Catholic Youth Leadership Team (CYLT) 2018-2019 Application Packet Packet Contents: Section 1: Discernment Overview... 1 Section 2: CYLT Member Qualifications... 1 Section 3: Values, Responsibilities, and Structure of CYLT... 2 Section 4: CYLT Length and Terms of Commitment... 3 Section 5: CYLT Calendar for 2018-2019... 4 Section 6: Application Timeline and Checklist... 5 Section 7: CYLT Application Components Parent/Guardian Form... 6 Youth Candidate Form... 7 Pastor Recommendation Form... 9 Parish Youth Ministry/Catechetical Leader Recommendation Form... 10 APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 28, 2018 All paperwork should be assembled together as one application and may be delivered, mailed, faxed or e-mailed to: RE: Mail: CYLT Application Office of Lifelong Faith Formation Attn: CYLT 510 Ocean Ave. Portland, ME 04103 Phone: 207-321-7870 Fax: 207-773-0182 E-mail: olff@portlanddiocese.org
SECTION 1: DISCERNMENT OVERVIEW Discernment for service on the Catholic Youth Leadership Team (CYLT) includes praying for openness to God s will, reflecting on personal gifts and desires, considering practical factors, and seeking insight through conversation with others then submitting for community consideration of needs, abilities, and fit among all applicants. During Winter Regionals those gathered will follow a process to discern youth and adults to nominate and support as potential members of the CYLT. Prior to the Winter Regionals, local parishes should identify one or two young people from your parish who exemplify 1 Timothy 4:12, exhibit responsible leadership, and who have gifts to contribute to the work of the CYLT in meaningful ways. Encourage those youth who are sophomores or juniors to submit an application to serve on the CYLT for the upcoming term. Also, identify adults with similar qualities who might serve. 1 TIMOTHY 4:12 Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. SECTION 2: CYLT MEMBER QUALIFICATIONS Please reflect on the following qualifications prior to submitting an application: Is a practicing Catholic in good standing with his/her parish. Demonstrates leadership ability, preferably having participated in one or more summer diocesan youth leadership training (E.P.I.C or N.E.W.) and Youth Conventions. Possesses a willingness to serve along with a responsible attitude and performance record. Is willing and able to make a firm commitment to the duties of the CYLT. In addition, for YOUTH MEMBERS: o Is of senior high school age, entering into grades 11 or 12 for the next academic year. o Has family support and encouragement (i.e. transportation to pick-up and drop off points, some minor traveling & food expenses, and an understanding of the commitment their son/daughter has made to their parish and the diocese). o Is willing to sacrifice some extracurricular activities, when appropriate, for the sake of commitment to the leadership team. In addition, for ADULT MEMBERS: o Is effective and responsible in building mentoring relationships with teens. o Has already fulfilled all diocesan safe environment requirements. o Is able and willing to provide transportation for Youth Members to CYLT meetings and events in compliance with diocesan policies. Page1
SECTION 3: VALUES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND STRUCTURE OF CYLT All those involved should keep in mind the primary responsibilities of the CYLT and the threepronged commitment each member makes to grow in faith, to serve within his/her parish community and to fulfill the obligations of representing all the young people within their respective local vicariate parishes. Team Values: We are a Catholic community of disciples of Jesus Christ. We all respect the Bishop and show loyalty to his teachings as model leaders. We are all active members of our local Catholic faith communities. We all strive to follow 1 Timothy 4:12 in our daily lives. We all see adolescence as a part of a lifelong journey of faith. We all seek to call forth the gifts each person has for the life of the Church and the world. CYLT Primary Responsibilities: a. Serve as Christian leaders among their peers with a commitment to being a disciple of Jesus Christ in word and in deed. b. Work together with Diocesan staff to plan and execute the annual Journey Retreat, Middle School Rallies, Winter Regionals, and Catholic Youth Ministry Convention. c. Work closely with his/her parish Youth Ministry leader(s) and team(s) in exercising leadership for ministry on the parish level. CYLT Structure and Work: 1. The team typically consists of at least two, and no more than three, youth from each of the six vicariates in the diocese. Three or four adult members plus diocesan staff also serve on CYLT. 2. Teams serve a one-year term from July through June. Non-emergency, unexcused absence from CYLT events or meetings forfeits a member s service on the CYLT. 3. As part of annual diocesan pastoral planning, the diocesan Coordinator of Youth Ministry determines the scope and schedule for CYLT activities for the following term to support and extend the priorities of ministry with the youth of Maine. Typically, events center around the annual Journey Retreat, Middle School Rallies, Winter Regionals, and the Catholic Youth Ministry Convention. 4. Each spring parishes discern with youth who will be juniors and seniors in high school the following fall to nominate to serve on CYLT. Nominees must submit the diocesan Page2
