E.P.I.C. 2018: Empowering Young People in Christ!

Join us July 23-27, 2018 at St. Joseph's College campus in Standish, Maine.

This summer program is a week-long institute for high school teens going into their Sophomore, Junior or Senior years, as well as those newly graduated from high school, accompanied by their local adult youth ministry leaders.

Based on 1 Timothy 4:12, this time of formation looks to support the on-going development of faith skills in order to live as a disciple of Jesus and to share his Good News with others through personal witness, invitation and leadership. With a strong focus on preparing the parish groups of young disciples and their adult youth ministers, who will learn and grow together, this week-long experience will ready them to deepen their commitment to full and active participation, and leadership in the parish.

It is a jam-packed week focused on discipleship and evangelization, with a strong focus on equipping young people with the skills to be disciples-in-action building up the Kingdom as engaged members of their local parish communities. The week is filled with a good balance of social, prayer, learning, skill-building, sharing, and outdoor time.

Registration takes place through the parish youth ministry coordinator or designee.

PLEASE READ THROUGH THE FAQs BELOW...

What does the program look like this year?

With the goal of strengthening and enlivening youth ministry at the parish level, the program is meant to empower young people and their adult youth ministers to further develop the skills needed to be able to strengthen their discipleship in the Lord through their witness, invitation to others, and their leadership.

The program offers principle-centered leadership skills which are values based. The week will be lead by two professional trainers for youth ministry from the Center for Ministry Development.

Some learning sessions include:

Being a Proactive Person: How to Take Responsibility for Your Life

Building Communication Skills

Becoming a "Change Maker:" Identifying my Gifts, Recognizing the Needs, and Discerning my Call

Following Jesus: Our Model for Leadership through the use of Lectio Divina

Win-Win Negotiations

Future Visioning and Planning for Youth Ministry in your Parish

Developing a Personal Mission Statement

And, each evening includes a planning session for small groups to create and lead our prayer times during the week (with some training and guidance).

If 20 or more youth participants from 2017 registrer, there will be a 2nd Year Track for returning participants to expand the skills learned last year and develop few new ones for more effective local and regional leadership.

What is the role of adult participants on the week?

The adult participant is not solely a "chaperone" role. All adults are expected to accompany their youth and to participate fully in the week, for their own formation and team building, in order to advocate for and work with the youth leaders at home in the parish. No more than one adult for every 7 youth, per gender (i.e., if you have 4 female youth and 2 male youth, a female adult and a male adult will be needed). You may cooperate with other parishes to provide the needed gender balance of adult companions.

What can I bring into the event?

Comfortable summer clothing: no short-shorts or spaghetti strap tops, please.

An appropriate swimsuit and beach towel.

Sneakers and sandals.

All bedding and towels.

A pillow for your bed.

Toiletries: shampoo, soap, deoderant.

A hairdryer, if needed.

A cushion or low beach chair to sit in, during small group times, if needed.

A notebook and a pen.

Your Bible.

SUNSCREEN!

A fan for the room (temps can get up there!)

All social media and phone calls will be quite limited.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please send all inquiries to Lori Dahlhoff at olff@portlanddiocese.org.

What's the refund policy?

Refunds and transfers may be made before noon Tuesday, July 10, 2018. You can make these deletions and additions via your group registration on Eventbrite. No updates or changes will be accepted via email or over the phone.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes, but only up until the deadline of noon July 10, 2018. Thereafter, refunds and transfers are no longer available. This is because, per the contract with the college, the diocese will be responsible for all costs associated with the final numbers given on July 10th.

Is my registration fee and spot transferrable?

Yes, but only up until the deadline of noon July 10, 2018. Thereafter, refunds and transfers are no longer available. This is because, per the contract with the college, the diocese will be responsible for all costs associated with the final numbers given on July 10th.