2017 Diocesan Youth Conference

Transcription

1 2017 Diocesan Youth Conference March 24-26, 26, 2017 West Plains Civic Center West Plains, MO CELEBRATING OUR 24TH ANNUAL EVENT! Featuring: A L L H I G H S C H O O L S T U D E N T S A R E I N V I T E D! 2 Masses 300+ Youth 10+ Seminarians 4 General Sessions 1 Bishop 10+ Religious Sisters 12 Workshops 6+ Priests Sacrament of Penance 1 Trivia Challenge 2+ Deacons Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Fun Faith Friends! Contact for more information or to sign up! Registration forms and deposits are due at the parish on: Sponsored by: Office of Youth Ministry Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau 601 S Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO knewton@dioscg.org

2 2 Registration Guide At-A-Glance What: Diocesan Youth Conference When: March 24-26, 2017 Where: West Plains Civic Center Who: 9-12th Graders How much: $55 early registration (postmarked by March 3rd) $65 registration (postmarked after March 3rd) Make checks payable to: Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Additional costs include transportation, food and lodging. WELCOME! As the planning team for this year s DYC, the youth from Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Branson are excited to see you all in West Plains! Checklist Promote the event to all high school youth (personally ask youth, hang posters, put in your bulletin, post through social media). Be sure to invite those who don t attend other events. Copy/review information with parents & participants Discuss the event in your parish. Ask them to pray for the youth. Book and confirm hotel rooms for your group. Fundraise as necessary. Meet the chaperone to youth ratio (1:6) - Minimum of 2 Adults per group. Make sure all forms are completed. Keep a copy for your files. Enclose all registration fees with your forms. Postmark registration by Friday, March 3 rd. Prepare a banner with your group. Plan your Trivia Table(s) Theme. Plan for adequate transportation. Coordinate meal plans for your group SATURDAY NIGHT CHALLENGE Register your teams of 10 youth (mixed parish teams are ok). Plan a theme for your table. Dress up and decorate according to your theme. Your adopted seminarian can be on your team! See page 8 for details. Dress Code must follow diocese guidelines for this conference (at least credit card wipe straps or shoulders covered, no low cut tops or dresses, stomachs covered and dress and shorts to be to mid thigh past finger-tips). ADOPT A SEMINARIAN Once again, we have invited our diocesan seminarians to join us for the Diocesan Youth Conference! They will be hanging out at the Pizza Party Friday night and would be thrilled to join you and your youth group for dinner Saturday night. If your youth group would like to adopt a seminarian for dinner, please contact the Office of Youth Ministry. First priority will be given to those youth groups who did NOT adopt a seminarian last year.

3 Registration Guide 3 Conference Schedule (at a glance) FRIDAY, March 24 7:00 PM Packet Pick up 7:00 PM Pizza Party at the WCC 10:00 PM Travel to Hotel 12:00 AM Lights Out SATURDAY, March 25 8:30 AM Mass (Bishop Rice, Celebrant) 9:30 AM Welcome and Icebreaker 10:00 AM General Session I 11:00 AM Workshops Round I 12:00 PM Lunch (provided) Confessions Games after Confession 1:30 PM Workshops Round II 2:30 PM General Session II 3:30 PM Panel Discussion on Vocations 4:45 PM Workshops Round III 5:45 PM Dinner Break (on your own) 8:00 PM Trivia Challenge 10:00 PM Adoration 11:00 PM Travel to Hotel 12:30 AM Lights out at Hotel SUNDAY, March 26 9:00 AM Prayer 9:30 AM General Session III 10:30 AM Prepare for Mass 11:00 AM Youth Witness Talks 11:30 AM Mass (Bishop Rice, Celebrant) 12:30 PM Pick Up Box Lunches to Go (Schedule subject to change) Keynote Speaker Jesse Manibusan is a composer, singer/songwriter, storyteller, humorist, catechist, evangelizer and encourager. Working with any and every age group, Jesse has that knack to build instant rapport, connect to his audience, and create life-giving memories that help deepen faith and cultivate the joy that inspires service, sacrifice and the celebration of life. Jesse earned an MA in Multicultural Ministries from the Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley, CA, and gives concerts, workshops, parish missions, and retreats. Jesse s music is published by Oregon Catholic Press and Spirit & Song (a division of OCP). In 2014, Jesse received the National Catholic Youth Award, for Presenter/Artist Category by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministries, Inc. The Hanging Banner This hands-on method of getting your message across forms the centerpiece of our gathering. Banners are hung in the Civic Center all weekend. Bring your conference attendees together before the conference to construct a banner that will hang all weekend long. Using cloth, glue, colors, a pole, stand, and rope, your parish can show what Through the Narrow Gate means to you. The dimensions of your banner should be no larger than 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Be sure to include your parish and city. We suggest that you gather your youth during your regular meeting time to have a Banner Making Party! We will carry the banners in the opening procession for Sunday s Mass. If possible, it is preferred that banners be fireproofed in accordance with Civic Center regulations. You may want to contact your local fire department about this or ask a dry cleaner if they know who does it. Check into all this before making the banner, as it may affect your design. Remember that you need to bring the materials (pole, stand, rope, etc.) to ensure that your banner can stand on its own! Check out the DIOSCG - Youth Leaders Facebook page for examples of last year s banners.

