There may be no special formula for a successful parish youth ministry program, but youth ministers, pastors/priests from across the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland gathered Sept. 14 for a daylong workshop to recharge their spirits and souls by praying, sharing ideas and planning for the future.
As a bonus, Bishop Edward Malesic freed up some time to spend with the group on the second anniversary of his installation as bishop.
Father Steve Flynn, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Gates Mills, led a breakout session for the pastors and priests encouraging them “to be the best pastors (priests) for your youth ministers. They want to have a good, relational ministry with you,” he said.
(See photo gallery above.)
Father Flynn asked for a show of hands to determine the average length of a parish you minister. Few had been on staff for more than a couple of years, which reinforced his theory that youth ministers burn out fast. He said often other parish staff members don’t grasp the full scope of the job, its intensity and irregular hours.
“The Lord is calling you to make some institutional changes. Pray as a staff. Encourage a healthy life balance for your youth ministers. Be sensitive and support them in their ministry,” he said to his fellow priests and pastors. “Have their back.” He also suggested that the pastors insist the youth ministers take some time to decompress, especially after a major event or a retreat.”
“Don’t schedule a staff meeting for the Monday morning after a retreat,” he said. “Give them (the youth ministers) a break.”
Father Flynn also shared his personal vocation story, reflecting on how the priest at his boyhood parish (St. Mary, Hudson), “was there. He showed up. We had priests who were present and accessible. That’s when God ‘did it’ for me,” he said, referring to feeling the call to his vocation.
While the priests met in their breakout session, Francine Costantini, diocesan director of youth ministry, led a concurrent session for the youth ministers, sharing information about upcoming programs, resources and other useful information. She said the next CLE 21:6 diocesan youth conference is 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan 7, 2023 at John Carroll University. She encouraged the youth ministers to learn about and promote the event, which is aimed at high school teens. Ticket sales end Nov. 15. Tickets can be purchased only by youth ministers, campus ministers or parish group leaders and teens must attend with a parish or school group.
Bishop Malesic addressed the joint gathering of priests and youth ministers, reminding them that the diocese decided to separate youth and young adult ministry a few years ago in order to place a priority on youth ministry.
“Show your youth ministers some love,” he said to the priests, echoing Father Flynn’s remarks. He also encouraged everyone to pay more attention to the young people in the parish. “They are part of the Church and parish. Know what’s going on with them. Ask them about the biggest burden in their life and listen to them. The kids can read authenticity. They know if you care,” he said. “And priests, encourage your youth ministers to take advantage of the resources available. Remember, you’re doing it for the kids,”
The bishop recommended the group plant seeds and let them grow, cautioning they may not see or get results immediately. He also touched on the three-year Eucharistic Revival that just launched, reminding the group that the Eucharist is the central focus of the Catholic faith.
He reflected on the National Catholic Youth Conference and how the thousands of teens in attendance react when the Eucharist enters the venue. “They’re silent. They fall to their knees. They know it’s the real presence of the Lord,” he said.
While vibrant liturgies may attract some people, Bishop Malesic cautioned that there also must be quiet time in order to develop a relationship with Jesus.
He shared his vocation story with the group, telling them how he had expected to leave the Church at some point. There was no youth minister at his boyhood parish. He said his family attended Mass together on Sundays, but it really didn’t have much meaning for him when he was young. His heart began to change in college. After receiving a Bible and beginning to read it, he realized this is the true faith. And the call to his priestly vocation followed not long afterward.
“We want disciples to follow Jesus, to hear the call to discipleship and to do what the Lord asks. Let them know that God loves them and he wants to know their problems, hopes and dreams. When they sin, God forgives them. Share your story,” he encouraged the group. “We all have a story and we’re not perfect. Preach what you accept, be genuine and continually renew.”
Costantini also offered some suggestions for the group to help foster strong youth ministry. She said there must be an invitation and accompaniment; consistent events to help develop a relationship with God – not just pizza and games; and a strong retreat ministry.
After a lunch break, attendees had table discussions and shared additional ideas for their ministry.
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