Help! what about your youth ministry?

[sabriner]

It seems to be rather difficult to get families involved in youth ministry. At least at my parish.

I agree… that getting the family involved is something important to think about! I remember one of our kids (well, he wasn’t a kid, but we call EVERYONE here “kids”. Kind of a joke.) was as active as he could be in altar serving, LOVES to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament chapel, and wanted so bad to become a priest. And he was still only a freshman in high school! But unfortunately, his “parents” (his mother and her girlfriend) did not approve.

One of the saddest stories we encountered in our apostolate. I’m glad to be reminded of him, so that I can pray for him…

Well, basically, usually it doesn’t matter how active a kid is in the ministry, because as long as the parents are sending the wrong message and putting out the wrong pressures on him or her, the spiritual fruits will take a lifetime to ripen–and maybe, God forbid, never.

Anyone have suggestions about getting the family involved?

Let’s keep this thread going. There might be others out there who could use advice or tips. Thanks for all of the contributions so far!

Also, though the ideas are plenty, always keep in mind that small things done with great love are more appreciated than great things done with little love… was that Mother Teresa?

 

[tkdnick]

Also, though the ideas are plenty, always keep in mind that small things done with great love are more appreciated than great things done with little love… was that Mother Teresa?

Yes, Mothere Teresa said “We can do no great things. Only small things with great love.”

In that vain, I am thinking about trying something new this year. I’m thinking about calling 4-5 youth each week just to chat about school & life & stuff. Just to let them know that there is someone there for them who cares & is interested in what is going on in their lives.

 

[Sr_Sally]

Sr Sally’s comment points out the common failure of YM. It cannot hinge on one dynamic charismatic leader. It has to be part of a parish vision and mission, led by a team who can carry on, constantly forming new leadership. Also stopping all activity over the summer is deadly for most programs, YM most of all. Her parish is to be congratulated for recognizing that YM is above all pastoral, and by rights a priest needs to be leading or involved, but it has been ages since I was part of a parish that had this luxury. Ministry, speaking to the needs of youth, is the heart of YM, not catechetics, service projects and fun nights.

Good news is that activities haven’t stopped over the summer. Youth are meeting every week. Several of the seniors that graduated this year are still involved this summer until they go to college–so passing the leadership baton down which i like. The new priest is involved and looks like he will be great also. Previous priest was very sporty and that hooked the boys, this man is more into music/drama so hopefully the boys will like that too. My experience is thatmusic, skits, etc, pulls in the girls more and they are usually the majority in youth programs anyway. I am praying and will continue for all our youth programs.

 

[Sr_Sally]

In that vain, I am thinking about trying something new this year. I’m thinking about calling 4-5 youth each week just to chat about school & life & stuff. Just to let them know that there is someone there for them who cares & is interested in what is going on in their lives.

Question for you with this plan. Are you a parent of a high school youth? I really like the idea, but I’m wondering if it will go over as well if it is one of their peer’s mom calling, rather than a ‘young adult’ with no connection other than parish youth group?

 

[tkdnick]

Question for you with this plan. Are you a parent of a high school youth? I really like the idea, but I’m wondering if it will go over as well if it is one of their peer’s mom calling, rather than a ‘young adult’ with no connection other than parish youth group?

Nope, I have no children. Just a “young adult with no connection”.

 

[RavenousWolf]

To share thoughts, ideas, plans, and prayers for youth ministry, join the new Youth Ministers’ group! Just click the link below in my signature!

Peace,