CYX Registration is now OPEN / Date Change: The doors are now unlocked and we are open for business! Group leaders, you may begin registering your groups by visiting catholicyouthx.com and clicking the "Register" link. You do not have to register everyone all at once. Once you establish an account you can go back and add others later. Remember however to read the cancellation policy carefully before you sign up a teen that may cancel on you! Registration remains open through June 13. Please note that the date for the Mandatory Adult CYX Prep Meeting for Adult Leaders has been moved to JUNE 29, 4pm at St. Teresa, NOT the 15th as previously indicated.

20th TAPT Reunion- HELP! 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 estimate that nearly 2,000 or so teens and leaders have participated in TAPT in the last 20 years and we're reaching out to as many people we can find, so please help spread the word! We mailed a promotional postcard to the addresses we had on file from 2001-2008, but still leaves 13 years of TAPTsters. If you know someone who went to TAPT, let 'em know! 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 online no later than May 26. For info, and to RSVP online, visit www.garytapt.com .

Safe Environment for Youth: It's been a while since I've badgered…er…reminded you about this one! You know about VIRTUS, the diocesan-mandated Safe Environment training for adults working with youth. But did you know all youth programs are also mandated by our diocesan policy to provide safe environment training "in the prevention, recognition and reporting of child abuse" for youth annually? You should collaborate with your parish's DRE and/or school principal to develop lessons/sessions for adolescents. If you are searching for a resource developed just for middle and/or high schoolers, I recommend Creating Safe and Sacred Places from St. Mary's Press, which is less than $25. Unlike other resources that are written primarily for adults working with youth, this one includes easy-to-follow sessions for youth.

Award nominations due soon! Each summer at CYX, we award the Breath of the Spirit Award. This award acknowledges youth who go above and beyond to fulfill their baptismal call, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through them to build the Kingdom of God. Know someone who qualifies? Nominate him/her (incoming freshmen through outgoing senior, ideally planning to attend CYX) before June 1st. Winner will be notified and will receive a complimentary registration to attend CYX.

CRS youth job opening: Laura Johnson, the Program & Advocacy Officer for youth programs for the Catholic Relief Services Midwest regional office, is stepping down from her post to take a job in Ethiopia! How exciting it must be for her, and it leaves open a great opportunity for someone in the Chicago area, too! She let me know today that two positions, at least one of which involves youth work, will be filled. Interested candidates should forward their resume to: Madeleine Philbin, Midwest Regional Director; Catholic Relief Services; 770 North Halsted; Chicago, Il 60622. Email: mphilbinATcrs.org Fax: 312-733-5138. Office is located in River North area, off the Kennedy Exp.

Souper Bowl seeks youth leaders: Souper Bowl of Caring seeks outstanding young individuals to be valuable members of the '08-'09 National Youth Advisory Board! Applications are now being accepted. Members will be youth Ambassadors and help expand Souper Bowl in their communities, serve as contacts and representatives for the media, provide youthful perspectives and creative approaches for the organization, and receive valuable opportunities for leadership, training, decision-making and travel. Encourage student leaders in your community to apply. Check out the SBC National Youth Advisory Board website for more information and to download and share the NYAB application! www.souperbowl.org/nyab . Application due May 30.