EXCHANGE: Event Details
Event Details
Purpose of EXCHANGE
NFCYM’s Exchange is a national gathering that brings Catholic youth ministry leaders, ministry professionals, volunteers, and supporters together.
Exchange is an opportunity to create and deepen your connections, expand your knowledge and skills, and find personal and professional support through powerful prayer experiences and moments of joy.
Participating in Exchange can be a transformative experience that offers robust networking opportunities, equips you with valuable tools, knowledge, and connections to strengthen your ministry and deepen your commitment to serving young people within the Catholic faith.
EXCHANGE
Participant Page
Exchange Community
SCHOLARSHIPS
Event Details
Dates:
February 5-7, 2024
- Suggested arrival on Sunday, February 4
- Meeting begins on Monday, February 5 at 7:30 am
- Meeting ends on Wednesday, February 7 at 6:00 pm
- A special screening of the movie Wildcat will be offered Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm, followed by a Q&A with director and co-writer, Ethan Hawke.
- Suggested departure Thursday, February 8
- Thursday morning 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, NFCYM will host an optional D&I Training for up to 20 attendees.
Location:
Dallas, TX
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas Near the Galleria
- Room rate is $149 per night, plus applicable taxes, currently at 13%. This rate includes breakfast. This rate ends January 19, 2024.
(Hotel is not included in registration fee) - This rate is only available when you reserve using the NFCYM room block. We cannot adjust rates for rooms booked on other platforms.
Registration:
$485* Discounts available
- $100 Discount for NFCYM Members = $385
*Registration includes all programming and lunch on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
$485* Discounts available
- Purchase by October 31
- $60 Discount = $425
- $160 Discount for NFCYM Members = $325
- Purchase between November 1 and January 15
- $35 Discount = $450
- $135 Discount for NFCYM Members = $350
- Purchase on or after January 16
- No Discount = $485
- $100 Discount for NFCYM Members = $385
- Purchase by October 31
*Registration includes all programming and lunch on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Registration opens: October 1
Meet Our Emcees
Exchange brings together experts in the field who are specialists in their unique perspectives of ministry with young people.
Let’s face it! All of our contexts are different with diverse peoples, communities, cultures, circumstances, and economics. This is why we need YOU an expert in your particular ministerial context to be at Exchange.
*To learn more about Marcia and Mike,
click on the images.
2024 Exchange Presenters
2024 Exchange will feature the following distinguished general session speakers who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the forefront, promising insightful perspectives and valuable insights.
To view the 2024 Exchange presenters, Click Here >
Schedule
This schedule is a working draft. Be sure to check back as more details and sessions are being shared.
Sunday, February 4
Start | End | Event | Presenter | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3:30 pm | 8:00 pm | Registration/Hospitality Desk Open | The Gallery | |
5:00 pm | 6:00 pm | Travelers Mass (optional) | Theater | |
6:00 pm | 8:00 pm | Welcome Reception | The Gallery | |
8:00 pm | 9:00 pm | Ministry Meet Ups
– Diocesan Leaders – National Organizational – Parish & High School Campus Leaders | Rich Donovan Michael Marchand Dave Neeson | Cypress Teak Ebony |
Monday, February 5
Start | End | Event | Presenter | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7:30 am | 6:00 pm | Registration/Hospitality Desk Open | The Gallery | |
7:30 am | 8:45 am | Breakfast | Hotel Guests | Palm Court |
7:30 am | 8:15 am | Daily Mass (optional) | Fr. Gerard Gentleman | Grand Ballroom |
9:00 am | 11:00 am | General Session I
