By JORDAN MCMORROUGH
CHARLESTON — A youth ministry training weekend sponsored by the diocesan Office of Youth Ministry will be held Jan. 17-18 at the White Oak Conference Center near Columbia.
According to Jerry White, diocesan director of Youth Ministry, the weekend is designed for those who are involved in ministry with young people, such as youth ministers, religious education leaders, volunteers and clergy. Focus of the event will be a combination of practical instruction, strategy for various parishes, prayer and relaxation.
Presenter for the weekend is Joe Roueche Jr., outreach coordinator for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has been working with young people and adults who minister to them for the past 15 years. A native of Charlotte, N.C., he was instrumental in forming Catholic outreach programs through NET (National Evangelization Team), a group comprised of young adults who spend a year putting on retreats and rallies for middle school and high school students throughout the United States, Europe, Central America and Canada.
Roueche also designs and facilitates summer youth camps called “Discipleship Weeks” which are held in seven different regions throughout the United States and Canada.
He has been a presenter for youth rallies and conferences throughout the country, training adults in youth evangelization skills and retreat ministry.
At the White Oak gathering, Roueche will cover “Our union with God,” “Building an effective Catholic youth outreach” and “What works with young people.”
“Joe brings much knowledge and practical experience to the weekend. His style of presentation is engaging and easy to understand,” said White. “He is sensitive to those he shares with, but yet challenges one in the way they minister to their young people.”
White also added that small group sharing will give attendees the opportunity to share with and ask questions of one another. In addition, materials will be provided to take back to parishes.
The cost is $70 per participant. A $20 non-refundable deposit is due by Dec. 30. The balance is due upon arrival at the center, where housing is double occupancy only. For more information, contact the Office of Youth Ministry at (803) 769-2197.