Popple: 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).

St. Matthias Parish in Crown Point, Indiana 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.

THANKS! to anyone who made a generous donation to the Sojourner Truth House as part of our TAPT collection! They are always in need of these items for their ministry: Deodorant, Pads, Toothpaste, Shampoo, Toilet Paper, Diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5, 6). Youth programs, consider a supply drive for STH as a service project. Contact Sister Loretta Schleper at 219-885-2282 or visit sojournertruthhouse.com .

Suicide Intervention Training: A recent survey indicated that nearly 1 in 4 high school students have thought seriously about attempting suicide. Teen suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young adults and adolescents 15 to 24, following unintentional injuries and homicide. Chances are good someone in your family or ministry has been affected by suicide, or thoughts of suicide.

In 2005, Britta Neinast, a member of St. Paul (Valparaiso), lost her father to suicide. As a result, she has worked hard to bring suicide awareness and prevention to the community. Britta became a certified Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) trainer. On October 4 and 5, she will be bring these valuable tools to Porter County. The workshop is designed to train anyone, not just mental health professionals or counselors, although they are certainly welcome. A person at risk is surrounded by friends, family, teachers, and co-workers long before a counselor's help. ASIST is an effort to save lives.

For more information on ASIST training, CLICK HERE. If you'd like to contact Britta to talk about issues surrounding suicide and about ways to make suicide intervention a part of your ministry, email her at BENeinast AT aol. com.

Wanted: New DYC reps! Attention Youth Ministry Leaders: Any time is a good time to add Diocesan Youth Council reps if you have not done so already. While it is completely up to you to designate your reps and their terms, and reps can be added at any time, right after CYX and the start of the new academic year provides the best chance for new reps to come aboard. Each parish is allowed up to two HS-aged reps. You may utilize the Info Sheet on the DYC webpage as an application, but all I really need to add them is your okay and their contact information. I will mail them and their parents a welcome packet. Reps should have a general understanding of the roles and responsibilities. Check out the Bylaws, FAQ, and Dates links at the DYC webpage. ~Kev

Youth Ministry Formation...

Ever dreamed of being a Notre Dame student? Now you can for less than $75...and receive ongoing formation in youth ministry! The Satellite Theological Education Program at Notre Dame (STEP-ND) offers two online courses on Catholic youth ministry for a very reasonable cost. Youth Ministry 101 & Youth Ministry 201* :. Visit STEP-ND to register or learn more.
* - recommended for Diocese of Gary YMU graduates

Contemporary Catholic Christian praise & worship band Inspired is looking for gigs! If you're looking to enliven your youth ministry retreat, gathering, prayer service, etc., consider inviting Inspired. This band, which ministers at St. John the Evangelist Church (St. John), has been together for over 10 years, singing, praying, and praising! Ron Foltman, a singer/songwriter/arranger, fronts the band and serves on lead vocal and lead acoustic guitar. Inspired has performed its ministry at various events, including CYX '04 '05, & '06, Source & Summit retreats and Grasta De!. For more information, contact Ron (email , 219-365-9490).