Getting in the Game
Against Climate Change
 Since I was on the road for the previous game, I was not about to miss my alma mater, Xavier University, play UCLA in an NCAA Tournament game. It was a Saturday in late March, and as I settled into my recliner with a soft drink and a bowl of popcorn, my daughter appeared and started unplugging things: the lamp, the computer. She was reaching for the TV plug when I said, “Whoa, what do you think you’re doing?”
“It’s Earth Hour, dad. We’re supposed to not use any electricity for the next hour.”
“Earth Hour,” I replied. “I didn’t hear about this.” She told me that I, of all people, should have known about it. Well clearly I missed that memo.
“Look, you can unplug everything around me. I’ll sit in the dark. But you’re not touching that television.” With a look of extreme disappointment—not an uncommon look for a 15 year-old—she turned to walk away and in a stage whisper said, “Real nice, Mr. Climate Change.”
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By Pat Finan
Diocese of Davenport
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 on My Catholic Voice.
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.
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Leadership Perspectives:
No Matter Where You Sit, Every View Is Great at NCCYM
From the NFCYM Board Chair
Carole Goodwin
 Snippets from My Watch
The official conference photographer was smack-dab in the front of the audience at the opening, sometimes blocking the view of folks in the front row. He was professional and completely disengaged from the activity as he skillfully did his job. But as the conference progressed from opening to keynotes to prayer times to on-stage drama and music, a metamorphosis began to occur. The photographer became more and more engaged in the content of the conference. He still took his photographs but he was careful not to block the view of others. He began to join in prayer and musical interludes. One could see him listening more intently during later keynotes as he looked for the key visuals to photograph. On the last day I was able to chat with him and he said, “I loved this experience! I hope I can come to something else you people do!” I cannot wait to see his photographs. I think they will reveal the artful eye of a skilled photographer, but I also think they will reveal the presence of God’s people in an assembly of love.
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 There is no denying the momentous changes occurring in our country these past months. Certainly the election of Barack Obama, regardless of one’s politics, signals a significant shift nationally. Anyone who watched—or participated—in the inauguration on January 20 couldn’t help but be caught up in the sense of change that was heralded. The excitement was palatable. And his inauguration speech signified major shifts in US policies globally as well. The country has been told—we can longer afford business as usual either nationally or globally.
But it’s more than just a new president.
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