4 4 Registration Guide Promoting the Event It can seem daunting to plan and prepare for your group s attendance at this year s Diocesan Youth Conference, but don t worry! We ve got help! 1. Talk with your pastor. See if he has any ideas on how to finance and promote the event. He may offer to assist with transportation or housing, talk with the men s or women s group about a donation, or put in a plug during the homily. You may apply for a Lay Endowment Grant to help cover some of the registration fees. The Lay Endowment Grant paperwork is available on the Youth Ministry page of the diocesan website. 2. Post fliers everywhere. Use the available resources. The front page of this promotional supplement is a flier. Simply fill in your specific information on the front and then post on available space in your parish! 3. Go to class. Talk to young people where they are. Talk about the conference during religious education classes for a few minutes each week, just to build the excitement. Especially talk to those youth who are not otherwise involved. Ask them to invite their friends. 4. Share previous experiences. There s nothing better than word of mouth advertising. Encourage youth who have participated to talk with others about what to expect. If your parish has never been (or has not attended in a while), talk with other ministers you know. See what they have experienced. 5. Have a youth Mass or special blessing. Involve the parish. Show how young people are vital and important to the life of the church. About one week before the conference, consider having a special blessing of all attendees (include your chaperones!). 6. Don t forget to say Thank You! Be sure to thank the pastor, parents, and parishioners who make attending the event possible. Send them a short note from the youth or make a giant card for the parish that includes photos from the conference. Just be sure to remind the parish how important they are to the lives of young people. Bring a Pebble: Each participant is asked to bring a small, marble-sized pebble for an activity. TRADING ITEMS Now that many of our youth have attended national events, they have learned about trading items. Feel free to bring things to trade, like buttons, pins, stickers, post cards, scarves - anything from your area that names your town or something significant or fun about it. You may get local businesses to donate items; check also with your Chamber of Commerce or Convention & Visitors Bureau, if available. Completed forms must sent to the Catholic Center and be postmarked by Friday, March 3, 2017 (to avoid late fees) Remember you can network with other youth ministers to share hotel rooms and transportation. Post your need or suggestion on the Youth Ministry Facebook Page: Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau Youth Ministry

