Tahoe Task Force Meeting, August 24, 2006

"At Tahoe I feel the Spirit of my faith that I don't feel in my parish"

Youth from the Intersection

Summary
The Tahoe Experience is of such value to the faith life of the young people who attend, that it must be supported for the long term by the DSJ Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministries .


Challenges:
Ø At Tahoe I feel the Spirit of my faith that I don't feel in my parish

Ø Most youths in the DSJ are priced out of the experience

Ø Scholarships need to be made available in a way that is sensitive to the families in need

Ø Does not reflect the various ethnic groups in the DSJ-culture and parental discomfort is a factor

Ø Tahoe is far to travel, especially for clergy and other lay ecclesial ministers who could otherwise become advocates of youth and the experience

Ø Disconnect between the experience and parish life-no follow-up or mystagogy for youth back home

Ø Language of the retreat is primarily focused on a generic "Jesus-me" spirituality and needs to move toward the language of the Church which is focused on the Risen Christ in the community (catechesis) Weak with regard to Catholic Social Teaching

Ø No accountability to ensure that workshops, liturgies, reflect the pastoral theology of the DSJ Office of Youth and Young Adults

Ø Direct Service aspect of the retreat is out of line with the primary function of the Office of Youth and Young Adults

Ø Time of year is getting more difficult for the summer

Ø Expenses are increasing faster than the ability to increase the price

Ø Participant numbers need to be solidified 90 days in advance to make budget

Ø Present structure is unsustainable leading to possible burn out


Values:
Ø At Tahoe I feel the Spirit of my faith that I don't feel in my parish

Ø Young people experience acceptance and community from their peers and staff

Ø Liturgies are energizing and engaging

Ø Music energizes the youth

Ø Friendships begin and continue long afterward

Ø Reconciliation is a deeply relevant experience

Ø Community

Ø Evangelization

Ø Young Adults are role models that the youths want to emulate

Ø Great mix between, evangelization, fun and activities

Ø Workshops engage youth and set the stage to go deeper into their experience.

Ø Reaches out to teens where they are at

Ø Directors and staff understand where kids are at

Ø Most components of comprehensive YM can be found at Tahoe to some extent


Consensus on the following:
A Tahoe Board comprised of experts in their field who are Keepers of the Vision with the Associate for Youth and Young Adults and who will provide the following:

Long term planning toward solutions to the challenges such as:

1. Fiscal accountability
2. Rising costs
3. Representation of all ethnicities
4. Pastoral theology that reflects the office of youth and young adults and the pastoral plan of the DSJ
5. Understanding of comprehensive youth ministry location
6. Time of year change
7. Support and connection to parishes


This board, because of their expertise, is available to the Tahoe Directors for consultation* in the various ministries that comprise the Tahoe experience. For example, a liturgist for liturgies, an accountant for budget concerns, a priest who can advocate this experience to the body of presbyters, a catechist who can be consulted regarding catechetical processes, etc. The board does not supervise the Tahoe Directors, but their work needs to be reviewed by these experts for theological and liturgical correctness, and for possible suggestions/recommendations.


The Tahoe Directors Implement the Vision

Next meeting: Early September to flesh out and clarify with Associate definitions and distinction between the Board and the Directors