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Tag Archives: Discipleship

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Talking With > Talking About

By | March 28, 2011

I believe that who we talk about is a big indication of where our hearts are. If we spend a lot of time talking about God that normally means are hearts are alive for Him. If we talk about our families, it is a sign that family matters to us, even if it is messy at times. I always tell people interviewing someone to be the youth leader at a parish to note how many times the person talks about teens, as it is a good indication about the posture of that persons heart toward teens. The only problem

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W.I.J.D?

By | March 23, 2011

Most of you probably remember the WWJD bracelets that so many people were wearing 15 years ago. WWJD stands for “What Would Jesus Do?” It serves a reminder to apply how Christ lived to whatever situation we are facing. What if instead of asking what Jesus would do – we asked WIJD? “What is Jesus Doing?” What parts of our ministry are being blessed in tangible ways? In these parts, What is Jesus doing? What parts of our ministry are being pruned? In these parts, What is Jesus doing? Who are the

Visit our new Edge Website: EdgeYouthMinistry.com

Edge Night

Mission: Possible

Keywords: | | | |

Goal The goal of this Edge Night is to introduce the middle school youth to the significance of Pentecost. We will help communicate how the Holy Spirit leads us and gives us life, and inspires us to do the work of the Church here in the world. Edge Night at a Glance This Edge Night focuses on the Holy Spirit’s guidance of the Church. Present since the beginning of time with the Father and the Son, The Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost and remains with us all today. Pentecost

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The Wi-Fi Teens!

By | November 14, 2010

I keep hearing experts refer to the next generation of teens being the “Wifi Generation”. Meaning that they are connected wirelessly to each other. They don’t remember a time without cell phones, WiFi internet connection and social media websites. Constant updates where friends are accepted and dropped by hitting enter are becoming commonplace for teens. Things have changed. What once were the norms in terms of issues when working with high school teens, is now the norms of working with middle school kids. The high school teens of this generation are demanding the following 4 things from Catholic youth ministry:

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The University of Dare Me

By | October 22, 2010

Have you ever experienced the awkwardness of presenting a “God inspired” new ministry idea to a group of people who are older, more educated, more experienced and in general more set in their ways than you are? It’s like leading a session at the University of Dare Me. You know the crowd, the dare me folks who say “Dare me to like it” or “dare me to think differently” and more than likely “dare me to believe that God could be speaking through you”.

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3 Books That Can Help You Keep Your Heart Open

By | September 19, 2010

People are often asking me to recommend books to read. As a Catholic leader we need to be reading on a regular basis. I have made a commitment over the past several years to read books. I read all types of books and often people recommend books for me to read. I have grown to really love reading and learning from what I read. Here are 3 books that I believe have the ability to make you stronger in your Catholic faith by helping keep your heart open.

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A Few Things All Catholic Youth Leaders Should Have

By | September 17, 2010

Starting out in Catholic youth ministry and wondering what are the things you should have? Here are a few quick ideas:

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If the Shepherd is on Fire – the Sheep Will Feel the Heat!

By | September 13, 2010

A priest once told me that the parishioners at his inner city parish are always encouraging him to be fired up! They often say to him – “If the shepherd is on fire – the sheep will feel the heat!” Being in a leadership role with the responsibility of shepherding several flocks, I know how important it is for me to be fired up about things. If you are in a position of leadership, are you on fire enough for your mission to have the people who you are leading feel the heat

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If You Want to Learn to Do Youth Ministry…

By | September 8, 2010

I know of no more important ministry at a parish than youth ministry. Current statistics reveal that teens that are not involved in their parish have over a 90% chance on not being a practicing Catholic later in life. Youth ministry plays a critical role for our Church as a main way to have teens involved at a parish. So if you feel a pull or calling toward youth ministry here are some things to consider.

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5 Things That Teens Are Counting On

By | August 2, 2010

In the Northern Hemisphere, Teens will be heading back to school and heading back to a parish this fall. As a companion of teens on their faith journey, there are some basic things that teens are counting on you doing and being. Here are 5 things that teens are counting on from you.