First of all, how we know when a student has been missing for a while is very important. The typical strategy is to take attendance or have everyone sign in when they show up at youth group. After a couple weeks, if Quiet Jonny’s name hasn’t been checked off for a while, then we know to give him a call.

The problem with that approach is that it’s very impersonal. The only way we know if Quiet Jonny is missing or not is because of boxes that are not checked on a sheet of paper, not because we were looking for him specifically and missed his presence at youth group. Maybe we notice when the outgoing kids are gone, but rarely the quiet kids.

If every student has a personal connection to an adult leader who is looking for them and can’t wait to talk with them once they show up at youth group, not only does that kid want to be there, but that adult leader notices when he or she is missing. It is then that leader’s responsibility to contact the student during the week.

So here’s the plan, especially for large-group meetings:

1. Have enough adult leaders to meet a 1 to 5 ratio of leaders to kids. As the youth group grows, add more leaders to maintain that balance.

2. Every leader is responsible for 5 specific kids. These leaders are intentionally looking for those students so they can catch up with them about their week.

3. If an adult is responsible for a kid who brings a friend, that friend becomes one more person that the adult leader will get to know and look for in following weeks. If one leader’s group of kids grows too large, then another adult joins and slowly they divide into two groups.

4. When one student is missing, the leader who was looking for them at youth group contacts them during the week just to say HI, hear about their week, and let them know they were missed. (NO guilt trips!!!)

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I am curious as to how some of you might handle this situation.

Let's say you have a youth that has been VERY active in your ministry in the past. But now, for some reason, they are not showing up to meetings an events. They do not reply to any communications (email, texting, MS or FS) and you have heard "rumor" that they have gotten in with a bad crowd. This "bad crowd" has encourage him/her to start drinking and attending parties.

What do you do?
Do you confront this person?
How do you get them back into the fold?
Do you contact parents?

Just wondering how each of you might handle this situation.

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Just a couple of notes to keep you updated on youth ministry here @ St. Teresa of Avila.

1) Catholic Heart Workcamp - August 2-9, we are heading to Buffalo, NY to participate in this week-long service experience. CHWC has a wonderful staff waiting to engage us in dynamic ministry in the mornings and evenings, and during the day we will be ministering to those in need within the Buffalo community. Friday is a free day and we are headed to Niagara Falls.

2) World Pulse Festival - We have our tickets and are in the midst of assembling our group for the August 16th big-time concert event featuring the Christian Recording Industry's top groups. See you there!

3) Open Jam Nites - August 30 marks the first open jam nite for our young musicians here at St. T's as they take the stage, work together, and pump out some great jams. Music is not limited to religious music, but guidelines of good taste will be enforced. :) This kicks off at 6:45 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. in the church. Guests are always welcome!!

Ok, more coming later but that's the "Talk of T's" for now!

Peace,
Phil Dietrich

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What are you doing to keep the your youth on fire after CYX?

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Hi all, this is Phil letting y'all know that there's a trivia night fundraiser going on at St. T's on Saturday, May 31. It is open to ANYONE from the diocese and tables seat 10. Cost is $10/person, or $5 for students. All proceeds go to help defray costs for the upcoming teen service trip to Buffalo, NY happening this August.

There will also be other contests throughout the evening which can be both fun and lucrative. Food is BYO. Check in begins at 6:30 and trivia begins at 7:00-7:15 p.m. in the Community Room in the back of the church.

Let me know if you'd like to sign up a table! My number at the office is 219-464-4042 and my cell # is 219-840-DRUM (3786). Yes, it's very cheezy I know.

Peace,
Phil

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Recently a Sophomore (see Kevin for pronunciation) at Highland High School passed away unexpectedly. Many of my youth are dealing with grief, disbelief and sorrow. I see this as an opportunity for all of us to share how we would support the members of our ministry in a time like this. Please feel free to share any ideas/suggestions.

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We've talked about going to a Rail Cats game, either as a youth or whole parish activity. Group prices are reasonable but "picnic" deal seems pretty pricey. Anybody done this (or something similar)? How'd you handle transportation and food?

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Hey, can anyone recommend a good survey/resource tool for gathering feedback from teens regarding their interests and needs in a program? I could create my own, but wonder if wonderful resources have already been created by other pros in the field...Thanks y'all!

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Never seen the movie, but this looks great! I can't wait. Nice work Kev!

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I really have not found it to be an issue yet. Has anyone else experienced cell phone problems?

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