Connections

A lot of bizarre scenes have gone down in Las Vegas, but few more ominous than the sight of two Jesse Manibusan impostors invading the stage at the start of the 2006 National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry.

The real Jesse, a renowned Catholic ninja and itinerant minister, soon restored a semblance of order as a four-day celebration of ministry sprouted. “And the Desert Shall Bloom” was the theme of NCCYM, held November 30–December 3. It drew more than 2,600 participants, making it NFCYM’s largest adult conference ever.

Not to be outdone, NFCYM executive director Bob McCarty made a dramatic entrance to deliver his comments at the opening session. A video showed a cartoon Super McCarty soaring around the world to Las Vegas. Fortunately, McCarty changed out of his tights and cape before speaking about shifts and challenges he observes in the field of youth ministry. Click here to read Bob’s comments.

God’s Mission Has a Church

Fr. Allan Deck, S.J., had a subdued “basic black” outfit but an extraordinary message in his Friday keynote, “Spreading the Good News of a New Day.”

“God’s mission has a church,” Fr. Deck said. “Evangelization is all about mission, with getting what God is doing.” Evangelization is challenged by society’s attitude that “it’s all about me,” Fr. Deck said. People lack commitment, see sexuality as entertainment, and are dehumanized by consumerism, he said.

“If the only vision of humanity is ‘It’s all about me,’ then this world will not be transformed,” Fr. Deck said. “Evangelization is about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in such a way that hearts are transformed. The conversion that takes place in my heart has an impact on everyone around me.”

In spreading the good news, Fr. Deck encouraged youth ministry leaders to listen well, to value diversity, and to be robust. “We can’t be wimpy,” he said. “I think it’s rather obvious. Youth today need and want a challenge. Give it to them.”

Faith Horticulturists

Mike Patin did an impressive wardrobe change during his Saturday keynote, “The Work of Our Hands.” Switching from coat-and-tie to overalls, Patin showed his true Cajun colors as he encouraged youth leaders to be “faith horticulturists.”

The task begins with breaking ground, even the rocky soil of parents and nay-sayers, Patin said. Then we sow seeds and water them, he said, taking special care to keep ourselves from withering. “You think the grass is greener on the other side? Maybe you oughta water your own grass!” Patin said. “And how are you gonna water if you ain’t connected to the hose?”

Faith horticulturists also must be patient and wait before they reap, Patin said, quoting the Letter of James: “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient.” Patin challenged youth ministry leaders to overcome their fear of rejection, to avoid the temptation to wallow in negativity, and to glorify God with grateful service.

“What a divine privilege it is that we get to do what we get to do,” Patin said as he turned to Psalm 90. “Fill us with daybreak with your kindness, Lord, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days… prosper the work of our hands!”

Keep Your Hand Motions to Yourself

The joyful spirit continued Saturday night as several Catholic performers hosted the NFCYM 25th Anniversary Bash. Not much was sacred as skits skewered the evolution of Catholic youth ministry.

Younger youth ministers watched in wide wonder a silent scene from a 1980s youth group meeting, culminating in a spirited group hug. The skit transitioned to today’s safe environment era, when youth group exuberance hits the brakes for a cautious handshake.

A commercial for CatholicYouthMinistryDating.com struck a chord with every youth ministry who has put ministry ahead of their social life. Hundreds resonated with Brad Farmer’s incredulous testimonial about having a young woman in his car without the need for a permission slip or the presence of another adult.

The loudest cheers came for “Hand Motions in Heaven,” a tune by Chris Padgett and Bob Rice that spoofs the unspoken necessity of gestures to accompany the lyrics of any song used in a Catholic youth ministry setting.

The evening ended with Anna Scally recalling NFCYM’s history with the four people who have served as its executive directors—Maggie McCarty, Jim Knowles, Fr. Len Wenke, and Bob McCarty.

Swingin’ in Vegas

Besides keynotes, concurrent sessions and workshops, there was plenty of other action in Vegas. Gamblers could play the odds at a hot table where 22 gift baskets were raffled to raise money for Catholic Youth Foundation USA. Folks could shop ‘til they dropped at the Resource Expo, where 92 exhibitors provided music, books, art, candy and plenty of freebies.

But the real swingers stuck around for the Catholic Youth Ministry Angel Golf Tournament at the Angel Park Golf Club. About 90 participants enjoyed the tourney and dinner.

“It was an incredible experience,” said Mike Carotta, a nationally known author and consultant. “The fellowship was huge. It was fun to see people so relaxed.

“Mark Pacione and I were sitting there at dinner thinking ‘This is like a family holiday dinner or an office Christmas party,’” said Carotta, who helped as a host at one of the tees. “It was amazing to see the generosity of the folks who took the time to golf and of all the folks who helped put this thing together.”

Tournament fees and donations received for Angel pins during NCCYM add up to a successful fund-raiser for the Catholic Youth Foundation. Leigh Sterten, Anna Scally, Charlotte McCorquodale and Sr. Eileen McCann were the angels who planned the tourney, assisted by volunteers from St. Viator Parish in Las Vegas. Rumors are swirling about a bowling tourney at the next NCCYM, scheduled for Dec. 4-7, 2008, in Cleveland!