– State of NFCYM (Annual Membership Meeting) | NFCYM Executive Director & Board of Directors Chair | Grand Ballroom |
11:15 am | 12:15 pm | Member Meet-Ups
– Ministering to Families – National Hispanic Ministry – Pastoral Care & Mental Wellness – Youth Protagonism – Collaboration with Catholic Scouting & Youth Ministry – Young Adult Ministry – Volunteers-Recruiting, Forming, & Retaining | Brigitte Burke Yazmin Mani Malone Kelly McLoughlin Patrick Verhiley & Marisally Santiago Fr. Gerard Gentleman Vicky Hathaway & Josh Salinas Jennifer Chellberg & Robin Shipley | Bamboo Mahogony Teak Ebony Acacia Cypress Oak |
12:30 pm | 1:30 pm | Lunch | All Participants | Palm Court |
2:00 pm | 3:30 pm | General Session II
– Professional Development: Working Genius | Paul Sifuentes | Grand Ballroom |
3:30 pm | 3:45 pm | Coffee Break | Sponsored by: The Pines Catholic Camp | The Gallery |
3:45 pm | 5:00 pm | Breakout Session I | Breakout Rooms | |
5:15 pm | 6:00 pm | Region Meet Ups | Various | |
6:30 pm | 10:00 pm | Dinners & Free Time | On Own | |
10:00 pm | 10:15 pm | Night Prayer (optional) | TBA | Grand Ballroom |
Tuesday, February 6
Start | End | Event | Presenter | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7:30 am | 6:00 pm | Registration/Hospitality Desk Open | The Gallery | |
7:30 am | 8:45 am | Breakfast | Hotel Guests | Palm Court |
9:00 am | 10:30 am | General Session III
– Mental Health Presentation | Roy Petitfils | Grand Ballroom |
10:30 am | 11:00 am | Coffee Break | Sponsored by: Marian University | The Gallery |
11:00 am | 12:00 pm | Breakout Session II | Breakout Rooms | |
12:30 pm | 1:30 pm | Lunch | All Participants | Palm Court |
2:30 pm | 4:00 pm | General Session IV
– Spiritual Health & Practice | Sr. Mercedes Torres, OP | Grand Ballroom |
4:15 pm | 5:30 pm | Daily Mass | Fr. Rafael Capo | Grand Ballroom |
5:30 pm | 6:00 pm | Regional Meet-Ups | ||
6:00 pm | 10:00 pm | Dinner & Free Time | On Own | |
10:00 pm | 10:15 pm | Night Prayer (optional) | TBA | Grand Ballroom |
Wednesday, February 7
Start | End | Event | Presenter | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7:30 am | 6:00 pm | Registration/Hospitality Desk Open | The Gallery | |
7:30 am | 8:45 am | Breakfast | Hotel Guests | Palm Court |
9:00 am | 10:30 am | General Session V
– Engagement | Dr. Hosffman Ospino | Grand Ballroom |
10:30 am | 11:00 am | Coffee Break | Sponsored by: TenX10 | The Gallery |
11:00 am | 12:00 pm | General Session VI
– Action Planning | Michael Marchand | Grand Ballroom |
12:15 pm | 1:45 pm | Lunch | All Participants | Palm Court |
2:00 pm | 3:45 pm | General Session VII
– Putting it into Action | Mike Patin | Grand Ballroom |
4:00 pm | 4:55 pm | Closing Mass | Bishop Edward J. Burns | Grand Ballroom |
4:55 pm | 5:00 pm | Prize Drawing (must be present to win) | Grand Ballroom | |
5:00 pm | 7:00 pm | Dinner | On Own | |
7:00 pm | 10:00 pm | Exclusive: Wildcat Movie Screening and Q&A with the film’s director, Ethan Hawke, and producer, Eric Groth | Grand Ballroom |
Breakouts
Breakout Session I
Working Genius Deep Dive
By: Paul Sifuentes
Enjoyed Paul’s general session on Working Genius? Attend this session to dive deeper into practical applications and interactive discussions. Uncover strategies to leverage your unique working genius and enhance productivity. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your work experience!
Forming Leaders, Not Program Directors
By: Noelle Garcia &
Robert Feduccia
The Lord has given every charism for the work of ministry to each parish. Yet, many have equated ministry to the implementation of a program. Programs are as effective as the people who run them. This workshop will provide a vision and a tool for raising up a new generation of parish leaders.
Z, Z, Z — What about Gen Alpha?
By: Jodi Hunt
Born between the years 2011 and 2025, Generation Alpha is now in middle school youth ministry and confirmation programs right at the age that disaffiliation from the Faith takes hold. So, what are we to do with them? How do we connect to this new generation? Who are they, anyway?
