The chance to learn and grow begins before the NCCYM conference officially starts through our preconference offerings. Most events are open to all interested and require an additional cost. Register for these during the conference registration process.
Tuesday, December 7, 3:00 pm-Thursday, December 9, 11:00 am
Bayou Segnette Group Camp, Westwego, LA
Facilitated by Ted Miles and Jill Rauh
Cost: $95 (includes program, meals and accommodations for two nights at the camp in Westwego, LA)
Note: NCCYM Express Shuttle purchase is required ($34 roundtrip/$20 one-way) for Tuesday transport from airport to event site, Thursday transport to conference hotel and back to airport on departure day.
The Eucharist, celebrated as a community, teaches us about human dignity, calls us to right relationship with God, ourselves and others, invites us into relationships of solidarity, and sends us on mission to help transform our world. Through prayer, worship, community, learning, service, and reflection, this experience will explore the personal and social transformation that is possible when we truly live our faith in solidarity with all people! The service experience will connect us to agencies and partners of New Orleans Catholic Charities. There will also be opportunities to explore processes, tools and resources for youth ministry and service learning programs!
Sponsored by USCCB Justice Peace and Human Development Office, Catholic Relief Services, and New Orleans Catholic Charities
Tuesday, December 7, 5:00 pm-Thursday, December 9, 11:00 am
Cenacle Retreat House, Metairie, LA
Facilitated by Tom East, CMD and Tom Tomaszek, OCP plus additional presenters including Archbishop Gregory Aymond
Cost: $75 (includes meals and accommodations for two nights at the retreat house in Metairie, LA)
Note: NCCYM Express Shuttle purchase is required ($34 roundtrip/$20 one-way) for Tuesday transport from airport to event site, Thursday transport to conference hotel and back to airport on departure day.
This retreat for diocesan leaders and collaborating members of NFCYM will be guided by the passage from Mark’s gospel on the Sower and the Seed, which will help us to reflect on our experience of receiving the seed as call from Christ and responding to this call within particular roles and in specific communities. The sessions will guide us to reflect on:
Sower—Our relationship with our loving God and our call to ministry
Seed—Our charisms, our contribution, our piece of the Good News
Soil—Our context and our “soil condition:” community, nourishment, and context
Sponsored by NFCYM, Center for Ministry Development, SpiritandSong, and Our Sunday Visitor Curriculum Division
Wednesday, December 8, 1:00 pm-Thursday, December 9, 1:00 pm
CC 222
Cost: $50
Presented by the NCYAMA Leadership Team
Commitment can be a struggle for young adults and for the church in its outreach and ministry with them. The National Young Adult Ministry Leadership Forum will explore this issue and how we can better connect and commit young adults to Christ, the church, and the mission of the church in the world. Time will also be spent discussing how the church can create effective pathways for young adults to a life of ministry, vocation, and leadership in the Catholic community of faith.
Sponsored by National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association
Wednesday, December 8,
1:00 pm-6:00 pm
CC 215
Cost: $35
Presented by Dr. Dobie Moser and Margaret Vogel, Diocese of Cleveland
Explore and discover your personal strengths through use of the Living Your Strengths assessment tool. We will explore how a strengths-based approach can bring the gifts and energy of many to your ministry. This training will identify the foundational building blocks and principles for strengthening and increasing parish engagement. We will use current research from the Gallup organization that identifies and measures successful parish practices for developing engaged, vibrant parishes. Please note that participants must bring the results of their online StrengthFinders assessment or view the StrengthFinders' website.
Sponsored by the National Association of Catholic Youth Ministry Leaders (NACYML)
Wednesday, December 8, 1:00 pm-6:00 pm
CC 212
Cost: $45
Presented by Dr. Charlotte McCorquodale, Leigh E Sterten, Greg Thompson, Chris Weber, Sherry Raspa and John Rinaldo
This preconference will consist of three key focus areas: awareness, evaluation, and implementation. Awareness will offer an overview of Web 2.0 (the interactive read-write web of today), examine many of the web resources and tools available, and allow time for resource sharing and exploration. Evaluation will include the concepts of integration and intentionality—how are we using technology in ministry and for what purpose, including examples of how to accomplish this. Implementation will offer guidelines for the safe and smart use of technology in ministry, as well as a conversation on how to share key concepts of the preconference with parents and youth. Be sure to bring your laptop computer!
Sponsored by Ministry Training Source
Thursday, December 9, 9:00 am-3:30 pm
CC 218-219
Cost: Free for all current NACYML Members
Presented by NACYML Leadership Team
At this biennial NACYML membership gathering, NACYML members will have the opportunity to pray together, network with other youth ministers from around the country, catch up with old friends, hear great music and speakers, share ideas and be inspired by other professional, share in the development of the profession of youth ministry, take an active role in the fastest growing association for Catholic youth ministry leaders and win prizes. Your annual NACYML fee covers call costs associated with this meeting.