5 Registration Tips Registration Guide 5 1. Make multiple copies Distribute the workshop descriptions and registration forms it to all high school youth and make posters to display. Share the images from Facebook to your own social media accounts. 2. Register early for hotels Reservations must be made directly with each property and you must mention the Catholic Youth Conference for the hotels offering a discount. Register early and try to put four people in each room, so that there will be enough space for everyone. In most cases, the hotel will ask for a 6 p.m. arrival time, or they will need a deposit to hold the rooms. A list of hotel rooms and discounted rates are on page Fundraise as necessary The conference is a great value, but it does cost money; be creative in raising money for youth to attend so nobody is left out! Fundraising efforts are also great team building activities! 4. Make a copy of all permission slips for yourself We need to have a signed permission form and Code of Conduct for each person in attendance and you should also keep a copy for yourself. 5. Have a pre-conference meeting with participants and parents Go over all the information with parents and allow them to ask questions. This is a good opportunity for your group to make a parish banner as well. 6. Bring a cooler with drinks & snacks Bringing your own food and snacks for the road and your hotel room can cut snack costs for your group. You may ask each youth to donate an item to also cut costs. Some of the hotels include a free breakfast in their rates. 7. Visit the Youth Ministry Facebook Page The OYM has a private Facebook page for adults (including volunteers and parents) involved in youth ministry. Let Katie know if you would like to join. Ask your questions there, answer others questions. Share meal, lodging and transportation ideas. 8. Get all registration materials postmarked & in the mail by Friday, MARCH 3rd. This will ensure your group s spot at the 2017 Diocesan Youth Conference and avoid late fees. Don t delay, register today! (You can also hand-deliver to us on Monday, March 6th.) Checks should be made payable to Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. Full payment is due March 3rd. FORMS TO TURN IN: Parish Registration Form (make copies as needed). This form is available in electronic form. We prefer that you complete it and to knewton@dioscg.org in addition to mailing it with your other papers. One Parental/Guardian Consent form for each youth participant The form for adult chaperones (21 and over) Do not send any other forms. Registrations must be postmarked by March 3rd to receive the $55.00 early registration rate. Registrations postmarked after that date will be $ As all T-shirt and food arrangements must be made in advance, we will enforce this policy. (Late registrations are not guaranteed to receive a T-shirt.) No new registrations will be accepted after March 20th. Substitutions must be called into the office by Monday, March 7th. The refund policy is as follows: Full refunds will be given on registrations if requested by March 7th. A partial refund of $15.00 will be given if requested by March 13th. No refunds will be given if requested after the 13th or for acts of God (like blizzards, tornadoes, etc.) that could prevent any or all of the event from taking place. The energy of so many Catholic teenagers in one place was amazing! It made me proud to be Catholic in this community Conference Evaluation Be sure that all those 18 and older (not in high school) are in compliance with all diocesan policies: Current Code of Conduct signed, submitted background check and Virtus training. Contact The Catholic Center with questions on Safe Environment training.

6 6 Registration Guide Hotels Hotel / Address / Phone Rate (per room, per night, Plus Tax) Breakfast Notes Holiday Inn Express & Suites: (new hotel across from Walmart) 1301 Preacher Roe Blvd., $ up to 4 people in a room. Hot breakfast buffet Hotel is scheduled to open December Ozark Hills Inn (formerly Holiday Express): 1605 Imperial Drive (Behind Shoney's on Porter Wagoner/Bus. 63), $ up to 4 people in a room. Hot breakfast buffet Hotel 100% non-smoking. Quality Inn (formerly Grand Villa): 220 US Hwy. 63, $ bed $ beds Continental breakfast Property has indoor pool, hot tub, and exercise room. Ridge Crest Plaza: 2105 Porter Wagoner Blvd, $49.99 Double Beds 1-4 ppl per room Continental breakfast New owner/mgmt since Sept May have hot breakfast by then. Super 8: 1210 Porter Wagoner Blvd, Jct of Bus Rte 63 and CC Hwy, $69 Queen Bed $74 King Bed $ Double Beds Continental breakfast Ask for Charlotte Please remember that youth and adults may not share the same room. Be prepared to secure your hotel rooms with a credit card and bring a tax-exempt letter from your parish. There is a local occupancy tax in West Plains, from which we are not exempt, but the letter may keep you from paying the other taxes on rooms. HALL MONITORS: Unless you have outside-facing rooms, your parish needs to bring at least one adult NOT ATTENDING THE CON- FERENCE to do hall duty each night you are in your hotel, checking the halls and securing rooms from one hour prior to lights out until 4 a.m. Their job is to make sure youth are where they are supposed to be and that they are quiet at lights out time. Serious infractions are to be reported to Katie, and should include the youth s name and parish information. Those with hall duty have the responsibility to make sure parish groups (and other guests) have a good night in the hotels. Those in outside-facing rooms will still be responsible to ensure youth stay in their rooms through the night. If your hall monitor is not attending the conference, you do not need to register or pay for him or her. If, however, they are doing double duty as a chaperone and hall monitor (which we do not recommend), you will need to register and pay for him or her. Hall monitors must be in compliance with diocesan Safe Environment policies. Please include his or her name on the registration form, noting his or her role as hall monitor. Youth Witness Speakers How have you seen God working in your life in positive ways? How has your faith been strengthened? Our time together includes talks given by Youth Witnesses on the joyful, positive ways their faith makes a difference in their lives. A few youth, chosen from across the diocese, will have five minutes each to share. If you have a young person who would be interested, please contact Katie as soon as possible, or at the conference. This is a great opportunity for youth to engage in peer ministry at our youth conference and share how Jesus is working in their lives!

