For the past two days, over 150 pastoral leaders from throughout the 8 counties of Western New York have been gathered at Christ the King Seminary for the Millennial Milestones Conference.  The event is the kick off for a long-term, grant-funded project to enhance young adult ministry in the diocese.  We enjoyed three national speakers who helped us lay a foundation of good theology and pastoral ministry which will guide our efforts.  We ended by discussing five key Millennial Milestones and encouraging parishes to choose one area in which to focus their efforts.  

It was exciting to see and feel the energy in the room.  I heard lots of positive comments and was able to talk with some parish leaders about their plans.  Some are very excited to begin working on post-confirmation efforts with younger young adults. Other groups are interested in creating some ministry outreach to newly married couples to help them as they begin life as a couple.  And others are enthused about piloting initiatives for young families - ways to follow through on the experience of infant baptism.  It will be exciting to see which milestones parishes choose to focus on in their upcoming work.