Five ways to involve parishes

Mrs. Pickel noted that many programs started by the Diocese in the past for young adults failed within a few years when the young adults involved moved on. For this one to succeed, she said, parishes must have their own young adult teams that can keep working.

She offered several steps to help parishes get to that point:

1. Find a staff person in the parish who has an interest in young adults and can give the names of others in that age group;

2. Get the names of several young adults in the parish who can speak for their peers and several parents or supporters who can work with them;

3. Make a list of priests and others to whom young Catholics can go if they need help (for example, Rachel Project volunteers who help those who have had abortions);

4. Look at what parish activities and events already exist that young adults could participate in (i.e. lectoring, ushering) to feel more a part of the parish; and

5. Create a list of young adults in the parish and invite them to a specific event -- for instance, a Sunday night Mass, a basketball game or the Theology on Tap series. (KB)

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