application. Current CYLT Youth Members must complete a new application to be considered for a second term. 5. Candidates selected for CYLT service are acknowledged and commissioned at the annual Youth Ministry Convention. 6. New members to CYLT must participate in the summer diocesan leadership training. Members returning for a second year are encouraged to participate in the training to accelerate team development and deepen personal growth. 7. During the August working meeting, two Youth Members are discerned to assist the diocesan Coordinator of Youth Ministry in serving as primary facilitators for the term s team meetings. SECTION 4: CYLT LENGTH & TERMS OF COMMITMENT The length and terms of commitment (always subject to the discretion of the Diocesan Coordinator): Youth serve a one (1) year term (August 1 June 30). If a youth chooses recommitment, reapplication is required. Members are expected to attend all meetings and events on the published calendar unless excused by the Diocesan Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, with at least 48 hours notice. Unexcused absences other than in the case of an emergency will forfeit membership in the CYLT. Transportation is arranged through the volunteer adult members. Parents must be willing to drive youth to and from transportation pick-up points for meetings/events. It is recommended that no youth under twenty-one (21) years of age drive themselves to or from diocesan events, for safety reasons. Diocesan liability insurance does not allow for a driver under the age of 21 to transport anyone else under the age of 21 or to drive during a diocesan gathering/event/meeting. It is best practice to avoid minors driving all together. Page3
SECTION 5: CYLT Calendar for 2018-2019 All CYLT youth and adults are expected to reserve the following dates and plan on attending the five events and six meetings as part of their commitment to the CYLT (exceptions will be made for unforeseen situations/circumstances). Please make sure that these dates are given to youth and their parents prior to discerning/submitting this application. Empowering Young People in Christ (scholarships available) Location: St. Joseph s College, Standish, ME Dates: July 23-27, 2018 Meeting 1: Weekend-long Topic: Convention, Journey, Middle School Rallies Location: Sky-Hy Retreat Center, Topsham Dates: August 24-26, 2018 (5pm Friday through 1pm Sunday) Meeting 2: Weekend-long Topic: Journey and Middle School Rallies Location: Christian Life Center, Frenchville Dates: September 21-23, 2018 (5pm Friday through 1pm Sunday) Middle School Rallies (choose closest one, no cost for CYLT) Location: 2 separate areas of the diocese, yet TBD Dates: September 29, 2018 and September 30, 2018 (9 am 5pm) Meeting 3: One day Topic: Journey Location: Video Conference Sites (Portland, Bangor, Caribou) Dates: October 21, 2018 (10 am 2:30 pm) Journey Retreat: Weekend-long (scholarships available) Location: St. Dominic Academy, Lewiston Dates: November 9-11, 2018 Meeting 4: One day Topic: Winter Regionals and Convention Location: Video Conference Sites: Portland, Bangor, Caribou Dates: November 17, 2018 (10 am 2:30 pm) Meeting 5: One-day Topic: Winter Regionals and Convention Location: Video Conference Sites: Portland, Bangor, or Caribou Date: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 (10:00 am -2:30pm) Winter Regionals (choose closest one, no cost) Location: 3 separate areas of the diocese, yet TBD Date: Saturday, February 23, 2019 Meeting 6: Weekend-long Topic: Convention Location: Sky-Hy Retreat Center, Topsham Date: March 15-17, 2019 (5pm Friday through 1pm Sunday) Convention 2019 (discounted cost for CYLT) Location: Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland Dates: April 26-28, 2019 (CYLT youth and adults arrive the Thursday afternoon prior to Convention - April 25 th - for practice and setup) Page4
SECTION 6: APPLICATION TIMELINE AND CHECKLIST All paperwork due to diocese on or before: March 28, 2018 Youth & Adult Representatives to the CYLT notified: April 6, 2018 Youth & Adult Representatives to the CYLT installed: April 15, 2018 at CYM Convention Closing Mass with Bishop Deeley Applications are considered complete with each of the following submitted together: Parent/Guardian Form: Please complete, sign and date the form. Candidate Form: Please complete, sign and date the form (2-pages). Pastor Recommendation Form: Please ask the Pastor to provide a recommendation telling about the qualities he has witnessed in candidate that will benefit the youth of our Diocese if chosen to serve as CYLT Youth Member and providing specific examples of local leadership. Parish Youth Ministry Coordinator/Catechetical