This session will explore this new generation of young people and the various influences and trends that are and have shaped them into being who they are. Exploring who Generation Alpha is and how they are seeking out the Faith (or not) in today’s world, ministers will have the opportunity to re-imagine new ways to connect to the most disconnected generations of our time. If you are struggling to connect to the post-pandemic youth, you do not want to miss this session!
Supporting Parish YM Leaders at the Diocesan Level
By: Michael Marchand
Parish ministry leaders are on the front line of service to young people and their families. Diocesan leaders want to support those efforts, but how? Using observational and national survey data, you will learn tips to discern, plan, and meet the needs of these critical ministry leaders.
The Sky is Falling: The Changing Landscape of Professional Youth Ministry and the Foundational Characteristics Needed to Elevate the YML
By: Chris Bartlett
We are in a critical time for Catholic youth ministry. The paid, professional, credentialed youth ministry leader is becoming rarer; even dioceses are closing their youth ministry offices. The Pathways to Professionalism (Focus Area 2) team has been grappling with advocating for youth ministry leaders (YML) and the essential skills for a YML to establish a lasting, effective ministry in diverse contexts. We will explore this reality as we launch the new “Foundational Characteristics of Youth Ministry Leaders” and find ways to foster them in ourselves as we advocate for youth ministry leaders. Come reflect on your traits as a YML and create an action plan to ground yourself as a leader in ministry.
Reshaping Confirmation
By: Momentum Competition Winner
In fall of 2023, NFCYM, YDisciple, and Ablaze Ministries announced the Momentum National Competition: Reshaping Confirmation Preparation. In this session, the competition winner will present their submission addressing a challenge facing Confirmation preparation and their solutions.
Cultivating Curiosity: How a Future-Ready Church Is Built and New Ministry Opportunities Uncovered
By: Jason Deuterman
Churches are increasingly challenged to remain relevant and impactful in a world that never stops changing. This workshop is designed for diocesan and parish leaders, pastoral teams, and volunteers committed to fostering a dynamic, forward-thinking, and adaptive church community. Participants will be introduced to key concepts and strategies to:
- Grasp the critical importance of curiosity in steering the creation of custom-fitted ministries to a community’s unique character, fostering an environment rich in creativity and vitality.
- Gain insights into creating a church culture that values innovation, adaptability, and proactive engagement with emerging trends.
- Embrace tools that facilitate exploration and experimentation.
Breakout Session II
Deep Dive Q&A
By: Roy Petitfils
Enjoyed Roy’s general session on mental health? Attend this session to explore actionable steps for cultivating mental well-being. Join for an engaging discussion on coping mechanisms, stress reduction techniques, and fostering a positive mindset. Elevate your understanding of mental health in this insightful session!
I humbly Give-Up: When to Call it Quits and Seek Help in Ministering to Youth in Crisis
By: Jodi Hunt
Have you ever felt like you are ‘out of your league’ when it comes to ministering to a youth who is in the midst of a crisis? Or have you ever wondered when you should just hand over the work to someone else because you perhaps are no longer the best person to minister to a young person anymore? Then this is the session for you!
In this session we will explore how to know when it is OK to ‘call it quits’ and hand-off ministerial and/or mental health work to someone else and the reasons why it is not only OK to do so, but is also often the best thing needed for youth in crisis. Using practical lessons and examples, this session will challenge ministers to think about their own skills and capabilities and what they can and cannot do for the youth they minister to and how it is OK to let someone else take over the challenge.
Making Time for Ourselves: Sanity, Not Vanity
By: Kathy Goller
What’s your day-to-day like? Are you a “shrub in the desert” or a “tree planted by water?” (Jer 17: 6-8). Taking care of ourselves is essential for leading healthy, holy, balanced lives and engaging in ministry that bears fruit. That sounds good—but who has the time for that?! You do! In this session, we’ll pause to consider what will help us bear fruit and find small ways to build these practices into our lives.
