Annual report 2009 2010 pdf

N E T M I N I S T R I E S

Challenging young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church

2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0

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A N N UA L R E P O R T

Page 2ANNUAL REPORT 09-10


board of directors

PRESIDENT:Archbishop John C. Nienstedt, D.D.

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Mr. Mark L. Berchem, M.S.W., M.T.S.

TREASURER: Mr. Jack J. Cozzens

Mr. Gerald D. Brennan, CIMAMr. Gordon C. DeMarais, M.A.T.Mrs. Jan GloudemanMr. Thomas L. Grundhoefer, J.D.Mr. Daniel J. Hagen, CFAMrs. Helen HealyMrs. Patricia HuberMrs. Barbara KochDr. James C. Kolar, D.MIN.Mr. Alan KralingMr. Patrick O. Regan

EPISCOPAL ADVISORY BOARD: Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Ph.D., S.T.D.Archbishop Robert J. Carlson, D.D.Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr, D.D.Bishop Frederick F. Campbell, D.D.Bishop Sam G. Jacobs, D.D.

NET is under the ecclesial vigilance of the Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt, Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. It is governed by a national board of directors, is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has been audited by Lewis, Kisch and Associates, Ltd.

2009-2010 Annual ReportN E T M I N I S T R I E S

Challenging young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church



Dear Friends -

This past August, I was camping with my family in northern Minnesota near the small town of Big Fork, population 469. On Sunday, we attended Mass at the local parish, Our Lady of the Snows (and no, there is no snow in Minnesota in August). After Mass, the parish priest introduced four young adults who came to the parish to provide a week-long program for the Catholic youth of the area. Much to my surprise and delight, one of the four, and the apparent leader of the group, had gone through NET training years ago.

What would compel a small group of young people to travel throughout northern Minnesota to bring the Gospel message to other young people? I believe it is an “evangelistic impulse” awakening during this time of challenge for the Church. What else could explain a small group of people going to the “edge of the wilderness,” to a town in the middle of nowhere to share the Gospel? I was inspired and grateful!

I see this “evangelistic impulse” awakened every year in the lives of the young adults who serve with NET Ministries. As you review our Annual Report you will catch a glimpse of the fruit of that “evangelistic impulse” at work in the 2009-2010 NET teams - but that is only a small part of the story. These dynamic young men and women will continue to serve the Church in countless ways for the rest of their lives.

If you are a regular reader of NETworks, you know of the wonderful fruit that NET is producing in the area of religious vocations. Just this past spring, another two NET alumni were ordained priests, two NET alumni took fi rst vows as religious sisters, and another three joined religious orders. So many more are serving in parishes, big and small, all across the country. The “evangelistic impulse” awakened while serving with NET compels our alumni to continue to look for ways to bring the Gospel alive wherever they fi nd themselves.

w e l cfrom the


o m e executive director

And isn’t that what we so desperately need today? In speaking to the church in Portugal recently, Pope Benedict exhorted the Church to be missionary in focus. To keep our faith to ourselves “would be sure death in terms of the Church’s presence in this world; the Church, for that matter, can only be missionary.” Your prayers and support help to awaken this “evangelistic impulse” in the NET team members who challenge young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church, not only for a year on the road, but for a lifetime. Thank you so much!

With my gratitude,

Mark BerchemFounder and Executive Director


The following is an excerpt from Archbishop Nienstedt’s keynote address at NET’s 2010 Youth Benefi t Banquet.

As we look forward with hope to a new generation of dedicated disciples, oftentimes we are met with discouraging results. How do we fi nd our young people today? What do they believe? What are their values? In what ways are they infl uencing society? Or in what ways is society infl uencing them? This evening, I want to paint a picture for you of the phenomenon that is termed “The Millennial Generation”. These are men and women from the ages of 18-29, who are making the passage into adulthood at the start of a new millennium. They number roughly 50 million Americans, or about one sixth of the population.

Recently, there have been two studies that have evaluated the characteristics and ideologies of the Millennial generation, as compared to their generational predecessors, such as Generation X, the Baby Boomers, and the Greatest, or Silent, generation.

The fi rst study was conducted in 2009 by the Knights of Columbus in partnership with the Marist Institute for Public Opinion. Looking to understand the spirituality of the Millennials as compared to older generations, this study examined the moral values, world views, religious experiences, and social issues that were important to those questioned. The Marist study also diff erentiated between Catholic and non Catholic Millennials.

