Momentum: National Competition
MOMENTUM
National Competition
Reshaping Confirmation
As Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders, we understand the concerns and complexities our Confirmation preparation processes face today. From bridging the gap between faith and daily life, to modernizing our teaching methods, and ensuring the journey is an enriching spiritual adventure for our youth – we are navigating these challenges together.
While we acknowledge these complexities, we firmly believe in the power of our collective wisdom and experiences to forge impactful solutions. This shared understanding fuels our hope and ignites our resolve to innovate.
The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), YDisciple, and Ablaze Ministries are thrilled to announce the Momentum National Competition: Reshaping Confirmation Preparation. We invite creative and thoughtful minds to contribute their ideas on overcoming the challenges associated with the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Kick-Off Webinar
In Fall 2023, the Momentum National Competition invited ministers from all over the country to submit their best ideas for reshaping preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation! The following event was built by those submissions.
Everything kicks off with a webinar on March 7 at 2:00 pm ET | 11:00 am PT.
Following the webinar, online modules featuring other Momentum Competition authors and NFCYM Members will be posted weekly on NFCYM Connect to continue the conversation.
*NFCYM Members can participate for free– discount is applied during registration.
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
Participants are invited to draft a one-page solution (no more than 500 words) addressing a challenge facing Confirmation Preparation. Solutions may tackle the problem from various perspectives – theological, sociological, pedagogical, or any other relevant angle.
ELEGIBILITY
Open to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, the competition warmly welcomes submissions from religious educators, parish volunteers, parents, clergy, academics, and young people. No professional, educational, or organizational qualifications are required to participate.
CONTEST RULES
- Each submission must be clearly connected to preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Each participant may submit only one entry. Collaborations or team submissions are accepted, but please note that not all team members may be able to present.
- Submissions must be written in English or Spanish and should not exceed 500 words.
- All entries should be original work.
- Submissions should not have been previously published or accepted for publication elsewhere.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- Please submit your entries to [email protected] by Friday, December 1st, 2023 to be considered for invitation to NFCYM’s Exchange event. Submit entries by Friday, January 12th to be considered for invitation as a Momentum panelist.
- Submissions should be in Microsoft Word document format (.doc, .docx).
- By submitting an idea, the author consents to their paper being posted on the websites of NFCYM and sponsoring organizations. All postings will attribute the work to its author.
- Finalists may be asked to submit a 3-5 minute video further explaining their idea. Support in creating the video will be made available.
JUDGING AND AWARDS
Submissions will be evaluated based on their creativity, originality, applicability, and clarity. The review team will be comprised of ministry experts, representatives of our partner organizations, and young people.
The top submissions will be featured at our spring Momentum Event on March 7, 2024. The author of the top submission will receive an invitation to present their paper in a breakout session at NFCYM’s Exchange event on February 5-8, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. A scholarship will be made available to assist the winner in attending.
We thank you for participating in this innovative dialogue and look forward to your contributions. Together, let’s create an enriching, engaging, and hopeful Confirmation Preparation journey for our young ones. We can’t wait to read your insightful submissions!
Please contact Chris Leach at [email protected] if you have questions about the competition.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Chris Leach at [email protected]
