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Author Archives: Randy Raus
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Important Update from Life Teen President regarding Dale Fushek
I am writing to let you know some news regarding one of Life Teen’s founders. Today, Dale Fushek pled guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge involving inappropriate contact with a young man. The prosecution dropped an allegation that the contact was sexually motivated, meaning Dale Fushek will not be required to register as a sex offender. He was sentenced to a year of probation and a $250 fine by a San Tan Justice of the Peace in Phoenix, Arizona. The admission of guilt was part of a plea deal allowing him to avoid 5 separate trials scheduled to begin April 30, 2010.
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Things That Are Out of Date In Catholic Youth Ministry
Ever wonder if what you are doing is reaching teens? Here is a list of things that I consider to be out of date for Catholic Youth Ministry:
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Learning From 25 Amazing Years of Catholic Youth Ministry – Thank You St. Timothy’s
This Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday) is the 25th Anniversary of the first Life Teen Mass at St. Timothy's Catholic Community in Mesa, Arizona - where Life Teen began. Even for most of the parishoners at St. Tim's the significance of this amazing day may not be fully realized. Imagine if your parish had strong youth ministry for 25 years?
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What Does Archbishop Gomez’s Appointment in LA Require of You?
As Matt Maher and his band hit the chords of our closing song Archbishop Gomez beamed, sort of Pope John Paul II like, when he was in the presence of young people. I remember thinking - Archbishop Gomez loves teens - he truly loves them. As he was leaving that day - he told me to invite him again and shared his desire to serve.
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Why You Shouldn’t “Dumb It Down” For Teens
There are gatekeepers pushing you to dumb it down for the average teen. To make it all about numbers and less about souls. I know we want to reach all teens - but does dumbing it down do this?
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Tapping into the Principle – When a Discipline Becomes a Desire
Ever make a commitment to do something consistently every day? It takes a lot of discipline to do something like this. Maybe you just finished Lent and committed to giving up something for 40 days. Often times when we do this we find that what once was a discipline has now become a desire. It's true what starts off as discipline can often turn into something we want to keep doing. Here are three steps to do this:
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It’s Good Friday – It’s Time To Ask This Question!
Are you Worried that Good Friday won't have the impact you want it to have? Here is one question that you need to ask today that will make a difference.
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Why This Holy Thursday Is Bigger!
I get the sense that this year Holy Thursday is even bigger for us Catholics. It's the year for priests. During his general audience held in St. Peter's Square yesterday the Holy Father explained to the gathered faithful and to all of us the meaning and beauty of the Easter Triduum.
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Finishing Lent Strong – How to “Crush It” All Holy Week Long!
I noticed that my two middle school aged sons had transformed the palm leaves handed to them when entering Mass into "Palm Crosses." I asked why they always make crosses out of the palms on Palm Sunday? The reply was one that got me thinking about Holy Week. They looked at me and said, "Dad, we take the crosses home and put them up on our bedroom wall so we can remember Jesus every day." Ah, the simplicity of the answer reminded me of what Holy Week is supposed to be about--contemplating Jesus and His Passion!
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Photos from Life Teen International Conference in the Netherlands
I just wanted to thank you for all the great ministry you are doing for teens. I am in the Netherlands with the German missionaries, Marlo Dowdy, Greg Boudreaux and Eric Porteous. Yesterday was officially the first day of Spring! All weekend long we talked about Pope John Paul II’s call for a new Evangelization out of this new springtime in the Church. We are feeling this in a powerful way today.
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5 Guaranteed Ways to Never Be Peaceful in Catholic Youth Ministry
If you’re like the majority of Catholic youth minister's out there, you’re a self-doubting bundle of hang ups, determined to believe that your ministry will never be good enough. It’s the life of the angst-ridden, misunderstood youth minister, right? Wait a minute, what’s that? You think you’re pretty good at Catholic youth ministry and actually like some of your accomplishments? Don’t worry, it’s just a blip. With these 5 tips you’ll soon be joining the rest of the Catholic youth ministry community in feeling anxious about your abilities and so-called “gifts.”
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Are You Running Toward or Running Away From Something?
Why do we do what we do? Are our actions based in having a goal and racing toward it, or are we merely responding to a fear or anxiety that is propelling us in a direction that is basically running away from something? The answer to this question is vital for those of us in [...]
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A Catholic Youth Ministry “Gut Check”
At one time or another we all have moments that are gut checks! Gut checks are a test of one's nerve, courage, or determination. In Catholic youth ministry it is good to do a quick "Gut Check" of how we are approaching our role as youth minister.
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Do You Add or Take Away From the Room?
Have you ever been standing in a room and noticed when someone new entered that the dynamic of the room changed? I have see this a lot. Sometimes the atmosphere in the room gets more energized while at other times the air in room seems to have just been let out. Do you know what happens to a room when you enter? Do you add or take away from the energy that is present?
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How Much Time Does It Take to be an Effective Youth Minister?
The most valuable thing you can give to teens is your time. I see a lot of youth leaders excited to serve teens, but get overwhelmed by the amount of time it actually takes to be effective as a youth minister. "The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself, the more energy you will have." - Norman Vincent Peale
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Letter Regarding the Laicization of Dale Fushek
Dear Friends in Ministry, As we enter into this Lenten season I pray this letter finds you well. Thanks for all you do for teens. I am writing to let you know some recent news regarding one of Life Teen’s founders. In 2009, Dale Fushek incurred the censure of excommunication because he chose to be [...]
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A “What Not to Wear” Guide to Lent
What does the show What Not to Wear have to do with Lent? Have I really lost it this time? Not really, take a look and see.
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Are You a Contagious Catholic?
I am one of those enthusiastic converts to Catholicism. It started when I dated a girl who was a “contagious Catholic” in college. After knowing someone who was that “into” her faith, it actually sold me on giving the Catholic Church a try. I just got an Email with a reflection about being bold in [...]
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Happy – It’s Not Just a Yuppie Word