2. NET MINISTRIES
A N N UA L
REPORT
2009-2010
Challenging young Catholics to love Christ and embrace the life of the Church
w w w. n e t u s a . o r g

3. NET MINISTRIES
2009-2010 Annual Report
Challenging young Catholics to
love Christ and embrace the life board of directors
of the Church
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, CIMA
Mr. Gordon C. DeMarais, M.A.T.
Mrs. Jan Gloudeman
Mr. Thomas L. Grundhoefer, J.D.
Mr. Daniel J. Hagen, CFA
Mrs. Helen Healy
Mrs. Patricia Huber
Mrs. Barbara Koch
Dr. James C. Kolar, D.MIN.
Mr. Alan Kraling
Mr. 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.
NET MINISTRIES
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4. Page 3
ANNUAL REPORT 09-10

5. welc
from the
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 first 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 find themselves.
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6. ome
e xecutive 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 Berchem
Founder and Executive Director
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ANNUAL REPORT 09-10

7. archbishop’s
the
The following is an excerpt from The second study was conducted by
Archbishop Nienstedt’s keynote address the Pew Research Center in January
at NET’s 2010 Youth Benefit Banquet. of this year. Covering everything
from political and social values to
As we look forward with hope to lifestyles and life priorities, from
a new generation of dedicated digital technology and social media
disciples, oftentimes we are met with habits to economic and educational
discouraging results. How do we find aspirations, the comprehensive Pew
our young people today? What do they study substantiates many of the
believe? What are their values? In what findings of the Marist study.
ways are they influencing society? Or in
what ways is society influencing them? Beyond the well-known fact that
This evening, I want to paint a picture this generation strongly supported
• 82% of Catholic Millennials replied for you of the phenomenon that is our current president, the Millennial
that they did not believe in termed “The Millennial Generation”. generation characterizes themselves as
objective truth. These are men and women from the confident, self-expressive, liberal, upbeat,
• Despite the fact that 85% of ages of 18-29, who are making the and open to change. In many ways, this
Catholic Millennials responded passage into adulthood at the start is an accurate description, but in my
that they believe in God, only 25% of a new millennium. They number opinion, that is not totally positive. In
go to Mass at least once a month. roughly 50 million Americans, or about their “audacity to hope,” Millennials give
• 61% of Catholic Millennials say one sixth of the population. us pause to consider what they consider
that it is okay for someone of their as “change,” “hope”, and “morality”.
religion to also practice another Recently, there have been two studies
religion. that have evaluated the characteristics In my estimation, the Millennial
• While 2/3 believe medical testing and ideologies of the Millennial generation offers to the Church both a
on animals is morally wrong, 1/3 generation, as compared to their promise and a challenge. Certainly, the
believe that abortion is morally generational predecessors, such as challenge is addressing the erroneous
acceptable or not a moral issue. Generation X, the Baby Boomers, and opinions and beliefs that a majority of
• Only 37% of Catholic Millennials the Greatest, or Silent, generation. this age group holds. In my opinion,
believe that same sex “marriage” is this group has suffered from two
morally wrong. The first study was conducted in generations of uncatechized Catholic
• 65% believe that divorce is morally 2009 by the Knights of Columbus in parents and grandparents. The Latin
acceptable. partnership with the Marist Institute for adage “Nemo dat quod non habet”
• Only 20% of Catholic Millennials Public Opinion. Looking to understand applies: you cannot pass the faith along
believe that sex between an the spirituality of the Millennials as to others, if you do not have a firm grasp
unmarried man and woman is compared to older generations, this of it yourself. In addition, challenges
morally wrong. study examined the moral values, arise in methods of communication; in
• Despite the obvious disconnect world views, religious experiences, this digital age, we must confront the
between religion and morals at and social issues that were important realities of cell phone texting, social
odds with Church teaching, 2/3 of to those questioned. The Marist study networking sites, and other rapidly
Catholic Millennials are either very also differentiated between Catholic developing technologies.
or somewhat interested in learning and non Catholic Millennials.
more about their faith.
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8. remarks:
m i l l enn i al g ener ation
But, there is a promise, here too. Both structure, which I am privileged to chair, I
studies showed that Millennials place the find that NET is committed to its mission
importance of parenthood and marriage to challenge young Catholics to love
far above career and financial success. Christ and embrace the life of the Church.
And as I mentioned, a majority of them In very real ways, it fulfills this mission by:
are eager to learn more about their faith.
• Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ
My dear friends, there is a message of through a personal witness of faith;
hope here. The young men and women • Inviting young people to live for Christ;
of the Millennial generation, as well as • Forming young people in
those growing up in their wake, are in Christian character through the
search of the truth. To fulfill this hope, study and practice of their faith;
we must help lead these young people • Equipping youth workers and