Nourish Yourself to Nurture Your Ministry
By: Ali Hoffman
It’s really easy to pour yourself out in your ministry, but you cannot give what you don’t have. How do you take care of yourself? In this session, we’ll discuss practical tips for self care, time for reflection and recalibration on what you’re already doing, setting achievable goals and boundaries, and collaborating with others on best practices
Check-In Before They Check Out: Proactive Listening in Youth Ministry
By: Rhyan Ramirez
Creating safe, empathetic, and open communication channels with teens is key to developing strong mental health. This session will highlight the important role of emotional intelligence in our ministry practices and everyday life. Leave with practical exercises and strategies that will allow you to authentically engage in meaningful conversations in your ministry and equip volunteers and parents to do the same.
Supporting Teens in Crisis—Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention
By: Chris Miller
Come and learn how to effectively accompany teens and their families through a mental health crisis. This session will cover signs and symptoms of mental illness/crisis, when and how to refer for professional help, including strategies in working with suicidal youth, and effective prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts. Special attention will be given to working with high-risk populations of suicide, including LGBTQ+ youth.
To learn more about the 2024 Exchange presenters, Click Here >
Thank you 2024 Exchange Sponsors!
Thank you to our banner sponsor
Catholic Scouting: accompanying young people on their faith journey for more than 100 years
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS) is advisory to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and relates to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) through its Episcopal Liaison.
NCCS-sponsored Catholic Scouting is the only Scouting program sanctioned by both the USCCB and BSA.
NCCS is proud to sponsor NFCYM’s Exchange!
Scholarships
Eligibility and Timeline
NFCYM’s goals in offering scholarships for Exchange is to assist those who do not have the means to attend, to diversify the representation from across the country, and to welcome potential new members to the NFCYM community. Scholarships are available for NFCYM members in good standing and those they nominate.
You are eligible if:
- You are an NFCYM member in good standing or are nominated by a current member.
- You have not registered for the 2024 Exchange.
NFCYM will not award scholarships to anyone who has already purchased registration. Anyone not receiving a scholarship will be allowed to register at the early bird price (for a limited time).
The timeline for selection is as follows:
- Scholarship Application Opens — October 1, 2023
- Application Deadline — November 30, 2023
- Notification — December 8, 2023
FAQ
Those who minister to and with young people. Exchange brings together Catholic youth ministry leaders, professionals, volunteers, and supporters.
Exchange features general and breakout sessions designed to engage, enrich, and challenge us as disciples and ministry leaders. There are hosted coffee breaks and lunches, formal and informal gatherings, intentional and spontaneous networking, and opportunities for personal and communal prayer, including the celebration of Mass.
You will also have the opportunity to:
- Learn about the evolving landscape of youth ministry
- Network and make connections with others who minister to young people and their families
- Professional development workshops and resources
- Access to resources and exhibitors
- Opportunities for personal and communal prayer
- Opportunities to engage in the work & mission of NFCYM
- and much more…
- Purchase by October 31
- $60 Discount = $425
- $160 Discount for NFCYM Members = $325
- Purchase between November 1 and January 15
- $35 Discount = $450
- $135 Discount for NFCYM Members = $350
- Purchase on or after January 16
- No Discount = $485
- $100 Discount for NFCYM Members = $385
Registration includes access to top-notch professional development, networking with other ministry professionals from around the country, opportunities for communal prayer and support, fellowship, and host lunch each day.
Unless you live within driving distance of Dallas, you should plan to arrive on Sunday, February 4. Formal programming begins at 9:00 am Monday morning.
Dallas/Fort Worth and Dallas Love Field Airports are about a 20-minute drive to the hotel.
You must book your own ride from the airport as the hotel does not offer a shuttle service.
The meeting officially ends at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 7. However, a special screening of the movie Wildcat will be offered Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm, followed by a Q&A with director and co-writer Ethan Hawke.
Thursday morning, NFCYM will be hosting an optional D&I Training for attendees.
Most participants will want to plan to depart for home no earlier than Thursday, February 8.
Scholarship information will be available on October 1 when registration opens. Applications closed on November 30.
At Exchange, you have the opportunity to engage in intentional community, prayerful opportunities with your peers, and learn more about the ever-evolving field of youth ministry and your important role in working with young people!
To learn more about membership, Click Here or if you have questions, email Alma at [email protected].
Participants should not distribute any handouts to participants or leave materials on other tables.
If you would like to request a discount or scholarship, please reach out to Darius Villalobos, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for NFCYM, [email protected] or 202-301-5166.
