Video Recommendations

The Heart of Stewardship: Sacrificial Giving (V 1345)
Integrates the four fundamental principles of sacrificial giving with the concepts of the American Bishops’ 1993 Pastoral Letter, “Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response.” Also sketches the challenge of money for today’s Church, outlines the potential resources among American Catholics for responding to that need and includes testimonies from lay people who practice full stewardship.

Soul Searching: A Movie about Teenagers and God (D 5127)
Find out what teenagers really think about God and religion, what are their hopes and aspirations and what the research says about effects of religion in their lives.

Parents Matter: Raising Kids with Integrity (D 5165)
In a culture that throws its hands up, tells parents they can’t make a difference and belittles parental influence, this video reinforces that you matter. You are your child’s parent, not friend. The values you pass on and the faith you live make a difference in the lives of your children, not just here, but for eternity.

Creating Sabbath Space in our Lives (D 5181)
Originally presented as a three-day event at King’s House Retreat and Renewal Center, Belleville, Ill., this retreat has been replicated as a 10-session video program that can be used for parish adult faith formation, for small-group faith sharing or for private spiritual renewal.

Book Recommendations

Media Mindfulness: Educating Teens about Faith and Media (BK 5717)
Gretchen Hailer, RSHM and Rose Pacatte, FSP; Saint Mary’s Press
The sisters share their knowledge of media and their belief that teens can find God through media and can learn to consume it wisely. This process helps people of faith apply their values to various media once they learn more about the medium itself.

Faith Sharing for Teens: 25 Experiences that Connect Faith and Life (BK 5951)
Michael Theisen; Saint Mary’s Press
A collection of faith-sharing activities that introduces young people to four approaches to faith-sharing (with Scripture, with guided meditation, with media messages and with objects and images), and covers an array of engaging topics.

National Study of Youth and Religion: Analysis of the Population of Catholic Teenagers and Their Parents (BK 6042)
Charlotte McCorquodale, Victoria Shepp and Leigh Sterten; National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry
A four-year study that sought to:

• Research the shape and influence of religion and spirituality in the lives of U.S. adolescents.
• Identify effective practices in the religious, moral and social formation of the lives of youth.
• Describe the extent to which youth participate in and benefit from religious communities’ youth programs.
• Foster an informed national discussion about the influence of religion in youths’ lives.
• Encourage sustained reflection about, and rethinking of, cultural and institutional practices with regard to youth and religion.

Internet Recommendations

www.nfcym.org
As a professional organization of affiliated dioceses and collaborating members, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry participates in the mission of the Catholic Church by advocating for and supporting Catholic youth ministry on the national, diocesan and local levels.
Strategic goals include:

• To serve adult leaders of youth ministry by providing vision, leadership, professional standards, and educational, spiritual and ministry formation.
• To be an advocate for youth in the Catholic Church and in society, ensuring that the voice of young people is heard and their gifts are valued.
• To promote and encourage ministry to youth within all cultures, settings, and environments within the Catholic Church.