Youth ministry focus of discussion
By Michelle Larose-Kuzenko
ST. BONIFACE — Jan.
14, in the parish hall of Saint Boniface Cathedral, nearly 50 representatives
of youth and young adult parish ministry and organizations met at the
invitation of Archbishop LeGatt to discuss, “How
can the archdiocese in its seven regions and over 50 parishes, position
itself in 2012 and beyond to respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs
of its youth and young adults?”
This diocesan forum was an opportunity to discuss the future of our youth
and young adult ministry in the archdiocese and to identify what leadership/services/resources
the archdiocese should provide to establish an effective and inclusive
model for youth and young adult ministry.
Several urban and rural parishes were represented, as well as organizations
such as the Catholic School of Evangelization of St. Malo, Youth for Christ
of Steinbach, To Encounter Christ (TEC) and Development and Peace.
Paulette Vielfaure-Dupuis moderated the session, alternating between small
group discussion and plenary exchange times. During the day, three questions
were asked, each becoming more focused.
First, the groups identified current strengths in their parishes or organizations. It was evident from their comments that they credit the support of family and community for the greater commitment from youth.
It was felt that successful
ongoing youth groups are those that move beyond sports events or fun
nights to offer fellowship, to develop in youth a heart for evangelization,
making them witnesses to the Word and sending them out to the world
with a missionary spirit. Many parishes have a well-attended youth
mass and praise and worship times take place with much youth participation.
Participants were then asked
to identify needs. By and large, they felt that a paid position, whether
part time or full time, for youth ministry at the parish level, would
enable continuity in that ministry. Some parishes already have such
positions and spoke of the difference it made in the life of their
youth. Several suggestions were put forth for how this could happen
financially. Youth ministers would require training and spiritual nourishment.
The need for communication was highlighted, including suggestions for
a youth newsletter, a diocesan calendar of youth events, a website
or other online tools for sharing. Opportunities for networking such
as regional monthly meetings and an annual gathering, such as this
one, would be important.
The last question dealt with how the diocese could provide support to
the initiatives mentioned. An inventory of all currently ministering
in the archdiocese and in what capacity, as well as identifying the projects
or initiatives that are working well and bringing them all together,
will be helpful in moving forward. The main suggestion from all groups
was for a diocesan youth co-ordinator along with someone to offer a regional
presence in each pastoral region. It may not be enough to wait for suitable
candidates to come forward; they may have to be actively sought out.
The resulting team of people would provide opportunities for personal
and spiritual growth as well as material and human resources for youth
ministers.
This day proved to be a promising beginning to more fully address the needs of our Catholic youth.
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