Connections

If you were among nearly 2,300 folks who gathered December 4-7 in Cleveland, you can’t forget the great experience that was the 2009 National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry.

If you weren’t, you missed a lot! And while there’s no way to re-create the spirit that spilled forth like living waters from that snowy city, you can find a lot of video, audio and resources here.

Technology played new roles during NCCYM as well. One innovative effort was microblogging that featured eight people from a deep and wide cross-section of the youth ministry community. Their comments will help tell the story of NCCYM 2009.

Hundreds of participants came early for pre-conferences, including “Speaking of Faith,” about presenting to groups large and small.

“Speaking of Faith pre-con takeaway: kids are worth it, God is worth it, Church is worth it. If you're gonna do this then BRING IT.” Chris Weber, veteran parish youth ministry leader, Muscatine, IA.

“Hearing Bob McCarty. Point: Youth ministry presenting is adult learning, and about giving LANGUAGE to our Catholic identity.” Mike Patin, national speaker, Lafayette, LA.

Many more youth ministry leaders poured in on Thursday, creating hug jams in hotel lobbies and the exhibit hall.

“The excitement is building as people show up. They are so happy to be here. It is contagious.” Gene Monterastelli, national speaker, Baltimore, MD.

“My job for the next four days is to say in BIG and small ways. "Welcome. Thank You! I love you!" over and over again.” Monterastelli.

Many found welcome at regional gatherings throughout the convention center. Region IX (Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas) threw a tailgate party for more than 100 folks.

“Reg 9 gathering. Good stuff. They really did it up right this year. Chris Padgett & Judy McDonald. All that and a bag of chips—literally.” Weber.

Later that evening Farmer and Monterastelli welcomed the youth ministry family into the center’s ornate music hall.

"Welcome home. Think about it... In Him we find our rest and therefore our home... Beautiful home where WE are welcomed.” Lauren Arroyo, first-year youth ministry leader, Baltimore, MD.

Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean spoke about how youth can help us recover a missional faith in the opening keynote.

“Dr. Dean: ‘We are to help young people see their lives from God's point of view’" Monterastelli.

“KCD hit it and hit it hard tonight. Gonna need some time to process, but first it’s time to socialize.” Weber.

By Friday morning, many were still processing.

“Still taking in last night’s challenge from Dr. Dean. Keep thinking about those fleas in a jar. Do we share WHO we love?” Anne Marie Cribbin, national speaker, suburban Maryland.

But it was time to worship, and Msgr. Ray East hit it hard in his homily.

“Fr. Ray: ‘When we read about the blind and deaf today...it is talking about us.” Monterastelli.

Concurrent sessions and workshops followed, including Dr. Tom Groome’s “Forming Catholic Identity in Teens.”

“Thomas Groome: Real presence, How He's present is less important than why.” Weber.

“We must nurture the head heart and hands of the youth, do both youth ministry & catechesis deliberately.” Arroyo.

As Friday progressed, many began to sense a special feel to NCCYM.

“This conference is feeling more like a retreat this year. Enjoying a quieter pace to reflect more.” Cribbin.

Many were inspired by the Youth Ministry Awards and the energy brought by keynoter Michael Norman of Los Angeles.

“Mike Norman said it…every other year is not enough!” Weber.

“Faith is what keeps you climbing when gravity is saying no way.” Patin.

Later that evening, the energy shifted to the “Rock Out Poverty” event at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Can't believe I'm listening to ‘The King of Glory’ at the Rock n Roll hall of fame.” Patin.

Saturday had many highlights, including the “Woman at the Well” dramatization by ValLimar Jansen and Stan Cordero, Lee Nagel’s inspirational keynote, and dozens of great workshops. But the moment everyone was waiting for was the annual Youth Ministry Extravaganza. Catholic musicians and entertainers brought down the house with a very special Christmas special.

" ‘And the three wise men will wear the table cloths when we are done with dinner. That will look clean and tight.’ Bob Rice” Cribbin (twittering during rehearsal)

“Anne Marie u sing so beautifully!!! I'm so glad to be so close to stage ;)” Arroyo.

“I want the Ronco 3000 youth ministry translator!” Weber.

Sunday brought the closing liturgy with Bishop Roger Gries, followed by long farewells. For some, it was “See you in K.C.” For others, it was “see you at the alley!” At the Catholic Youth Foundation’s Bowling Tournament, the bowlers experienced more pain than the pins.

“No skill required. "That means you Patin." ~Gene Monterastelli” Cribbin.

“Bowling with a great group of friends STRIKING fear in the hearts of the GUTTER Gang who are impugning my athletic ability.” Patin

Patin bowled a 155…who'd he pay to put up the gutter bumpers?” Weber.

As the echoes of pins faded, the bloggers grew introspective.

“Reflecting and smiling at the memories shared these last few days. Such good nourishment for the soul!” McMillan.

Can't sum up how amazing the last 4 days were in 140 characters. A moment I will savor for a lifetime. And we call this work? Such blessing.” Monterastelli.

“Cleveland seems quieter without 2,000 youth ministers. Now it's time for me to leave and to LISTEN for living waters this Advent.” Patin.

“Sitting in the Cleveland airport reflecting on the last few days and praying about the impact they may have on the days & years to come.” Weber.

“Home and getting warm. Missing everyone already. Such an uplifting 4 days. Just what I needed!” Cribbin.