What is the mission of Catholic Thrive?
Thrive's mission is to bring singles and young adults out of the isolation of modern life and into the family life of the Church.
Young adults, particularly in college and the years following, are leaving the Catholic Church in droves. And singles are now the largest group of adults in America, comprising 60-70 percent of the adults in our cities.
Because this is a very recent phenomenon, most dioceses and parishes have limited resources available for young adult ministry, and even less for singles ministry. Thrive helps those who are doing these ministries on a local level by providing them with resources targeted to their particular needs.
Thrive fosters every element of family life for those who have the greatest need of family life - young married couples and singles of all ages.
Who is Catholic Thrive for?
Catholic Thrive is for anyone over eighteen years old who wants to grow closer to God.
Some of the content focuses on dating and single life, and some focuses on married life or topics more relevant to those in their twenties. But most of the content is much broader. Topics include helping people to overcome adversity, form better relationships with family, friends, and co-workers, develop a richer prayer life, break bonds of sin, and become more fully the men and women we were made to be. Married, single, divorced, separated, Catholic or not. We love you and we welcome you into a deeper relationship with God's family.
What are the key elements of a Catholic Thrive Conference?
- World-renowned speakers answer the question: How can God and the Church make a difference in my life today?
- A wide variety of live music from top Catholic artists.
- Our two-tiered approach provides a spiritual foundation for everyone, and much deeper spirituality for those who desire it.
- Charity, especially service to the poor, hungry and orphaned, is closely interwoven before, during and after the conference.
- A gala dance benefitting "Singles Serving Orphans."
- Ice-breakers, receptions, and pre and post conference opportunities outings foster fellowship.
- Exhibits and invitations from many local ministries with opportunities for ongoing participation after the conference.
Thrive conferences are targeted at a very broad cross-section of Catholics. We bring together committed Catholics and those who have rarely been involved with Church.
How does Catholic Thrive work with local ministries?
Each community is handling young adult and singles ministry differently. Some communities are more active at the diocesan level, some at the parish level, and some have specific ministries, such as Catholic Underground, Source and Summit, Theology on Tap, or Frasatti Fellowship, which are very vibrant. In most cases there is a unique local blending of these offerings. Thrive invests the time to get to know these local ministries and understand their strengths and their needs.
Thrive identifies a group of ministries which are prepared to work together on a conference which will motivate attendees to get involved at the local level over the long term. The marketing for Thrive serves simultaneously to increase awareness of these local groups. Close connections are made between the themes presented at Thrive and the ongoing opportunities for involvement in these local ministries. Some groups plan events or series which begin just after Thrive and specifically develop themes addressed at the conference.
Thrive is not a substitute for local ministries, but a collaboration with and infusion of energy and resources into those ministries.
Who endorses Catholic Thrive and develops its content?
The CatholicThrive.com website features endorsements from many bishops, theologians, young adult ministers and church leaders. The speakers are drawn from the world's most respected authorities on young adult ministry and formation of singles to the fullness of Christian life and vocation. The following are among the friends and advisors of Catholic Thrive, who contribute to its content:
- Fr Tim Hepburn, Director of Evangelization and former Assistant Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
- Fr Pio Maria and Fr Agustino Torres, of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFRs). The CFRs founded the Catholic Underground movement, drawing large numbers of young Catholics to monthly gatherings in an ever-increasing number of cities across America.
- Janice Givens, founder of Young Adult Ministries in Atlanta, and one of the leaders in spreading the Young Adult Ministry movement across America.
- Dan Schreck, Coordinator of Young Adult Outreach for the Archdiocese of New York.
- Fr Luke Sweeney, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of New York.
- Christopher West, world-renowned writer and speaker on the Theology of the Body (TOB), consults with Catholic Thrive on applying TOB to young adults and singles.
- Dr Phillip Mango, beloved speaker and psychologist who worked with Mother Teresa for 12 years.
- Mary Beth Bonacci, author of On a Mission From God, and one of the world's leading speakers to young adults and singles.
- Dave Sloan has appeared on many television and
radio programs including EWTN, and CNN. He been published widely
and been a speaker at numerous national and international conferences
on Theology of the Body.
Who operates Catholic Thrive?
David Nevarez, President
of Catholic Sites, Inc., is founder of Catholic Thrive and founder
of CatholicSingles.com®, the principle sponsor of Catholic Thrive.
David Nevarez has operated CatholicSingles.com, the first online
dating site for Catholics since 1997, and launched a Spanish language
version of the site in 2008.
Catholic Thrive held its first conferences
in 2009, at the Anaheim Marriott and at the
New Yorker Hotel. More conferences are currently
being planned including Atlanta in April
2010.
What resources does CatholicThrive.com provide?
- CDs, DVDs and free, streaming audio and video by Thrive speakers on a wide range of topics.
- Articles from Thrive speakers and other leading authors.
- Nationwide calendar of singles and young adult events. The calendar is organized by regions and anyone can upload information about relevant groups and events.
- "Renewing Young Adult and Singles Ministry," by Dave Sloan -- Includes an eight part curriculum based upon Theology of the Body.
- "God of Desire: 12 Principles for Dating and Courtship," by Dave Sloan -- Based upon Theology of the Body.
How does Catholic Thrive serve the poor and the orphaned?
Those who participate in our service projects for the poor before the conference are able to received discounted attendance to Thrive. At the conference there is an opportunity to work to put together meals and care packages for the poor. There are opportunities to distribute these goods to the poor after the conference.
Catholic Thrive is sponsored by Singles Serving Orphans (SSO). SSO organizes missions to orphanages in Mexico and Jamaica. SSO missions not only serve orphans in profound ways, but also offer an intensive spiritual retreat built around the Theology of the Body. More information about the missions can be found at www.godsfamily.net.
How can I get a Catholic Thrive conference in my city?
Catholic Thrive conferences seek no financial support from and need not be formally sponsored by the local diocese. We do ask for the blessing, advice and ongoing counsel of the bishop, young adult ministry, and vocations office. We prefer that the local bishop commit to attending the conference at some point to confer his blessing and / or to celebrate a Mass. We ask that the diocese promote awareness and support of Catholic Thrive as with any other major diocesan event.
|
