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Region 4

Region 4: Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, Virgin Islands
Submitted by Debbie McDonald
E-mail Debbie

All seven diocesan directors of youth ministry gathered for a retreat April 20-21, at St. Mary Seminary and University in Baltimore. The group was excited to welcome Michael School, newly appointed director of youth ministry for the Diocese of Richmond. Dr. Brian Reynolds, chancellor for the Archdiocese of Louisville, led a challenging retreat that focused on ecclesial lay leadership with particular attention to the task of evangelizing young people. Plans are being made for a second retreat in spring 2010. Regional coordinator Mark Moitoza and Region 4 board representative Debbie McDonald led the business meeting at the end of the retreat. Among other things, the region voted to send a $500 donation to CYFUSA.

The region also worked together in hosting Resources and Renewal, a one-day workshop provided by Group and Spirit and Song/OCP. Jim Knowles of Group and Angus McDonnell from OCP were the guest presenters. The June 10 workshop targeted parish coordinators of youth ministry, providing them resources for programs and worship at the unheard of price of $20 including lunch. 

Region 4 meets again in September for a diocesan staff in-service day on September 22 at the Archdiocese of Washington's Youth Retreat Center, Our Lady of Mattaponi.

In recent news, Mike Hall, director of Youth Young Adult and Campus Ministry for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, has accepted the same position at the Diocese of Columbus. Mike has served as director in Wheeling-Charleston, for twenty-one years. Mike begins his work with Columbus in July. He and his wife Linda will be moving to Columbus over the course of the summer.

Additionally, Mark Pacione, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Baltimore for almost twenty-four years, has been invited to change assignments. Mark, since June, is now the associate director of Catholic Schools Planning. This is a four-year position to reshape, refocus, and revitalize Catholic schools for the archdiocese. A national search for a new director has already begun.

Region 4 offers their thanks to Mike and Mark, wishing them all the best in the years ahead.