Leader Recommendation Form: Please ask your parish Coordinator of Youth Ministry, or your Parish Catechetical Leader (if the parish does not have a YM Coordinator) to provide a recommendation telling us about the qualities s/he has witnessed in you that will benefit the youth of our Diocese, if you are chosen to serve as a representative, and to provide specific examples. ALL PAPERWORK MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE OF LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION NO LATER THAN MARCH 28. All applicants need a recommendation from their Pastor AND their Parish Youth Ministry/Catechetical Leader to be considered for CYLT service. Both are necessary. Complete applications may be delivered, mailed, faxed or e-mailed to: RE: Mail: CYLT Application Office of Lifelong Faith Formation Attn: CYLT 510 Ocean Ave. Portland, ME 04103 Phone: 207-321-7870 Fax: 207-773-0182 E-mail: olff@portlanddiocese.org Page5
CYLT APPLICATION: Parent/Guardian Form We are pleased that your son/daughter is seeking to serve the youth of your parish and region on the Diocesan Catholic Youth Leadership Team (CYLT). By signing this form, you admit to having read through the commitment required by youth who serve on the CYLT and ensure your support of this endeavor. Any and all questions can be directed to: Lori Dahlhoff, Director of Lifelong Faith Formation 207-321-7870 olff@portlanddiocese.org My son/daughter,, and I have discussed and understand the commitment he/she is applying to make to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland Catholic Youth Leadership Team. I support my child in this endeavor and understand my responsibility in supporting his/her participation if selected to serve for the next year. (parent/guardian signature) (date) (parent/guardian name - printed) (phone) Deadline for all application paperwork is March 28, 2018. Page6
CYLT APPLICATION: Candidate Form Please print legibly. Name: Address: City: Zip: Phone: Grade: Male/Female: Date of Birth: E-mail address: Parish: City: Parent/Guardian Name(s): Address (if different from youth): City: Zip: Phone: E-mail: Social/Community Activities: Parish Activities: (Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, Lector, Altar Server, Parish Council, Catechist, Music Ministry, Social Justice activities, YM leadership, retreat team member, etc.) Diocesan Activities: (N.E.W. participant, Journey Retreat, Winter Regionals, Right to Life, etc.) Please complete the essay portion of this form on other side/next page. Page7
CYLT APPLICATION: Candidate Form - continued Candidate: In a few paragraphs, please tell us about yourself, your leadership experiences and personal qualities, as well as why you believe God is calling you to serve on the Diocesan Catholic Youth Leadership Team (use additional pages if necessary). My parents/guardians and I have discussed and understand the commitment I am applying to make to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland Catholic Youth Leadership Team. If chosen, I am ready to fulfill the expectations of a CYLT member, including participating in all events and meetings listed on the CYLT calendar for the upcoming term. (Signature) (Date) All forms must be submitted in a single application bundle to the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation for verification and consideration. Deadline for all application paperwork is March 28, 2018. Page8
CYLT APPLICATION: Pastor Recommendation Form Candidate Name: Pastor Name: Parish: City/Town: Pastor: In a paragraph or two, please tell us about the candidate, your relationship the candidate, and specific examples of the gifts/talents/skills you ve witnessed for him/her that indicate being an effective leader on the Diocesan Catholic Youth Leadership Team (use additional pages if necessary, please include candidate name at top of the page). (Pastor Signature) (Date) All forms must be submitted in a single application bundle to the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation for verification and consideration. Deadline for all application paperwork is March 28, 2018. Page9
CYLT APPLICATION: Parish Youth Ministry/Catechetical Leader Recommendation Form Candidate Name: Youth Ministry/Catechetical Leader Name: Parish: City/Town: Phone: Email: I am open to serving as an adult member of the CYLT (mark one). Yes No I, the Coordinator of Youth Ministry/PCL at Parish in, have prayerfully encouraged to apply to serve as a youth member of the Diocesan Catholic Youth Leadership Team. Coordinator of Youth Ministry/PCL: Please tell us about the qualities this young person possesses and specific examples of their leadership ability that will benefit the youth of our diocese (use additional pages if necessary, please include candidate name at top of the page). (Parish Leader Signature) (Date) All forms must be submitted in a single application bundle to the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation for verification and consideration. Deadline for all application paperwork is March 28, 2018. Page10