The second study was conducted by the Pew Research Center in January of this year. Covering everything from political and social values to lifestyles and life priorities, from digital technology and social media habits to economic and educational aspirations, the comprehensive Pew study substantiates many of the fi ndings of the Marist study.

Beyond the well-known fact that this generation strongly supported our current president, the Millennial generation characterizes themselves as confi dent, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat, and open to change. In many ways, this is an accurate description, but in my opinion, that is not totally positive. In their “audacity to hope,” Millennials give us pause to consider what they consider as “change,” “hope”, and “morality”.

In my estimation, the Millennial generation off ers to the Church both a promise and a challenge. Certainly, the challenge is addressing the erroneous opinions and beliefs that a majority of this age group holds. In my opinion, this group has suff ered from two generations of uncatechized Catholic parents and grandparents. The Latin adage “Nemo dat quod non habet” applies: you cannot pass the faith along to others, if you do not have a fi rm grasp of it yourself. In addition, challenges arise in methods of communication; in this digital age, we must confront the realities of cell phone texting, social networking sites, and other rapidly developing technologies.

archbishop’s the

• 82% of Catholic Millennials replied that they did not believe in objective truth.

• Despite the fact that 85% of Catholic Millennials responded that they believe in God, only 25% go to Mass at least once a month.

• 61% of Catholic Millennials say that it is okay for someone of their religion to also practice another religion.

• While 2/3 believe medical testing on animals is morally wrong, 1/3 believe that abortion is morally acceptable or not a moral issue.

• Only 37% of Catholic Millennials believe that same sex “marriage” is morally wrong.

• 65% believe that divorce is morally acceptable.

• Only 20% of Catholic Millennials believe that sex between an unmarried man and woman is morally wrong.

• Despite the obvious disconnect between religion and morals at odds with Church teaching, 2/3 of Catholic Millennials are either very or somewhat interested in learning more about their faith.


But, there is a promise, here too. Both studies showed that Millennials place the importance of parenthood and marriage far above career and fi nancial success. And as I mentioned, a majority of them are eager to learn more about their faith.

My dear friends, there is a message of hope here. The young men and women of the Millennial generation, as well as those growing up in their wake, are in search of the truth. To fulfi ll this hope, we must help lead these young people to the truth. By understanding their brokenness, we reach out to them. We invite them into the loving embrace of the Christian family, introducing them to God as our Father. Through the holy witness of Catholic families, we build upon the strong foundations of our faith, and make the teachings of the Church clear to young people. This is the challenge, for they are our promise.

For twenty-nine years, NET Ministries has been meeting challenges and fulfi lling promises. By responding to the call for a “New Evangelization”, this organization has been challenging young men and women to grow and mature in their faith. Through the Christian witness to a living faith, NET teams strive to make a diff erence through parish retreats and other youth events across the country. This is the work of God made manifest through the young people who decide to become NET missionaries.

In celebrating the Lifeline Masses here at the NET Center, as well as through my participation in NET’s governance

structure, which I am privileged to chair, I fi nd that NET is committed to its mission to challenge young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church. In very real ways, it fulfi lls this mission by:

• Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ through a personal witness of faith;

• Inviting young people to live for Christ;• Forming young people in

Christian character through the study and practice of their faith;

• Equipping youth workers and young adults with the ministry skills needed for evangelization.

I am impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of our NET disciples. I am proud to have their presence in this Archdiocese.

As we look forward to the challenges and promises that the younger generations hold, I encourage us all to remember these words of the Venerable Servant of God Pope John Paul II: “Duc in Altum! Go out into the deep!” (Novo Millennio Inuente)

In this increasingly secular culture, we must go deeper; we must be vigilant in our eff orts to keep our sons and daughters, our nieces and nephews, and our grandchildren close to the Church’s embrace. This is a generation that is searching for truth, so let us put out into the deep water and, to utilize a pun, lower our NETs. (Luke 5:4) It is my hope and prayer that evangelizing initiatives such as NET Ministries will continue to fl ourish in their mission to spread the Gospel, by drawing young adults ever more closely into the heart of the Church.

remarks:millennial generation


among

w or d s fr o m

a host familyThe experience of hosting team members

I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how blessed we were to have the Great Lakes Team visit our teens back in November at Saints Peter and Paul in Ionia, Michigan.

My husband and daughter had the privilege of sharing two nights with all the gentlemen on that team. We were moved by the compassionate, amazing, selfl ess, sharing young men who slept under our roof. We saw the Holy Spirit in action in each and every one of them. During late night talks around our kitchen island, some very personal stories were shared with us.

