April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
ANALYSIS

Boosting young adult ministry

The typical youth ministry meeting at a parish is structured. Teens are taught about a particular topic of faith and then given time to discuss it and ask questions. Sessions are meant to be fun, informative and organized.

However, when David Stagliano, coordinator of youth ministry for the Albany Diocese, gathered a group of 20- and 30-somethings together for young adult ministry, he knew he had to try something different.

Instead of teaching young adults as if they were teens, he simply asked, "What do you guys want to know?"

"The important thing is to remember that, although they're young, the college and post-college-age group of our Church are still adults and need to be treated that way," explained Mr. Stagliano. "We can still teach the same faith, but it needs to be done in a different way."

For decades, the Church across the U.S. has been frustrated by the absence of young adults from the pews. After confirmation, many Catholics fade from practicing the faith, only to reappear when they marry and have children.

Now, fresh attention is being paid to young adults in the Albany Diocese. Holy Spirit parish in Gloversville has started a program for the 20- and 30-somethings; St. Mary's in Glens Falls kicked off a series of seminars with an open house.

An upcoming diocesan retreat for young adults also dovetails with the three-year Amazing God evangelization initiative underway in the Diocese.

"We're seeing the importance of generational marketing. Evangelization is not one size fits all," said Peter Avvento, coordinator for Amazing God.

Young adult ministry is not new to the Diocese, he noted, but there's now a greater presence on the internet and promotion of the Theology on Tap program, which invites the over-21 crowd to pubs and restaurants to eat, drink and talk faith.

Maria Polidore, youth minister at St. Mary's in Glens Falls, said she's excited about the Theology on Tap meetings.

"I hope for a big turnout next week," she remarked. "It's just good fun and a good format; even just to get them there to socialize is important. Then they can know someone else out there who is seeking."

The recent open house at St. Mary's invited young adult Catholics to share "what they're looking for and interested in and give them information on meetings, retreats, local groups and websites," said Mrs. Polidore. "There was no pressure; it was just a welcome and an open invitation so that they know they still have this church as a home. It's going to be slow and steady relationship-building ministry."

Mr. Stagliano has been visiting parishes around the Diocese, encouraging them to do just that. He noted that "the whole point of the Church is to participate. It's everybody's Church, so we need to be hospitable and welcoming for all ages."

"What we need to do is intentionally take opportunities to reach out to young adults - and, at the same time, listen to them," said David Amico, director of the Office of Ministry Formation for the Diocese.

"Our society and culture has changed," he added. "Young adults have parents who haven't been active in the Church; therefore, they're not rooted" in the faith in the same way as previous generations.

Mr. Amico recently attended a conference held at Fordham Uni-versity titled, "Lost? 20-Some-things and the Church." The event drew 700 participants.

While many young adults are not coming to church on a regular basis, he learned, they still identify themselves as Catholic and are drawn to the care of the sick and poor and the sacraments.

"We need their gifts and their energy," said Mr. Amico.

To that end, Rev. Rendell Torres, a recently-ordained priest, launched a young adult ministry at Holy Spirit parish in Gloversville, where he is associate pastor.

Diocesan officials noted that the parish is a product of a merger, and such a program could conceivably retain some members who may otherwise be lost in the shuffle.

Simply staging more events for young adults will not entirely resolve the issue. Mr. Stagliano explained that while young adults are questioning, they also are busy, do not feel connected to their Church and are confronting the struggle between the world culture and the views of the Church.

The response shouldn't be fear, said Mr. Stagliano, but a willingness to discuss, learn with them and let them voice their opinions.

"These young adults are the next leaders of the Church and our parishes; we need to keep the tradition and the faith alive," he stated. "As for the present, they have a new perspective, faith, energy and ideas to offer. The world is changing so fast and they can help us understand what's going on in the world and how that can translate to us. They can help us answer the question of how to make the Church meaningful in this day and time."

(Chris Ringwald contributed to this story.) [[In-content Ad]]

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