to the truth. By understanding their young adults with the ministry
brokenness, we reach out to them. We skills needed for evangelization.
invite them into the loving embrace of
the Christian family, introducing them I am impressed with the enthusiasm and
to God as our Father. Through the holy dedication of our NET disciples. I am proud
witness of Catholic families, we build to have their presence in this Archdiocese.
upon the strong foundations of our
faith, and make the teachings of the As we look forward to the challenges and
Church clear to young people. This is promises that the younger generations
the challenge, for they are our promise. hold, I encourage us all to remember these
words of the Venerable Servant of God
For twenty-nine years, NET Ministries Pope John Paul II: “Duc in Altum! Go out
has been meeting challenges and into the deep!”(Novo Millennio Inuente)
fulfilling promises. By responding to
the call for a “New Evangelization”, this In this increasingly secular culture, we
organization has been challenging must go deeper; we must be vigilant
young men and women to grow and in our efforts to keep our sons and
mature in their faith. Through the daughters, our nieces and nephews,
Christian witness to a living faith, and our grandchildren close to the
NET teams strive to make a difference Church’s embrace. This is a generation
through parish retreats and other that is searching for truth, so let us put
youth events across the country. This out into the deep water and, to utilize
is the work of God made manifest a pun, lower our NETs. (Luke 5:4) It is
through the young people who my hope and prayer that evangelizing
decide to become NET missionaries. initiatives such as NET Ministries will
continue to flourish in their mission to
In celebrating the Lifeline Masses here spread the Gospel, by drawing young
at the NET Center, as well as through adults ever more closely into the heart
my participation in NET’s governance of the Church.
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9. w or d s of
a mong
words from
a host family
The experience of hosting team members
I just wanted to take a moment to tell
you how blessed we were to have the I encourage everyone to open their
Great Lakes Team visit our teens back homes and their hearts if they are ever
in November at Saints Peter and Paul in to have an opportunity to house team
Ionia, Michigan. members. In the end, you will be the
one who receives so much more than
My husband and daughter had the you could possibly give.
privilege of sharing two nights with
all the gentlemen on that team. We Our daughter just told us tonight that
were moved by the compassionate, she has decided she wants to travel
amazing, selfless, sharing young men with NET the year after high school
who slept under our roof. We saw the before going off to dental school. We
Holy Spirit in action in each and every support her decision 110%.
one of them. During late night talks
around our kitchen island, some very May God bless all of the teams. Send
personal stories were shared with us. the Great Lakes Team our love. If they
ever need anything, we are only a
I have to be honest - I was apprehensive phone call away. They will remain in our
at first to have five young men in my hearts forever!
home. All I have ever been is a mother
to a female only-child. How would I Cyndi, Glenn, and Ashley
interact with five young men? After Ionia, Michigan
spending two days with them, saying
goodbye was like sending my five sons
away to college.
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10. hop e
us
words from
a retreatant
Real-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 light of the Holy Spirit. For the first time,
first Discipleship Week. It was probably I was really convinced that Jesus was
the most amazing experience of my there for me, and that it doesn’t matter
life. Before, my faith was just another to Him what we’ve done, if we’ve
“
thing for me, there only when I needed neglected Him, or what we look like.
help on a math test. God wasn’t really
important. Mass seemed like another The time went by with worship I’ve
For the first time,
boring pastime, and prayer was like a
letter never sent back.
never seen before. Jesus was the only I was really convinced
thing on my mind. I have never lost that
When I walked into the St. Paul NET
memory, it being the true best I have that Jesus was there
”
ever had. Thank you NET for leading me
Center, everyone was friendly, shining to faith. I now make it a point to pray for me.
with a light I could not understand. I was everyday. I look forward to Mass on
not sure what to do but the expressions Sundays, and God is now my whole life.
of great joy on every face inspired me. I continue to pray for your ministries,
and hope to join you one day.
During Adoration, I felt more at peace Ella S.
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
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ANNUAL REPORT 09-10

11. n et ’s
a dedicated
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
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12. l at e s t
ende av ors
college
connection
We’ve begun a new initiative to help high
school seniors find 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
parish team their name.
and families of the community, inviting them to deeper This information is provided through a
conversion and active participation in the Sacraments. By special program from USA Council of Serra
the end of the year, the number of committed youth had International.
increased to around 80. The team also made a large impact
in the Cannon Falls Deanery working closely with youth of REGISTER
St. Pius V in Cannon Falls and St. Joseph Parish in Miesville. www.collegeconnectionforcatholics.com
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.
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ANNUAL REPORT 09-10