7 Workshops Choose 3 workshops. The schedule will be determined based on your responses Registration Guide 7 1. Reading the Roadmap All maps have a key or guide. The information the key gives us is essential to understanding the map. Icons on the map represent different things to help us find our way. The Catholic Church gives us a key to help us understand how we should travel to get through the Narrow Gate. When we choose to ignore the key, we are led away from Christ and his Church. Come learn how to read the map to stay the course. Speaker: Fr. Joseph Kelly. Fr. Kelly was born and raised in Springfield, MO, and is one of five children. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Springfield Catholic High School, graduating in After spending a year of college at Missouri State University, Fr. Kelly entered priestly studies at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO where he studied for 7 years. Fr. Kelly was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau on June 12, 2015 at his home parish of St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield. He now serves as the associate pastor of the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation in Cape Girardeau, MO. 2. Planning the Journey For many of you, the next step toward the Narrow Gate includes college. Your time in college can be an amazing journey if you plan well. But remember, you are not on this journey alone. What will you pack to help you grow your faith? This workshop, designed especially for high school juniors and seniors will give you tips and pointers to show you how to rely on Christ and on the Narrow Path during college. Speaker: Michaela Barrett. Michaela is the youth leader at St. Joseph's Parish in Billings. She was born and raised Catholic, and is the oldest of 8 kids. She has been an educator for 18 years, currently working as a school librarian in Mt. Vernon. Michaela and her husband Ryan met at their college's Catholic campus center and have been married for 15 years. Together, they have two daughters, ages 10 and 7. She loves to read, bake, travel, and camp. 3. Life in the Fast Lane Are you traveling at 70 miles an hour, changing lanes and passing slower drivers? There is so much to do and so many directions to take in our fast-paced world! How do you know when it s time to hit the brakes or the gas pedal? Come learn how to handle the stress of being a teen in today s world how to balance church, family, school, sports, jobs, relationships, etc. Speaker: Maryann Mitts. Maryann is an Assistant Professor in the Kinesiology Department at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. She served as the head women s basketball coach at Rockhurst, a Jesuit university in Kansas City and at MSSU before retiring in the Summer of She is an active member of St. Peter the Apostle parish. She is currently finishing a Master's degree in Pastoral Studies from the University of Loyola-New Orleans and a Doctorate degree in Kinesiology from the University of Arkansas. Maryann has a passion of bringing out the best in people, whether academically, athletically or spiritually. 4. Rest Stops Along the Way Rest stops along your route will reenergize and strengthen you on your journey. The Catholic Church gives us prayers and devotions as spiritual rest stops to help us to grow in faith and in our relationship with Jesus. Come learn why it is important for you to make time for these rest stops and how to get the most out of your prayer life. Speaker: Father Rick Jones. Fr. Rick was ordained a priest on March 24, 1990 for the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. He is a native priest of Cape Girardeau. His home parish is the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cape. Fr. Rick has served in my different assignments in the Diocese and currently serves as pastor of two parishes in the Ozarks (Our Lady of the Lake in Branson and Our Lady of the Ozarks in Forsyth). Father spends his day being a shepherd to his parishes and also spending time as chaplain at the College of the Ozarks. Father Rick s professional pastime of prayer helps him to focus on what is most important and it gives him insight to the contemplative dimension of living the Gospel. 5. Travelers Assistants While traveling along, you might get lost? You know your destination, but don t know how to get there. Fortunately, the Church has given us Travelers Assistants to guide us on our journey through the Narrow Gate. The saints have been on this journey before. Learn how to enlist their help, and learn about some saints you may have never heard before. Speaker: Father Scott M. Sunnenberg. Fr. Scott is a native of Missouri and grew up in Springfield. He studied philosophy with the Benedictines in Indiana and Theology with the Dominicans in Rome. Father Scott was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ on June 24, 2002 (the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist). He is the pastor of Saint Joseph the Worker in Ozark and serves as Diocesan Facilitator of Youth Ministry for the West side. 6. Riding in Cars with Boys What is the point of dating? What am I looking for in a girl? What is she looking for in me? Come learn how to get the most out of your relationships. This session is for BOYS only. Speaker: Chris Dittmer. Mr. Dittmer is a Catholic father of 8 children who lives in the Cape Girardeau area where he is a corporate executive and runs a small farm. Mr. Dittmer and his wife Natalie have been married for 17 years and have been involved in helping more than 50 young couples prepare for Catholic marriage in our diocese. 7. Riding in Cars with Girls What is the point of dating? What am I looking for in a guy? What is he looking for in me? Come learn how to get the most out of your relationships. This session is for GIRLS only. Speaker: Meg Garner. After working at Notre Dame Regional High School in Cape Girardeau for 15 years (14 years in counseling, 1 year in Campus Ministry), Meg is now the youth minister at Immaculate Conception Parish in Jackson and the campus minister at the Newman Center at Southeast Missouri State University. She is married to her high school sweetheart Tim. Together they have three children--caleb 13, Annalise 11, Clare 7. She also has 1 dog, 1 bearded dragon, 1 fish, and 9 chickens. Meg loves working with youth, and with young ladies in particular, in helping them understand their dignity and worth as daughters of God. She has a passion for God, her faith, her family, and chocolate. 8. Stuck in Traffic Are you stuck in traffic, getting grid locked with challenges that are making you question your faith? Are you unsure how to put what you believe into words in a way that others will understand? Come learn how to gain the courage and confidence to get through the traffic and share your faith with others. Speaker: Deacon Rob Huff. Deacon Rob was ordained a permanent deacon in June He is a teacher at St. Vincent de Paul school in Cape Girardeau. He is husband to Rose and the father to two wonderful children. 9. Mary, Our GPS for Life Jesus mother Mary is the first and perfect disciple who always point s us to her son. Jesus gave us his Blessed Mother to be our own. How does she help ups stay on the road to the Narrow Gate? Speaker: Father Rick Jones. (see bio for #4)