I have to be honest - I was apprehensive at fi rst to have fi ve young men in my home. All I have ever been is a mother to a female only-child. How would I interact with fi ve young men? After spending two days with them, saying goodbye was like sending my fi ve sons away to college.

I encourage everyone to open their homes and their hearts if they are ever to have an opportunity to house team members. In the end, you will be the one who receives so much more than you could possibly give.

Our daughter just told us tonight that she has decided she wants to travel with NET the year after high school before going off to dental school. We support her decision 110%.

May God bless all of the teams. Send the Great Lakes Team our love. If they ever need anything, we are only a phone call away. They will remain in our hearts forever!

Cyndi, Glenn, and AshleyIonia, Michigan

words of


us

words from

a retreatantReal-life testimony from a high school youth

Dear NET Ministries,

My name is Ella. I am in 8th grade. A few weeks ago, I came back from my fi rst Discipleship Week. It was probably the most amazing experience of my life. Before, my faith was just another thing for me, there only when I needed help on a math test. God wasn’t really important. Mass seemed like another boring pastime, and prayer was like a letter never sent back.

When I walked into the St. Paul NET Center, everyone was friendly, shining with a light I could not understand. I was not sure what to do but the expressions of great joy on every face inspired me.

During Adoration, I felt more at peace then ever I had before. One boy went up to the monstrance and threw out his arms in worship, tears in his eyes. Everyone gathered together, singing and crying with a joy and peace I had never seen. [We were] shining with the

light of the Holy Spirit. For the fi rst time, I was really convinced that Jesus was there for me, and that it doesn’t matter to Him what we’ve done, if we’ve neglected Him, or what we look like.

The time went by with worship I’ve never seen before. Jesus was the only thing on my mind. I have never lost that memory, it being the true best I have ever had. Thank you NET for leading me to faith. I now make it a point to pray everyday. I look forward to Mass on Sundays, and God is now my whole life. I continue to pray for your ministries, and hope to join you one day.

Ella S.

For the fi rst time, I was really convinced that Jesus was there

for me.

“

”

hope


In a community thirsting for radical change in the area of youth ministry, the 2009-2010 NET Parish Team seems to have satiated the hearts and minds of young people in Hastings, MN. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) Parish hosted the team and experienced a renewal within the community of young Catholics embracing their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.

Alongside the new youth minister, Michelle Hess, the SEAS Parish Team implemented weekly programs and social events to enliven the faith of middle school and high school students. The profound witness of Christian living was unmistakable as the team members made themselves available to all by attending community events, school athletic events, performing arts programs, and school lunches.

As the number of active young people escalated, the Parish Team built trusting relationships with hundreds of teens

net’s

a dedicated


and families of the community, inviting them to deeper conversion and active participation in the Sacraments. By the end of the year, the number of committed youth had increased to around 80. The team also made a large impact in the Cannon Falls Deanery working closely with youth of St. Pius V in Cannon Falls and St. Joseph Parish in Miesville.

NET looks forward to continuing the Parish Team relationship begun in Hastings for the next 2 years. The 2010-2011 Team will continue to build on the work of their predecessors with particular emphasis on inviting the community to take ownership of their youth programs - a goal quite reachable as the community begins to embrace and trust the importance of youth ministry and the work of NET Ministries. NET is also exploring the idea of making this three-year project a concept that could be replicated at other parishes in the country that do not currently have active youth ministry.

latest

endeavorscollege

connection

We’ve begun a new initiative to help high school seniors fi nd and keep their Catholic faith when they enter college. College Connection helps students connect with other young Catholic men and women by providing information such as:

• Mass times, directions, and contact information for nearby Catholic churches

• Campus ministry activities• Service opportunities

Through this opt-in service, college freshman can rest assured that they won’t be a stranger when they arrive on campus, as the campus minister will already know their name.

This information is provided through a special program from USA Council of Serra International.

REGISTERwww.collegeconnectionforcatholics.com

parish team


2009-2010

net team members


494494

120120315315

3,2603,260633633

113113

290290

553553

763763

3,8883,888 456456

1,6381,638817817

1,7341,734

212212

953953

499499

2,2752,275

8,2798,279

1,4421,442

1,1541,154

7676

1,2641,264

2,4722,4722,3162,316

296296

2,7822,782

766766

124124

1,5711,571154154

847847

258258

2,5362,536

990990

236236

2,3672,367

708708

total retreatants by state

380380

A traveling team

perspective

In many ways, my year with NET Min-istries was a school of love. This past year, 2009-2010, I served on the road, traveling through 22 states and lead-ing retreats in many of them. I am so glad I said “yes” to the Lord; that I said “yes” to love.

