World Youth Day 2008
Get more info at the official World Youth Day 2008 website.
Download the World Youth Day 2008 poster.
Hymn to the Mother of God composed for World Youth Day 2008 More information on the musical selections for World Youth day is available from the Austrailia World Youth Day SiteThe Parma area has organized a teen youth group (which is extended to all area parishes) at the beginning of 2004. We have 12 members thus far and each meeting brings new members! I am ecstatic to be part of this group and so proud of the teens. These kids bring a breath of fresh air and hope for the future. In addition, I have a great group of adult volunteers who are happily giving of their time to ensure the success of this group.
To develop and foster a Ukrainian Byzantine Catholic identity, by being responsive to the needs of our youth and young adults, cultivating their God given talents and gifts and enabling them to grow spiritually and personally within themselves, their families, parishes and communities, through Worship, Fellowship, Service, Education, Witnessing, and continual integration into the life of the Church.
Goals
1) To provide a common forum for youth and young adults, where the leaders can initiate, coordinate and direct religious, social, educational and humanitarian programs designed to promote our Byzantine Rite Christianity.
2) To provide avenues and direction for a fuller and deeper spiritual growth.
3) To assist in developing a positive self-image as a Christian within a modern society, as we relate to Christ.
4) To promote friendship within its membership.
5) To offer opportunities for social activities which cultivate compassion and empathy as well as meaningful inter-group relationships.
6) To encourage regular church attendance and participation in the Eucharist.
7) To coordinate regional/national activities which promote an intercontinental connection with youth (and young adults) of the same faith.
8) To guide youth and young adults through the obstacles of modern society.
So far, they are involved with helping out at the annual St. Andrew Fish Fry and now are organizing their first fund raising event. They have gathered to make chocolate suckers/pretzels to sell at the parish Easter Bazaar. They have also organized an annual calendar which includes upcoming fun, spiritual and fund raising events. Look for furture updates and pictures.
Family Day - A day to Eat With Your Family.
It is a national effort to promote parental engagement as a simple, effective way to reduce substance abuse by children and teens and raise healthier children. Family Day emphasizes the importance of regular family activities and parent-child communications. The day encourages Americans to make family dinners a regular feature of their lives. Research by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University has consistently found that the more children eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use illegal drugs. Family Day helps remind busy families of the invaluable role that parental involvement plays in steering children and teens away from drugs and alcohol.
Seven Family Dining Do's:
1. Start the pattern of family dinners when children are young.
2. Use Sunday as the day to pick several nights during the upcoming week when the entire family can eat together. Make your best attempt to stick to the schedule.
3. Encourage your children to create menu ideas and participate in meal preparation.
4. Turn off the TV and let your answering machine take care of incoming calls during the meals.
5. Talk about what happenned in everyone's day: school, work, extracurricular activities, or current events.
6. Establish a routine to start and end each meal. Pray and light a candle at the start of the meal; eat dessert or play a board game after dinner to continue the conversation.
7. Keep the conversation positive and make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.
(For more information and ideas to celebrate Family Day visit www.CASAFamilyDay.org)