8 8 Registration Guide More Workshops 10. Road Hazards/Detour for Repairs The route is loaded on your smart phone and you are on your way, but the road is full of pot-holes and that construction ahead is causing a detour... now what? What are those hazards in your journey? Temptation? Sin? Fear? Anger? Doubt? How do you handle these and other detours life puts in our path? How can we better respond to the road hazards and stay the course? Come hear amazing stories and strategies to navigate around these road hazards and stay on the journey through the Narrow Gate. Speaker: Wani Ramirez. Wani was born in the Philippines, moved to the U.S. when she was 17, and has resided in Branson, MO for the last 14 years. She is happily married for 3 years to her husband, David Ramirez. By the time of DYC, she will have given birth to a beautiful baby girl, Talitha. Wani is an Occupational Therapist and works and nursing homes. She volunteers as a catechist at Our Lady of the Lake and initiated the classes on Theology of the Body for Teens. 11. Merging into Traffic Feeling alone, even when you are in a crowd of people is like merging onto the interstate during rush hour traffic. Loneliness is scary. The fear of loneliness is crippling. How do we fit in? How do we obtain a sense of belonging? Speaker: Deacon Richard Harden. Deacon Richard and his wife, Monica, have been married for 38 years. They have six children and nine grandchildren (#10 is due in late March). Richard is a Permanent Deacon and serves the people of Taney county, primarily at Our Lady of the Lake parish in Branson and Our Lady of the Ozarks parish in Forsyth. When not working at his full-time job or volunteering at the parishes, he enjoys travel, scuba diving, snow skiing, gourmet cooking and listening to music (especially the Grateful Dead and Jimmy Buffett). 12. Fill Your Tank You would never think about taking a road trip and not plan to regularly fill up with gas. Why would you think you can make it through the Narrow Gate without regularly filling your soul with the food that nourishes you? Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. John 6:53. Come learn why the Church requires us to attend Mass every Sunday and why we can never stop being fed. Speaker: Fr. Patrick Nwokoye. Fr. Patrick is a native of Nigeria. He grew up in Italy and was ordained a priest on June 7, Fr. Patrick is currently the pastor at St. Francis Xavier parish in Sikeston, Chaplain for Catholic Campus Ministry at Southeast Missouri State University and also the Diocesan Director of Vocation Promotion. 13. Highway to Heaven or the Road to Hell Odds are that 10 out of 10 people will die. Then what? The Church teaches that there are 4 last things on our road of life: death, judgment, heaven or hell. Who gets to go to Heaven? What exactly is Purgatory? Can we earn our way out of Hell? Come learn about what happens to our soul at the end of our earthly journey. Speaker: Joan Dietrich. Joan is a cradle Catholic originally from St. Eustachius parish in Portageville. Her husband Matt and her have been married 23 years and have lived in West Plains for 20 years. They have four children ages eight through 19 years old. Joan has served as the youth minister at St. Mary's Parish in West Plains and she teaches at West Plains High School and West Plains High alternative school. 14. Drivers Ed. - SESSION FOR PARENTS You are more than volunteers, snack providers, supporters of the ministries of the Church. You are the primary educators of your children! But you are not in this alone. We are here to support YOU! More important than teaching your teens to drive, is your job of passing on the faith to them, helping them to continually choose the Narrow Path. Speaker: Bishop Edward Rice. Bishop Rice was installed as the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau on June 1, He was ordained a priest in 1987 and a Bishop in 2011 for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Trivia Game We are going to have a team-based Trivia Contest at this year s DYC!!! Teams will consist of 10 youth and 1 adult (optional). We will also have teams for adults only. Parishes can register as many teams as they like. If you don t have a full team, you may combine with another parish (we can help you with this). Teams must be registered in advance. Each team will sit at their own table. Teams are encouraged to create a theme for their table, and to decorate/dress up according to that theme (Google images of Trivia Night themes - there are lots of ideas out there). Awards will be given to the most elaborate theme, so even if you are not good at trivia, you might still win an award! If you would like a seminarian to be the adult at one of your tables, we will assign those on a first-come-first served basis, based on when your registration material is received (one seminarian per parish). The seminarian can be the same one you adopted or a different one. If you have more than one parish team, or if all the seminarians are assigned, you can have one adult at your table if you like. Questions will be from various topics including pop culture, literature, religion, history, movies, TV shows, sports! There will be 10 questions per round and we will have as many rounds as we have time for. There will also be some bonus questions!! Those not playing trivia can either watch, or play other interactive games in the arena.

