Catholic Social Justice Formation Program for Youth The Beatitudes Year C June 9-13, 2013 Cameron Retreat Center St. Dominic Archdiocesan Center Houston, TX 1
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization Evan R. Psencik, Associate Director December 2012 Dear Youth and High School Campus Ministry Leaders: Greetings from the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization! As you begin planning your summer we hope you will consider attending CSI. This is the official registration packet for you to bring youth to CSI 2013. CSI stands for Catholic Summer Immersion, it is a Catholic Social Justice formation program for older adolescents. This program is an opportunity for youth to immerse themselves in the Social Justice teachings of the Church. CSI will incorporate service projects, catechetical sessions, guest speakers, prayer experiences and small group discussion. This year s annual summer program to high school aged youth will take place June 9-13, 2013 at Cameron Retreat Center on the property of the St. Dominic Archdiocesan Center. This years theme will be The Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are the teachings of Jesus that show us the path to true happiness. We hope that by attending this event your youth will learn that true happiness comes from giving of oneself to others. This registration packet has all the forms needed to get your registration process started. Also note that registrations can only be accepted from a recognized youth ministry, religious education, or Catholic high school campus ministry leader. Please make as many copies as you need. I am really looking forward to sharing ministry with you this summer. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the office. In Christ, Evan R. Psencik Evan R. Psencik Associate Director 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 4 Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching Page 5 The Beatitudes Page 6 Registration Information Page 7 Frequently Asked Questions Page 8 Parish Registration Form Page 9 Youth Code of Conduct Page 10 Parental Consent for Youth Page 11 Medical Consent Form for Youth Page 12 Medical Consent Form for Adults 2013 Catholic Summer Immersion Mission Statement CSI is an opportunity to bring the youth of the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston together for a week to immerse themselves in the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church through service, formation, prayer and community building. Service: Daily service experiences at local organizations Formation Onsite presentations by local organizations Presentations on Social Teaching of the Catholic Church Engaging guest speakers Prayer Daily Mass Powerful prayer experiences Community Small Group discussions and reflection Parish reflection time 3
Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching Life and Dignity of the Human Person The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. Call to Family, Community, and Participation The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society -- in economics and politics, in law and policy -- directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. Rights and Responsibilities The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in Gods creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. Solidarity We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that if you want peace, work for justice. The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. Care for God's Creation We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of Gods creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored. Source: USCCB.org 4
The Beatitudes The Beatitudes begin the famous Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. As Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., writes in his Modern Catholic Dictionary, they are the "promises of happiness made by Christ to those who faithfully accept his teaching and follow his divine example." Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3-12) 5
CSI Registration Information Registration Checklist Each Parish/School MUST have the following registration materials submitted by deadlines in order for them to be considered complete: Parish Registration Form Parental/Guardian Consent, Liability Waiver, and Medical Consent Form for each Youth Participant Adult Medical Consent Form for Key Leader, all Chaperones Copy of Drivers License and insurance for Adult Chaperone Full payment for all participants IMPORTANT NOTICE: Incomplete Registrations Packets will be mailed back to Parish/School Contact for corrections; or, the group leader may come to the OACE to review materials. Payments must be accompanied by all paperwork or checks will be returned. Deadline Dates - All Deadline Dates are Absolute Regular Registration: Full payment of $175 per person with all paperwork (Post marked by May 30, 2013) Deposit Check...made payable to the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization (post-marked by May 30, 2013) Registrations are accepted on a first come basis, only 60 spots are available Parishes may register up to 15 participants No New Registrations will be accepted after May 30, 2013 No payment will be accepted to hold spots without complete registrations 6
General Information Frequently Asked Questions Who may attend the 2013 CSI? Incoming sophomores through outgoing seniors are invited to attend the conference! CSI is structured to be developmentally appropriate for high school students. Please give younger adolescents something to look forward to. How many people can we bring? Because our housing capacity is limited, we can only accept 60 total participants so each parish/school is limited to 15 youth participants How much is the 2013 CSI? Registration for the 2013 Catholic Summer Immersion is $175 per person What is included in the Registration Fee? 4 nights at Cameron Retreat Center Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Monday thru Wednesday, and Breakfast and Lunch on Thursday, CSI T-Shirt What does a typical day at CSI look like? 7:00 am Wake up 8:00 am Breakfast 8:30 am Morning Program 9:00 am Depart for Worksite 9:30 am Arrive at Worksite 12:00 pm Lunch at Worksite with small group time 3:30 pm Return to Retreat Center 4:00 pm Shower and Free time 5:30 pm Small Group time 6:00 pm Dinner 7:00 pm Evening Program 10:00 pm Parish Time 10:30 pm Free time 11:30 pm Curfew What does Evening program consist of? Evening program will consist of praise and worship, entertaining videos, moving skits, engaging speakers, and powerful prayer experiences. What kind of work will we be doing? Each day will be spent in service at a local organization. The service may include household repairs, yard work, cleaning and organization, or service to homeless and hungry. How will we get to the worksites? Youth will be transported to the worksites in the vehicles of adult leaders. Drivers license and proof of insurance are required in order to check driving record in order to insure the safety of all youth. 7
Youth Code of Conduct CSI 2013 I am responsible for my own ac ons. I am asked to assume the natural consequences for any nega ve behavior or disturbance. I will take full responsibility for any damage or the as a result of my ac ons. I understand that youth/adult leaders are ac ng in my best interest and for the benefit of this event and will be enforcing this code of behavior. I understand that I need to listen when asked or instructed to act. I am expected to a end all aspects of the event men oned above. I will report to any and all check-in mes as a result of my par cipa on in CSI. I understand that if I fail to appear at any CSI events or check-in mes, my parent(s) will immediately be no fied. For my safety, I realize that I am not allowed to leave the event site for ANY reason without my parish chaperones. ALCOHOL, CIGARETTES, WEAPONS OR ILLEGAL DRUGS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Possession of these items is grounds for immediate dismissal. (Weapons are defined as: knives, switchblades, guns, chains, or items intended to cause harm.) I agree to have the best possible me at the CSI and to share the spirit of Chris an joy and friendship with other par cipants. In order for this to happen I agree to be prompt, to a end all sessions, and to par cipate in all CSI ac vi es. Christ-like behavior is expected from me at all mes. Inappropriate contact, touch, gesture, language or ac vity of an offensive nature is NOT ACCEPTABLE. I agree to abide by this "Code of Behavior." As a representa ve of the Archdiocese of Galveston- Houston, I am asked to project an image of Chris an considera on, sensi vity and respect to others and to the property around me. Infrac ons of these rules will result in Event Staff/or Supervising Adult discussing the infrac on with me. In the unlikely event that a behavior problem requires ac on, my parent(s) or guardian will be no fied and I will be dismissed from this event. My parent(s)/legal guardian(s) will be expected to pick me up or I will be sent home with an adult chaperone at my own expense. Youth Par cipant: With my signature on the PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONSENT, LIABILITY WAIVER AND MEDICAL CONSENT I understand and accept the "Code" outlined above. Parent/Guardian: With my signature on the PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONSENT, LIABILITY WAIVER AND MEDICAL CONSENT, I accept the condi ons stated above regarding my child's par cipa on at CSI 2013. I give permission for my child to a end. As a par cipant, he/she has my permission to be driven to and from the event ONLY by an adult chaperone. I understand that all drivers must be 21 years of age or older, and from my parish (unless parishes have a prior arrangement to travel together). 9