Connections

Looking Ahead

The board of the NFCYM recently had its spring meeting and spent considerable time discussing our future as an organization, especially in light of the current financial woes of many of our constituents, dioceses, and the people we serve. We know our future is dependent on the stability of the dioceses we serve so we have explored and will continue to explore all issues that positively impact our stability. We renewed Bob McCarty’s contract for another two years and recognized that our national staff members are committed, hard-working individuals who value the NFCYM and its mission.

We know that there are many diocesan offices that have had major budget freezes; several whose offices have closed and many more who are experiencing significant budget cuts. Many diocesan leaders will not be able to travel to conferences and meetings, so the board has begun the discussion of this impact on the work of the NFCYM and how we will manage our projects, strategic plan, and our vision as we move into an “unknown” future.

The board remains optimistic that the NFCYM is in a stable position at this time but has determined that the focus of our work in this next year is to determine how we can continue to support a vital ministry in our church given all of the challenges before us.

Ministry in All Seasons

At the upcoming summer meeting in August, the board will spend significant parts of our days together addressing the following questions: “As a National Organization, Are We Structured for Success?” and “What Would Strengthen the Effectiveness of the Board?” If you have thoughts or insights on either of these two topics, please e-mail them to the board of directors’ representative from your region before August 19, 2009. Our summer meeting will be busy and we hope fruitful.

Yes, summer can be a busy time with much to contemplate and many tasks to organize and complete. Remember though ministry never stops! Jesus recognized that when he took time to literally go away . . . to go out into the desert for solitude and space to focus on God. May you do the same . . . take time even an hour or two . . . to rest . . . to pray or to be away from the busy cycle of ministry!