9 DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD-CAPE GIRARDEAU OFFICE OF YOUTH MINISTRY DYC Consent Form, Liability Waiver & Multi-Media Release (The diocese will take responsible care to see that the following information will be held in confidence.) Registration Guide 9 Parish Name Parish City Participant First Name Initial Last Name Participant s Address: City, State Zip Participant Cell Phone # Participant Grade in School: Participant Gender: Male Female Mother/Guardian s First Name Home Phone Father/Guardian s First Name Home Phone Last Name Cell Phone Last Name Cell Phone Family Doctor Phone Family Health Plan Carrier Policy # Emergency Contact Person Phone # Attendee is taking medication at present: YES Medication Dosage Medication Dosage NO Frequency Frequency Specific Medical Information Date of last tetanus immunization *Allergic reactions (medicines, food, plants, insects, etc.) *Does the child have a medically prescribed diet? *Any physical limitations? *Has child been recently exposed to any contagious diseases or condition? If yes, date and disease condition: *You should be aware of these special medical conditions of my/our child I/we (parent/guardian) parent of above named participant grant permission for my/our child to participate in the 2017 Diocesan Youth Conference scheduled for March 24-26, This activity will take place under the guidance and direction of diocesan employees and/or volunteers. As parent(s)/ guardian, I/we remain legally responsible for any personal actions taken by the above named minor ( participant ). Further, I/we give my/our permission for photographs/video of my/our child to be used for diocesan communications and promotional programs. I understand that any photographs/videos will be used only in a legal manner and that at no time will my child or I be depicted in any unethical manner. I/we agree, on behalf of myself/ourselves, my/our child named herein, my/our and my/our child s heirs, successors and assigns, to hold harmless and defend the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, its officers, directors, Please complete both sides of this form.