13. 2 00 9-2010
n et t ea m m embers
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ANNUAL REPORT 09-10

14. total retreatan t s by s tat e
236
1,264 499
1,154
124
8,279
258 2,367 296 212
2,275 154
763 1,571 113
2,316 76 2,782
3,888 456 2,472
633 708
3,260 1,638 1,442 990 953
817
380
315 766 120 847
553
494
2,536
1,734
290
A traveling tea m gifts, talents, and personalities. While Sometimes it was tough, doing one
some conflict is inevitable, it also pres- retreat and moving on. However, for
perspective ents a unique opportunity for growth. many teens, our retreat was their one
In many ways, my year with NET Min- Will I choose to love, even when it’s opportunity to encounter young peo-
istries was a school of love. This past hard? Time and time again, my team’s ple dynamically engaged in their faith.
year, 2009-2010, I served on the road, answer was “yes.” This led to the devel- We can’t limit the Spirit! God did pow-
traveling through 22 states and lead- opment of solid brother and sister rela- erful things in many hearts in just a few
ing retreats in many of them. I am so tionships, and a level of comfortability hours. It was such a blessing to serve
glad I said “yes” to the Lord; that I said that made the team feel like family. on NET this year. I am so thankful that
“yes” to love. God chose my team to do a powerful
The ministry of a traveling team is work of love for Him.
The team pulls from a wide variety of another opportunity to choose love.
-- Anna Carter
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15. Financial Summary:
Fiscal Year July 2009 - June 2010
operating revenue
2009-2010 fast facts A A: Retreat Fees 37%
E B: Development 52%*
9 NET teams fielded in the US D C: Other Program Fees 3%
D: Investments 4%
C E: Building Rental 6%
39 states visited
*Development consists of sponsorship of team
5 Discipleship Weeks facilitated B members, major gifts, benefit events, recurring
gifts, and direct mail appeals
8 Lifeline events presented
860 average attendees per Lifeline
97 dioceses served
59,000 young people reached
operating expenses
185,000 miles traveled
880 retreats conducted
A: Ministry to Catholic Youth 79%
B: Marketing/Communications 4% D
C: Fundraising 8%
D: Administration 9% A
C
B
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ANNUAL REPORT 09-10

