Adult Training and Certification
Diocesan Leader Certification and Why I Want It
When you have spent the last several years working on a particular goal your own sense of ownership can give you a bias in favor of fulfilling that goal. That is why my telling you why I want to seek diocesan leader certification may not mean as much as asking a diocesan leader who has not been on the Accreditation and Certification Task Group/Commission. So I sent some questions to Cindee Case to reflect upon. She is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Youngstown in Region 6. Here are some of her reflections:
What value do you see in diocesan leader certification?
I look forward to having this vehicle of validation for my vocation. Too often, youth ministry is seen as a “transitory” ministry—something we do until we work our way in (up?) to religious education or chancery staff levels. However, I believe that youth ministry is a profession. Trained, qualified staff persons need to be on hand to help parishes (and the bishops) keep up on youth culture, be prepared for crises involving teens, and provide resources for training other adults who work to, with, by, and for our youth. Additionally, as a single, young adult woman, this is my vocation! I am not just doing this until I find a husband or until I “decide” to join the convent. This is the best way I know how to live out my baptismal call. This is my giving back to God in my daily life!
What value is there for the field of youth ministry?
I guess I answered this above.
What value is there for your own personal and professional enrichment?
In part, this is answered above—but personally, I would like to have my ministry and my vocation validated. Let me add, that as someone who has moved from diocese to diocese within the ministry, it would be nice to have some “portable credential.” I realize this certification will not really be that, per se, and yet it will in that it is a national recognition of achievement and competence.
Why will you seek certification?
I feel it is my job to do so! As a diocesan leader, I need to avail myself to this opportunity for a few reasons:
- In respect for the bishop who hired me, so he knows that in addition to the quality work I have done with and for him in this diocese, that I am recognized as credible and capable in the larger church, as well.
- To be a model for the parish personal that I encourage seeking diocesan catechist certification, continuing education, etc.
- Okay, I can admit it—so I feel credible and capable! Who does not love affirmation?
How do you see your own certification impacting your diocese?
I think the parishes will have a better respect for “the diocese” (aka the diocesan staff) knowing that some members have been certified on a national level. As stated above, I think this will reflect well on my bishop, and help me be a role model for others to work towards their own levels of certification.
Thanks go to Cindee for the time she took in thoughtfully reflecting on these questions. You may have your own reasons for why you value diocesan leader certification. If you would like to share those with the membership then please email me, Pat Rinker.
A New Second Wind for All of us
Traditionally, the Second Wind Institute has taken place biennially for diocesan directors with five years or more of experience in a diocesan position. This year’s Second Wind Institute with the theme of Sabbath: For the Rest of Your Life scheduled for May 18-22 in Belleville will not be taking place as originally designed.
After considering the needs of our colleagues, including travel restrictions and budget cuts, the Second Wind task group is re-tooling this service to our membership. We are looking at some innovative, non-gathered models to reach more of the directors throughout the country. Please watch for more details of how we hope to bring a “second wind” experience to each of you. These are indeed exciting times!
Email Connections at connections@nfcymoffice.org