10 10 Registration Guide employees and agents, chaperones, and representatives associated with the event, from any claim arising from or in connection with my/our child attending the event, from any claim arising from or in connection with any illness or injury (including death) or in connection with the cost of medical treatment as a result of an illness or injury, even if the cause of damages or injury is alleged to be the fault of or caused by the negligence of the Diocese of Springfield- Cape Girardeau, its officers, directors, employees and agents, chaperones, and representatives associated with he event. I agree to compensate the Diocese, its officers, directors, employees, agents and chaperones or representatives associated with the event for reasonable attorney s fees and expenses which they may incur in any action brought against them as a result of such injury or damage, unless such a claim arises from the negligence of the Diocese. In the event of an emergency, I/we hereby give permission to transport my/our child to a hospital for treatment by the hospital or doctor. I wish to be advised prior to any further treatment by the hospital or doctor. Of the following statements pertaining to medical matters, sign ONLY that which applies: OR No medication of any type, whether prescription or non-prescription, may be administered to my/our child unless the situation is life threatening and emergency treatment is required. Signature(s) I/we hereby grant permission for non-prescription medication (such as Tylenol, throat lozenges, cough syrup) to be given to my/our child, if deemed advisable. Signature(s) Date Date Code of Behavior I, (name of participant), hereby agree to abide by the expected Code of Behavior required of me when present at this event. I will cooperate fully with any chaperones or leaders of this event and obey local laws and ordinances, in addition to any special rules given to me. I understand that failure to comply with this Code may result in me having to leave the program. Participant signature I/we agree that my/our child shall abide by all rules and regulations as established by the Office of Youth Ministry for this event. I/we agree that if my/our child fails to abide by the code of behavior my/our child may be sent home immediately at my/our expense. I/we warrant that the information herein (on both pages of this waiver) is correct to the best of my/our knowledge. I/we further give my/our permission for health officials to release medical information on my/our son/daughter to the diocesan group leader. I/we fully understand and sign this Parental/Guardian Consent Form and Liability Waiver knowingly, freely and willingly. (Your signature(s) required.) Date Parent(s)/Guardian signature(s) Date ======================================================================================= Participant First Name Last Name Participant T-Shirt Size Workshop Preferences (List 3): Please complete both sides of this form.

11 ADULT GUIDELINES, LIABILITY & WAIVER FORM Registration Guide 11 Name Home Address, City & State Home Phone EMERGENCY CONTACT: Name Home Phone ALTERNATE EMERGENCY CONTACT: Name Home Phone Business Phone Cell Phone Business Phone Cell Phone You should be aware of the following medical conditions Business Phone I am taking the following medications I understand that as a chaperone, I set an example for the young people who participate in the Youth Conference and that the following is expected and required of me as a chaperone: All adult chaperones are responsible for helping to enforce the conference code of behavior and should use it as a guide for their own behavior. Adults will have different colored nametags from the youth. Adult chaperones must be at least 21 years old. Parish adult chaperones are expected to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages while responsible for the youth, during travel to and from the event, as well as during the event. The possession or use of illegal drugs by any individual will not be tolerated. A conference participant may possess no weapon of any kind. The following are suggestions and guidelines for your role as a chaperone for this event: The ratio for adult chaperones to youth is one adult for every six youth, with a minimum of 2 adults. Adults, as well as youth, are expected to attend all conference activities. During all conference activities, and especially other social activities, adult chaperones should be available in the building where the activity takes place to supervise all youth. Leaders may choose to assign chaperones to particular youth during the conference, who will be responsible for their behavior. Adult chaperones should review the code of behavior with young people, and also help orient them to the Civic Center layout so they can find workshops and activities. Adult chaperones are responsible for enforcing the conference curfew and for keeping noise to a minimum in the hotels. Adult chaperones or group leaders do not have the authority to extend curfew and should work in cooperation with the chaperones assigned to the hotel halls and corridors. Each parish will provide one adult for hall duty each night you are in the hotel, from one hour prior to lights out until 4 a.m. These members of hall security may question youth present, especially after curfew, in hotel corridors, as well as the source of noise in rooms being used by conference participants (adults or youth). These people should not be attending the conference as chaperones. If an adult chaperone must go into a sleeping room with youth, especially of the opposite sex, it is required that a second adult chaperone (of the same sex as the youth) be present with them. Adults are asked not to go anywhere during the conference where the youth may not go with them (i.e. bars, etc.). I, as an adult attending the Conference, agree to abide by these guidelines and will hold the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau harmless from any failure to follow these procedures and for any other matter arising out of or in connection with the Youth Conference. Adult Chaperone/Leader Date Adult T-Shirt Size Workshop Preferences (List 3): Safe Environment Status for Adults: Attended Virtus Session Signed Code of Conduct Current Background Check on file. For policy and forms, visit or call the Catholic Center.