The team pulls from a wide variety of

gifts, talents, and personalities. While some confl ict is inevitable, it also pres-ents a unique opportunity for growth. Will I choose to love, even when it’s hard? Time and time again, my team’s answer was “yes.” This led to the devel-opment of solid brother and sister rela-tionships, and a level of comfortability that made the team feel like family.

The ministry of a traveling team is another opportunity to choose love.

Sometimes it was tough, doing one retreat and moving on. However, for many teens, our retreat was their one opportunity to encounter young peo-ple dynamically engaged in their faith. We can’t limit the Spirit! God did pow-erful things in many hearts in just a few hours. It was such a blessing to serve on NET this year. I am so thankful that God chose my team to do a powerful work of love for Him.

-- Anna Carter


2009-2010 fast facts

9 NET teams fi elded in the US

39 states visited

5 Discipleship Weeks facilitated

8 Lifeline events presented

860 average attendees per Lifeline

97 dioceses served

59,000 young people reached

185,000 miles traveled

880 retreats conducted

operating revenue

A: Retreat Fees 37% B: Development 52%*C: Other Program Fees 3%D: Investments 4%E: Building Rental 6%

*Development consists of sponsorship of team members, major gifts, benefi t events, recurring gifts, and direct mail appeals

C

A

B

D

E

Financial Summary:

Fiscal Year July 2009 - June 2010

operating expenses

A: Ministry to Catholic Youth 79%B: Marketing/Communications 4%C: Fundraising 8%D: Administration 9%

C A

B

D


PREVIEW OF 2010-2011

RETREAT DATES

WE STILL HAVE OPENINGS AVAILABLE!If you are interested in having a NET Team come to your parish, please contact Jenelle at 651.450.6833 x22 or [email protected].

ALABAMAMobile: Jan 13 - 25, 2011

ARKANSASLittle Rock: Feb 6 - 9, 2011

ARIZONATucson: Mar 9 - 22, 2011

CALIFORNIALos Angeles: Mar 10 - Apr 21, 2011Orange: Mar 8 - 29, 2011San Bernardino: Feb 11 - Mar 8, 2011San Diego: Mar 29 - Apr 1, 2011Santa Rosa: Apr 2 - 5, 2011Stockton: Apr 12 - 21, 2011

COLORADODenver: Jan 30 - Feb 10, 2011Sacramento: Mar 1 - 10, 2011

FLORIDAMiami: Mar 4 - 8, 2011Pensacola-Tallahassee: Mar 9 - 15, 2011St. Petersburg: Feb 15 - Mar 1, 2011Venice: Apr 28 - May 2, 2011

GEORGIAAtlanta 1: Feb 11 - 15, 2011Atlanta 2: Mar 15 - 29, 2011Savannah: Apr 15 -18, 2011

ILLINOISBelleville: Sept 26 - Oct 1, 2010Chicago: Mar 8 - 22, 2011Joliet: Oct 1 - Nov 4, 2010Peoria: Nov 4 - 26, 2010Rockford: Oct 7 - 21, 2010

INDIANAGary: December 3 - 13, 2010Indianapolis 1: Nov 17 - 19, 2010Indianapolis 2: Apr 15 - 17, 2011Lafayette: Nov 19 - 23, 2010

IOWADavenport: Nov 26 - Dec 16, 2010Sioux City: Apr 29 - May 1, 2011

KANSASKansas City: Jan 11 - 25, 2011Salina: Oct 6 - 19, 2010Wichita: Jan 26 - Feb 15, 2011

KENTUCKYLexington 1: Dec 10 - 14, 2010 Lexington 2: Apr 14 - 19, 2011Owensboro: Jan 12 - 25, 2011

LOUISIANABaton Rouge: Nov 5 - 16, 2010Lafayette: Jan 25 - Feb 11, 2011New Orleans 1: Nov 16 - 19, 2010New Orleans 2: Apr 3 - 14, 2011

