20th TAPT Reunion- let’s CELEBRATE! We recently completed our 20th Teens Are People Too retreat, and that’s cause for celebration! All former TAPTsters and team members are invited to a special 20th Anniversary Celebration, Sun. June 1st, from 1-6pm at Camp Lawrence. We’re reaching out to as many people we can find from the past 20 years, so please help spread the word! The day includes a meal, the dining hall converted into a "museum" of TAPTs gone by, storytelling, reflections on 20 years of TAPTs, and the chance to reconnect with old TAPTsters! Cost: FREE! (Freewill offerings will be accepted.) RSVP’s required. To arrange for our special reunion celebration meal, we must have an accurate count. Please RSVP no later than May 26. For info, and to RSVP online, visit garytapt.com .

Liturgy as Lens for Postmodern Youth Ministry: Bishop Melczek gave me an article recently on liturgy and youth (from Assembly: A Journal of Liturgical Theology) that I have published to our website. In the article the author makes some good points not only regarding youth and liturgy, but on youth culture as well. It’s definitely worth your time, especially since our Bishop recommended it! When you get a chance, check it out, then head over to the online YM Forum and jot down your thoughts!

Now hiring: St. Matthias Parish in Crown Point seeks paid Coordinator for comprehensive youth ministry program. Candidate will have the ability to vision and implement new programming ideas, with a special emphasis on H.S. teens. Candidate will work collaboratively with pastor and parents, develop a supportive team of adult volunteers, assist with liturgical ministry planning, and have the ability to integrate youth into the life of the parish. Ideal candidate has: YM and/or catechetical experience, certificate, degree, or training in religious studies, YM, or related. Send/fax resume to: Father James Wozniak, St. Matthias Parish, 101 W. Burrell Dr., Crown Pt., IN 46307. Fax: 219-663-2567.

Popple! Please pass this along to your teens: Popple is coming to La Porte! Popple (aka Kyle and Dan) travels the country sharing their unique blend of comedic-acoustic-fun-loving music and their passion for their faith, entertaining youth groups, camps, retreats, rallies, adoration events, backyard parties and anywhere else that their ministry is needed. Popple will appear Friday, May 9 at St. Joseph Catholic School (101 C Street, La Porte), at 7pm. Tickets just $5. At times it is a ministry of joy, at other times a ministry of prayer and still yet a ministry of faith sharing. Either way, it is always fun! Sponsored by AMARE VITAM ministry, a ministry of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Fish Lake. For more information, visit www.catholicyouthconcert.org or contact Rachel (email, 574-232-7047).

Walk for Equality: Tri-Parish Youth Ministry (La Porte) presents a 10K Walk for Equality, with proceeds going to benefit Catholic Relief Services' work in African communities devastated by AIDS, on Saturday, May 10 at Kesling Park in La Porte. All are invited to attend, with a special invite to youth leaders looking to organize a fun, easy, and worthwhile outing for their youth. Advance registration (before May 4): Adults- $20, 13-17- $10 includes t-shirt. Check in begins at 8:30 am, with walk to take place appr. 9-11:30 am. Forms required for each walker. For more information, click here, or visit www.sacredheartlp.org, or contact Karen Vidler (219-362-2815, karenAT sacredheartlp.org ) or Scott Metcalf (219-363-1836).

Miley controversy: Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana) has not one but two photo controversies brewing right now. If you’re meeting with youth- preteens and younger adolescents in particular- they probably have thoughts on it. Youth worker Jonathan McKee of "The Source for Youth Ministry" (Kev note: not Catholic, but great stuff) writes about it and includes some suggested processing questions at his website, www.thesource4ym.com (link directly to Miley story). While you’re there, check out some of his thoughts for acknowledging your graduates, as well.