager, to Ogechi Akalegbere for developing and leading the D&I Training, and to Rudy Dehaney, as the Anti-Racism project Chair.
NFCYM conducted the Membership Satisfaction Survey in the first quarter of 2023. The themes gleaned from the survey results are noted below, along with our responses to them, which were discerned through consultation with NFCYM staff, the Strategy Leadership Council, and the Member Advisory Council.
NFCYM hired an Engagement Manager, who will help us to progress our mission and vision in a cohesive and unified manner. Alma Leon will be working with members to create a robust onboarding process for new members. Updates on progress will be shared in January 2024. If you would like to assist in this project, please email Alma at [email protected].
A new member platform was created to centralize collaboration and offer networking opportunities. Diocesan-based member meetups are also in development, and the Exchange project team will offer specialized content for diocesan members.
A Formation Project Team, chaired by Alison Pope and Dan Pin, was chartered to oversee and develop NFCYM’s ongoing formation offerings (webinars, Momentum, resource library). Another team led by Charlie Hardesty and Michael Marchand was chartered to explore the specific formation needs of youth ministry leaders. The NFCYM staff is supporting their efforts, ensuring this is a member-to-member driven initiative. A report to the board is expected in March 2024.
Steps we have taken to enrich our sense of community among our members include the creation of the new member platform, as well as plans to offer specialized content for Exchange. In addition to this, we are aiding the four (4) participating regions that lack a regional network by providing means for members to gather to discern a regional leadership team.
NFCYM commits to hosting impactful events with detailed planning. The NFCYM staff have created planning timelines to ensure accountability. Below are the event registration launch dates:
United together in Christ, we have successfully navigated another year in ministry. Thank you! Your dedication to serving our young Church is truly inspiring. If you are looking to further engage with NFCYM’s work, contact [email protected]. We can connect you with a project team or guide you in developing something new.
Finally, the NFCYM national staff is available to provide support whenever you need it. Feel free to reach out for assistance on your journey. If you would like to connect with a specific team member, you can do so by Clicking Here >.
Wishing you a blessed start to a new year in ministry.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in You.
With gratitude,
Christina Lamas
Executive Director, NFCYM
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Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Coordinator,
Diocese of Austin
Diocesan Member
"NFCYM has accompanied me in reaching out to like minded professionals to better provide service (ministry) to adolescents. NFCYM has allowed me to network and grow professionally.
'Youth as Protagonists' has been essential to Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the Diocese of Austin."
Youth Minister, St. Christopher Church
Associate Member
"The various resources have helped me keep our program exciting and vibrant. NFCYM has provided me with shared information via webinars, workshops, conferences, outreach, and opportunities that are very informative to help make my ministry successful.
NFCYM is an open forum for me to seek material, guidance and support in keeping the youth ministry program successful."