12 12 Registration Guide CODE OF BEHAVIOR FOR ALL YOUTH CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS Welcome to the Youth Conference! Please offer your appreciation to the people of West Plains for the welcome they offer us. Remember you are representing your parish and the Catholic Church here this weekend. We expect you to do that well by respecting the people and surroundings you encounter, especially at the hotels. We are confident you will display the maturity, responsible leadership, and character that have become the trademark qualities of Catholic youth. Thank you! In General: Group leaders are responsible for the actions of the members of their group. Each parish accepts full responsibility for any damage or theft caused by members of their group while attending the conference. Adult chaperones in each group are to enforce the Code of Behavior (the Code) and to set an example for all youth. Some Rules: 1. Treat your hotel and the Civic Center as if they were your own home. Do not throw anything from windows or balconies, deface any property, or steal anything. Such actions could not only cause harm, but they also could result in your being sent home immediately and your group being barred from the hotel in future years. 2. Participants must attend all conference activities and stay in the Civic Center at all times. Name badges must be worn at all times in order to gain admission to conference events. 3. Socializing prior to curfew should be done in the public areas of the hotel. Remember to keep noise levels down in the sleeping areas, especially later in the evenings. This guarantees the right to privacy and quiet time for fellow conference attendees and other guests in the hotels. All participants must be in their hotel rooms by curfew (and stay in their rooms) on each night of the conference. You should never be in a hotel room that is not yours, unless there is an adult present. 4. Participants who are of legal drinking age (21) are expected to be leaders and examples to younger attendees. All parish adult chaperones are asked to refrain from drinking while they are responsible for youth on the way to and from, as well as during, the conference. The purchase, possession, or consumption of beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverages by minors and the possession or use of illegal drugs by any individual will not be tolerated. Failure to comply with these rules will mean immediate dismissal from the conference. 5. Sleeping room changes are to be made by the group leader only. Youth cannot change rooms without prior permission of their group leader. 6. All sessions of the conference will start on time. Some sessions require that the doors be kept closed for all or part of the session. To prevent being excluded from any session, be on time. When exiting workshops, please keep noise to a minimum so that other workshops still in session will not be disturbed. Please keep in mind that the Civic Center is a smoke-free building. 7. Youth must not be in possession of any kind of weapon at any time. Failure to comply with this rule will mean dismissal from the conference. All youth and adult participants are expected to read and know this Code of Behavior and abide by it at all times during the conference, before it begins on Friday, and on the way home Sunday. Participants who violate the Code may be sent home, barred from attending future conferences, or face other consequences.

13 Registration Guide 13 Download this form at the Youth Ministry page at under the DYC heading. Type in the information and submit via to "Be one of the small number who finds the way to life, and enters by the narrow gate into Heaven. Take care not to follow the majority and the common herd, so many of whom are lost. Do not be deceived; there are only two roads: one that leads to life and is narrow; the other that leads to death and is wide. There is no middle way." St. Louis de Montfort

14 14 Registration Guide But Wait, There s More! The Saturday of the Diocesan Youth Conference is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord - when the angel Gabriel visited Mary and announced that she would bear the Son of God! It is also the anniversary of the date that Bishop James Johnston consecrated our diocese to the Blessed Mother! We will, appropriately then, begin the official conference with Mass (Saturday at 8:30 AM)! The planning team at Our Lady of the Lake in Branson would like to invite musicians to join then in providing music for the Mass. Youth leaders, if you are bringing youth who play an orchestral instrument and would like to participate, please contact Katie to get the music. Each musician will be asked to practice the music on their own. Then on Friday night during the Pizza Party at the Civic Center, the group will take some time to rehearse together. Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14