16. P R E V I E W OF 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1
RETR EAT D ATES
ALABAMA KANSAS NEVADA RHODE ISLAND
Mobile: Jan 13 - 25, 2011 Kansas City: Jan 11 - 25, 2011 Las Vegas 1: Feb 2 - 18, 2011 Providence: Apr 5 - 12, 2011
Salina: Oct 6 - 19, 2010 Las Vegas 2: Apr 7-12, 2011
ARKANSAS Wichita: Jan 26 - Feb 15, 2011 Reno: Feb 24 - Mar 1, 2011 SOUTH DAKOTA
Little Rock: Feb 6 - 9, 2011 Rapid City 1: Sept 26 - Oct 5, 2010
KENTUCKY NEW HAMPSHIRE Rapid City 2: Jan 12 - 18, 2011
ARIZONA Lexington 1: Dec 10 - 14, 2010 Manchester: Oct 26 - Nov 23, 2010 Sioux Falls: Dec 14 - 16, 2010
Tucson: Mar 9 - 22, 2011 Lexington 2: Apr 14 - 19, 2011
Owensboro: Jan 12 - 25, 2011 NEW JERSEY TENNESSEE
CALIFORNIA Metuchen: Apr 19 - 21, 2011 Memphis: Mar 29 - Apr 3, 2011
Los Angeles: Mar 10 - Apr 21, 2011 LOUISIANA Newark: May 3 - 6, 2011
Orange: Mar 8 - 29, 2011 Baton Rouge: Nov 5 - 16, 2010 Paterson: Feb 18 - Mar 15, 2011 TEXAS
San Bernardino: Feb 11 - Mar 8, 2011 Lafayette: Jan 25 - Feb 11, 2011 Trenton: Mar 15 - 31, 2011 Dallas: Mar 24 - Apr 5, 2011
San Diego: Mar 29 - Apr 1, 2011 New Orleans 1: Nov 16 - 19, 2010 Galveston-Houston: Jan 13 - Feb 3, 2011
Santa Rosa: Apr 2 - 5, 2011 New Orleans 2: Apr 3 - 14, 2011 NORTH CAROLINA Lubbock: Oct 20 - Nov 4, 2010
Stockton: Apr 12 - 21, 2011 Charlotte: Oct 22 - 26, 2010 Victoria: Feb 23 - Mar 8, 2011
MARYLAND
COLORADO Baltimore: Apr 15 - 17, 2011 NORTH DAKOTA VIRGINIA
Denver: Jan 30 - Feb 10, 2011 Bismarck: Nov 4 - 23, 2010 Arlington: Mar 31 - Apr 5, 2011
Sacramento: Mar 1 - 10, 2011 MASSACHUSETTS Fargo: Sept 25 - Oct 7, 2010 Richmond 1: Oct 26 - Nov 16, 2011
Springfield: Oct 19 - 26, 2011 Richmond 2: Mar 23 - Apr 12, 2011
FLORIDA OHIO
Miami: Mar 4 - 8, 2011 MICHIGAN Cincinnati: Mar 3 - 25, 2011 WASHINGTON
Pensacola-Tallahassee: Mar 9 - 15, 2011 Detroit 1: Dec 10 - 15, 2010 Columbus 1: Oct 30 - Nov 1, 2010 Seattle: Apr 6 - 19, 2011
St. Petersburg: Feb 15 - Mar 1, 2011 Detroit 2: Jan 27 - Feb 9, 2011 Columbus 2: Apr 5 - 14, 2011
Venice: Apr 28 - May 2, 2011 Gaylord: Sept 26 - Oct 5, 2010 Toledo: Sept 26 - Oct 30, 2010 WASHINGTON, D.C.
Grand Rapids: Nov 26 - Dec 15, 2010 D.C. 1: Sept 27 - Oct 19, 2010
GEORGIA Kalamazoo: Apr 29 - May 7, 2011 OKLAHOMA D.C. 2: May 3 - 6, 2011
Atlanta 1: Feb 11 - 15, 2011 Marquette: Apr 25 - 26, 2011 Oklahoma City: Feb 9 - 22, 2011
Atlanta 2: Mar 15 - 29, 2011 WEST VIRGINIA
Savannah: Apr 15 -18, 2011 MINNESOTA OREGON Wheeling-Charleston 1: Oct 6 - 22, 2010
Crookston: Nov 3 - 23, 2010 Portland: Jan 20 - Feb 1, 2011 Wheeling-Charleston 2: Feb 9 - 14, 2011
ILLINOIS Duluth: Oct 7 - 19, 2010
Belleville: Sept 26 - Oct 1, 2010 New Ulm: Oct 21 - Nov 4, 2010 PENNSYLVANIA WISCONSIN
Chicago: Mar 8 - 22, 2011 St. Cloud: Nov 23 - Dec 16, 2010 Allentown: Feb 14 - 18, 2011 La Crosse: Oct 19 - Nov 9, 2010
Joliet: Oct 1 - Nov 4, 2010 St. Paul-Mpls 1: Sept 25 - Dec 16, 2010 Erie: Jan 12 - 27, 2011 Milwaukee: Jan 25 - Mar 3, 2011
Peoria: Nov 4 - 26, 2010 St. Paul-Mpls 2: Jan 11 - May 8, 2011 Greensburg: Nov 28 - Dec 7, 2010 Superior: Sept 25 - Oct 7, 2010
Rockford: Oct 7 - 21, 2010 Winona: Nov 9 - 24, 2010 Harrisburg: Nov 23 - Dec 14, 2010
Pittsburgh: Mar 25 - Apr 5, 2011
INDIANA MISSOURI
Gary: December 3 - 13, 2010 Jefferson City: Feb 15 - Mar 8, 2011
Indianapolis 1: Nov 17 - 19, 2010 Kansas City-St. Joseph: Jan 11 - 27, 2011
Indianapolis 2: Apr 15 - 17, 2011
Lafayette: Nov 19 - 23, 2010
Springfield-Cape Girardeau: Dec 2-7, 2010
WE STILL HAVE OPENINGS AVAILABLE!
NEBRASKA If you are interested in having a NET Team
IOWA Grand Island: Jan 27 - 30, 2011 come to your parish, please contact Jenelle at
Davenport: Nov 26 - Dec 16, 2010
651.450.6833 x22 or scheduling@netusa.org.
Sioux City: Apr 29 - May 1, 2011
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ANNUAL REPORT 09-10

17. Non-Profit
NET MINISTRIES US Postage
e-newsletters are 110 Crusader Avenue West
West St. Paul, MN 55118-4427
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coming soon! ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Coming this fall, those who have Address changed?
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Want to unsubscribe or switch to an e-newsletter?
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Those who would like to switch from a
paper copy to an electronic copy can
contact ministry@netusa.org.
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)
S e n d u s y o u r a l u m n i u p d at e s :
w w w. n e t u s a . o r g / n e ta l u m n i