MARYLANDBaltimore: Apr 15 - 17, 2011

MASSACHUSETTSSpringfi eld: Oct 19 - 26, 2011

MICHIGANDetroit 1: Dec 10 - 15, 2010 Detroit 2: Jan 27 - Feb 9, 2011Gaylord: Sept 26 - Oct 5, 2010Grand Rapids: Nov 26 - Dec 15, 2010Kalamazoo: Apr 29 - May 7, 2011Marquette: Apr 25 - 26, 2011

MINNESOTACrookston: Nov 3 - 23, 2010 Duluth: Oct 7 - 19, 2010New Ulm: Oct 21 - Nov 4, 2010St. Cloud: Nov 23 - Dec 16, 2010St. Paul-Mpls 1: Sept 25 - Dec 16, 2010St. Paul-Mpls 2: Jan 11 - May 8, 2011Winona: Nov 9 - 24, 2010

MISSOURIJeff erson City: Feb 15 - Mar 8, 2011Kansas City-St. Joseph: Jan 11 - 27, 2011Springfield-Cape Girardeau: Dec 2 - 7, 2010

NEBRASKAGrand Island: Jan 27 - 30, 2011

NEVADALas Vegas 1: Feb 2 - 18, 2011Las Vegas 2: Apr 7-12, 2011 Reno: Feb 24 - Mar 1, 2011

NEW HAMPSHIREManchester: Oct 26 - Nov 23, 2010

NEW JERSEYMetuchen: Apr 19 - 21, 2011Newark: May 3 - 6, 2011Paterson: Feb 18 - Mar 15, 2011Trenton: Mar 15 - 31, 2011

NORTH CAROLINACharlotte: Oct 22 - 26, 2010

NORTH DAKOTABismarck: Nov 4 - 23, 2010Fargo: Sept 25 - Oct 7, 2010

OHIOCincinnati: Mar 3 - 25, 2011 Columbus 1: Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2010 Columbus 2: Apr 5 - 14, 2011Toledo: Sept 26 - Oct 30, 2010

OKLAHOMAOklahoma City: Feb 9 - 22, 2011

OREGONPortland: Jan 20 - Feb 1, 2011

PENNSYLVANIAAllentown: Feb 14 - 18, 2011Erie: Jan 12 - 27, 2011Greensburg: Nov 28 - Dec 7, 2010Harrisburg: Nov 23 - Dec 14, 2010Pittsburgh: Mar 25 - Apr 5, 2011

RHODE ISLANDProvidence: Apr 5 - 12, 2011

SOUTH DAKOTARapid City 1: Sept 26 - Oct 5, 2010 Rapid City 2: Jan 12 - 18, 2011Sioux Falls: Dec 14 - 16, 2010

TENNESSEEMemphis: Mar 29 - Apr 3, 2011

TEXASDallas: Mar 24 - Apr 5, 2011Galveston-Houston: Jan 13 - Feb 3, 2011Lubbock: Oct 20 - Nov 4, 2010Victoria: Feb 23 - Mar 8, 2011

VIRGINIAArlington: Mar 31 - Apr 5, 2011Richmond 1: Oct 26 - Nov 16, 2011Richmond 2: Mar 23 - Apr 12, 2011

WASHINGTONSeattle: Apr 6 - 19, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. D.C. 1: Sept 27 - Oct 19, 2010D.C. 2: May 3 - 6, 2011

WEST VIRGINIAWheeling-Charleston 1: Oct 6 - 22, 2010Wheeling-Charleston 2: Feb 9 - 14, 2011

WISCONSINLa Crosse: Oct 19 - Nov 9, 2010Milwaukee: Jan 25 - Mar 3, 2011Superior: Sept 25 - Oct 7, 2010

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PAIDSt. Paul, MN

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110 Crusader Avenue WestWest St. Paul, MN 55118-4427

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congratulations to the following NET Alumni

who have recently entered into religious life:

Father Ed Bresnahan (NET 03-04)

Sr. Veronica Marie (Katie) Buckmaster (NET 02-04)

Sr. Cecilia Rose (Julie) Carleton (NET 02-03, Staff 03-09)

Sr. Sarah Kalonick (NET 06-07, Staff 07-09)

Father Michael “Mick” Kelly (NET 00-01)

Emily Malay (NET 02-03)

Deacon Christopher Ortega (NET 01-03)

Sr. Maria Caeli (Jamie) Parmeter (NET 02-03)

Rose Pearson (NET 05-06)

Sr. Susan Spiegelberg (NET 02-03, Staff 03-09)

Sr. Cora Marie (Kathy) Webb (NET 05-06, Staff 06-08)

Documents

Annual report 2009 2010 pdf