Nearly 100 staff
and volunteers who work with youths attended the DYM Summit Aug. 23, the
largest gathering of diocesan directors of youth ministry.
The event at Our
Lady of Good Counsel Church in Vienna launched the year for the directors
of youth ministry. The Office of Youth, Campus, and Young Adult Ministries chose
the theme for the 2018-19 year of ministry: “Rejoice!” inspired by Pope
Francis’ latest Apostolic Exhortation, “Gaudete et
Exsultate.”
For the first time, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge attended the summit,
speaking to all who serve youths, inviting them to teach God’s truth in clarity and compassion.
“You released your theme today: ‘Rejoice!’ And you may ask: How
can we rejoice at a time like this?” Bishop Burbidge said, referring to the
recent abuse scandals in the church. “We know that there is nothing greater
than HIS mercy and his love. We need all of you to be strong. We can move
forward. We don’t despair. We have faith. We believe in God’s
grace to transform and to purify.”
Bishop Burbidge also reminded the volunteers and staff that the church
and the diocese are committed to protecting our children.
“You should know that there is no priest and will never be such a
priest in ministry who has committed such crimes,” he added. “If you are ever concerned,
you gotta let us know. You gotta let us know.”
He left them with words of encouragement. “This is my prayer: May you be people
who evaluate and discern; may God keep you truly wise, so that he who has begun
the good work in you may bring it to fulfillment.”
Office Director Kevin Bohli presented practical tips to help DYMs
answer the eternal question, “What can I do to be the difference between the
teen who becomes a lifelong disciple, and a teen who falls away from the faith?”
“Our goal is for the teens we serve to be in a lifelong
relationship with Christ. We want them still here in five to 10 years,” he
said. Bohli encouraged the DYMs to kick off the year with events every teen,
regardless of their faith background, would want to attend. He said this
dramatically increases attendance and engagement, which opens the door for
teens to experience the Catholic faith through the sacraments at these events.
Plumb is the digital and social media coordinator for the
diocesan communications office.