National Conference for Catholic Youth Ministry
Just last week, more than half of our team traveled to San Jose, CA for a weekend of formation, growth, and community with youth ministers from all across the country. National leaders in youth ministry presented on techniques and tools in large keynote sessions, while some on our own staff (Matt Rice and Alyssa Trutter!) actually presented at breakout sessions and on panels to share our own expertise!
It was an amazing opportunity to attend this conference. Ablaze Ministries hosted a booth throughout the weekend where our team members could have more in depth discussion with others about the blessings and trials of ministry. These conversations brought about coaching and allowed us to share with both veteran and rookie youth ministers our collaborative model for ministry and why it works so well. It's great to share and learn from others, and we are so grateful to those who helped us attend this conference!
All in for Ablaze a Success!
We had our first ever fundraising campaign, All in for Ablaze, last month. This was a social media and email campaign (we're sure you are recalling now all of the updates you received over those two long days) to help us raise the funds to expand our ministry efforts and grow to new parishes! We're excited to say not only did we reach our goal of $10,000- but we more than doubled it! We are so grateful for all of the amazing support received over those two days. We're steps closer to achieving our goals for the coming year.
One of the other blessings from this fundraiser was hearing youth,
youth's parents, our volunteers,
priests, our amazing
donors, and even staff members who are no longer with us share as to why they are "All in for Ablaze." To watch some of these awesome testimonies, click
here.
All New Blogs!
Parents: Beyond the Pew is a short, weekly video blog that provides practical applications on how to share the faith with your kids. We are currently going over how to
dive into Advent with your family. Coming up in January, the series will cover different ways to pray with your children and in doing so, teaching them how to pray. Watch the
intro video.
Teens and young adults: The Forge is for teens and young adults to grow in their faith when it comes to our culture, relationships, life, and prayer. The Forge features a new blog post each Monday.
Youth ministers: The
Next Level Ministry blog provides foolproof tips, ideas, and encouragement in ministry. Each week we have a new blog on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday written by experienced ministry professionals for anyone looking for
ideas or
growth as a minister.
Each blog provides an update once a week on it's latest post, and if you would like to sign up to receive an update just reply to let us know which one!
Missionary Support Still Needed
Some of our missionaries on staff are in need of monthly support to continue their work. Partner with an individual missionary in the service of the Church. By definition, missionaries are called to depend on everyday people who believe in their mission and are committed to joining their work through financial support.
In partnering with an ABLAZE Missionary, you are giving them the ability to continue their mission in changing lives for the community they serve. You truly become an irreplaceable part of our work and enable our ministry to thrive. Supporters receive updates throughout the year from their missionary and ministry.
If you are interested in partnering with or making a one time donation to go towards one of our missionary staff members in need, please email emily@ablazeyouth.org!
Thank you for your support and prayers! We are excited about all that God is doing in each of our ministries and pray that in this season of Advent we are all drawn ever closer to the heart of Jesus. Follow us on Facebook for more frequent updates and stay tuned for our next Quarterly Update in the new year of 2017!
In Christ,
the Team at Ablaze Ministries