Catholic youth are people of vision

Now a high school senior, Bridget has brought her vision to other ministries in her parish by leading retreats for Confirmation candidates and younger teens, teaching religious education, and helping out in the nursery.

Such participation gives Bridget a sense that she's an important member of her parish and not just a teen who comes to Sunday Mass but does nothing more.

"I definitely feel it's brought me into the Church. I didn't feel like I was part of anything before," she said.

Welcome, teens

Sandy Monahan, youth ministry coordinator at St. Mary/St. Paul's Church in Hudson Falls, said teens in her parish participate in a number of charitable events, including a Souper Bowl breakfast and CROP Walk, and the Rosary Altar Society's spaghetti dinner.

"I'm really trying to promote the kids being part of the parish, and you can count on the adults to go along with that," she said.

Such involvement signifies a shift in thinking from Mrs. Monahan's high school days, "when you were earning your way to doing adult things. We're in a different mode of thinking, and this parish is wonderful," she said.

Giving of self

Joining the St. Mary/St. Paul's youth group in junior high was how Patricia first got involved, and her participation since has made her realize her potential as a Catholic teen.

"I think the community is really important, and it gives you a good feeling knowing you're doing something for them," she said. "It's nice to see them get something from it."

She wasn't sure if she wanted to be confirmed, something she brought up when she gave her presentation on the Confirmation retreat. Sharing real stories of faith is how Patricia helps teens to bring their vision to parish ministry.

"I wanted to try to connect religion with life. Unless you can compare it with things kids can relate with, it's not going to mean anything," she said.

Time for Church

"It depends on the person. There are opportunities, and adults are excited to see us involved," Patricia said.

John Stevens, a high school senior, has taught religious education and is a member of the Confirmation retreat team. Being involved in the parish means more than simply coming to church for one hour each Sunday.

"I definitely see more behind the scenes and understand what's going on better than just sitting there and not knowing anyone else," he said. "Everybody has been very willing to help, and it makes you feel better about yourself by helping rather than just taking."

Cooking meals and helping the needy are some ways that teens could increase their involvement, if they have the time, he pointed out.

"There's definitely more community things we could do outside of the parish," he said. "The limited involvement is because everybody is busy; but if we put forth more of an effort to get involved, we could do more."

Invitation

"We have to invite them, ask them individually, because even if they say 'no' at least they've thought about it," she said. "There's a transition from looking up to the older kids to seeing themselves as that person, and we're expecting a level of moral development that isn't there yet. Most of the time, they're going to need extra encouragement."

Connie Smith, pastoral associate for faith formation at St. John the Baptist in Valatie, mentioned the peer ministry program, retreats and Confirmation class service projects as some of the ways in which teens are involved at her parish. Teens also have participated in the diocesan Christian Leadership Institute and will be attending the upcoming National Catholic Youth Conference in St. Louis (see separate story).

Future of hope

"The challenge is to look to the future with hope," Mrs. Smith said. "By teens being involved and connected to the total parish, that's how we can give them this hope. We want them to live their lives fully now and take that with them wherever they go."

Teens often realize they miss the parish at college, especially non-Catholic schools, she said.

Bridget Berninger has seen the spiritual and social benefits of sharing her vision of parish ministry. "I feel more of a connection, and there are people I can trust all the time when I see them at school," she said. "I feel unity with them and know them better."

Adults in the parish have made the difference in getting teens involved and giving them a sense of responsibility. "They're really welcoming to anybody who wants to try anything or help with something," Bridget said. "The Church is recognizing we can do just as much as adults."

Parish life

"It's taught me a lot about my faith and who I am," he said. "It's given me a lot of confidence in talking about faith or any other subject. I know who all of the people are, maybe not on a first-name basis, but I feel connected."

Vision is promoted at St. John's through its youth program, which Steve described as "very good. It encourages you to come, join, get active."

Mrs. Smith wants teens to get involved in parish ministry because religious education alone isn't enough. "Catechesis and faith formation can't develop their faith," she said. "The total parish -- who we are as community and how we give witness -- that's where they experience Church."

(11-04-99) [[In-content Ad]]