Hi everyone!
I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and New Year with time to relax, be with family and friends, and pray.
This is a blog version of an email I just sent out. If for any reason you do not receive my emails, leave a comment here or contact me at dc.ym@stjanedechantal.org to be added to the list.
Our 2012 calendar can be found one post previous to this one, or by clicking this Google doc link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13QU4ZCwszd9nBIqE82KDBMrNhx7Gkyat31ftRnAvHDI/edit?pli=1
Please print it, add it to your online calendar, etc., whatever you need to do so you know about events over the next few months.
I wanted to pass along a few more details about some of these offerings, please read through them all or scroll to the sections that interest you. There is something for everyone! The new year is a great time to start attending DCYM or start attending again if you’ve taken a break for a couple weeks or even a couple months.
SERVICE
1) We have dates to go to SOME soup kitchen in downtown DC on the following 2nd Sundays of the month– JAN 15 -bfast, FEB 12 -lunch, MARCH 11 –bfast.
There are plenty of spots left for each date and you can sign up now for any of the dates. Please get in touch/reply to sign up, to get more details, or to get a permission slip. You will earn 4 SSL/service hours for attending, plus more importantly, you are feeding the hungry, a Corporal Work of Mercy.
2) ENCOUNTER sign-ups. Encounter: the Gospel of Life service camp (EGL) is a week-long, local, overnight service/learning camp which will be held July 8-13. Participants (about 400 teens total from around the area) stay in a dorm (usually at UMD) and perform direct service to the less fortunate during the day in the DC area. In the evenings there are games, music, keynotes, prayer, and discussion. Participants earn 40 hours of service and have an amazing time, sometimes life-changing. Please reply/get in touch to get a reservation form and to learn more details. www.eglweb.org
3) It seems like we just had our fall drive, but our Lenten Canned Food Drive will be upon us soon. It’s not too early to sign up to assist with handing out bags the weekend of Feb 25-26 after all weekend Masses or sort and count food the following Sunday, March 4. Again, get in touch to do so.
SOCIAL
1) DCYM is joining with other youth groups in Montgomery County for a day-long SKI TRIP! The permission slip with details can be found at the following Google docs link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DGbDTUoD1ELxNeX55mIX5H-tPkcnDfK5iiWnb7TrEnI/edit
Basic info: Sat, Jan 28th all day, taking charter buses up and back, joining with other area youth groups to ensure the cheaper group rate. Price varies depending on package. RSVP by 1/23/12! Adult chaperones needed (take advantage of the bus and group rate!)
2) SMASH
it’s not the first Sunday of the month, but we’re having SMASH this coming Sunday, Jan 8th. It will be “Dinner and a Movie.” Come to 5 PM Mass and then join us at the Seton Center until 8 PM for a chance to be with friends and relax. Movie isn’t decided…if you have any that are short (under 2 hours) and appropriate (not rated R, appropriate subject matter), please bring them! DVDs only – no VHS or Blu-Ray.
In February, SMASH will be a first-half Superbowl gamewatch! Join DCYM on Feb 5th for 5 PM Mass, then come to the Seton Center to watch the big game with your friends and play a couple silly games, too. Bring a snack, drink, or dessert to share and dinner will be provided.
*DCYM is always looking for new lectors for 5 PM Mass. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before…we can train you quickly! You simply need a clear speaking voice and a desire to proclaim God’s Word to others. Get in touch if interested or if you’d like to sign up to lector for SMASH for any of the dates in 2012 (current or new lectors).
3) On Monday, January 23rd, join thousands of other teenagers from around the entire country for a really unique youth ministry experience – the YOUTH RALLY AND MARCH FOR LIFE! You’re in luck – there is no MCPS that day, and if you need a religious excuse note for another school please let me know. Attending this rally and march is not about being political – it’s about witnessing to a central Catholic belief – that life begins at conception and should be protected until natural death. Get in touch for more details – a permission slip and more detailed message will be forthcoming. The day is peaceful and safe. We’ll talk more about it on Mon, Jan 9th at our regular meeting.
GROW IN FAITH/CATECHESIS
Over the next few months on Monday nights, DCYM will be participating in an amazing Bible study on DVD called The Teen Timeline, or T3, by Ascension Press. Don’t let the phrase “Bible study” turn you away – this series is really captivating and interesting. The host/narrator, Mark Hart, is a nationally renowned and hilarious youth ministry leader and speaker. You’ll come away with a new appreciation and knowledge of the Bible and your Catholic faith.
Here is a promo link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1Nuyt1QS1M
Please get in touch if you would like to order your own workbook to follow along if you will be present all or most weeks – highly recommended. They are $15 and will help you get the most out of the DVDs/study.
Contact me with any questions, to RSVP, or to change your email contact info!
Blessings on your week,
Rebecca
