Does the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry offer retreats?
The Diocese of Metuchen used to operate a facility known as the Diocesan Youth Ministry Center. Unfortunately we no longer have that facility nor do we employ a full time retreat master anymore. We encourage parishes to begin by speaking to their parish youth minister regarding their retreat needs.
If a parish is desperate for a solution to their retreat needs they can contact the Office of Youth Ministry for referrals to retreat houses and/or freelance Youth Ministers who can assist with your retreat needs for a fee.
What’s the deal with fingerprinting volunteers?
Anyone working with minors on more than one occasion are required by the Diocesan Policy to be fingerprinted and background checked for criminal activity. Please contact your pastor or Larry Nagle, Diocesan Director of Child and Youth Protection for further details. Larry can be reached at 732-562-2413 or lnagle@diometuchen.org
Click here to view the full policy (PDF file)
Who needs to undergo a criminal background check before helping in the youth group or sports team etc?
Anyone working with minors on more than one occasion are required by the Diocesan Policy to be fingerprinted and background checked for criminal activity. Please contact your pastor or Larry Nagle, Diocesan Director of Child and Youth Protection for further details. Larry can be reached at 732-562-2413 or lnagle@diometuchen.org
Click here to view the full policy (PDF file)
What is the Protecting God’s Children Program and why does the diocese insist all adult volunteers and youth leaders attend this training?
The program known as Protecting God’s Children offers a wealth of powerful knowledge to the adults who attend a session. We do not look at you as the problem behind child sexual abuse. We see every adult as a potential soldier on the line to preventing sexual abuse of children from occurring in our churches and communities. In the interest of our children’s safety we see every one of you as an important part of the solution.
Please contact Larry Nagle or Michael Wojcik at the Diocese of Metuchen for further details or click here.
What’s the story with using those fifteen passenger vans for youth trips?
It is not recommended that you use these top heavy vehicles for youth trips etc. Here is some interesting reading about the risks involved in using fifteen passenger vans:
http://www.vehicle-injuries.com/15-passenger-van-rollovers.htm
Check with Michael Wojcik for details: 732-562-1990 ext 1631
