Parishes link to link youth and adults

The three parishes -- St. James, North Creek; Blessed Sacrament, Hague; and St. John the Baptist, Chestertown -- have hired her as coordinator for Youth Ministry and Adult Faith Formation.

The position makes it possible for youth and adults from the parishes, which encompass approximately 500 square miles in the northern reaches of the Diocese, to interact on a more personal level than ever before.

Northern tale

"I have a set of twins that are two-and-a-half, and one son that is a year-and-a-half old. I had three babies in 11 months!" she explained.

Once she and her husband Christopher settled their young family in Queensbury, she decided to look for some parish work. She has an undergraduate degree from SUNY/Plattsburgh and a graduate degree in theology from St. Bernard's Institute in Rochester. Her past ministries include hospice, campus ministry and religious education.

The diocesan Office of Evangelization and Catechesis put her in touch with Sister Fran Husselbeck, RSM, pastoral associate for parish life, and Rev. George Fleming, pastor, of the Northern Points Cluster. They had a position open for someone to organize a youth ministry program in Warren County.

"I really prayed about it," she said. "There was something about it that just drew me in."

Filling a need

"Father Fleming and Sister Fran have been trying to raise awareness of the vital importance of an active youth and adult faith formation ministry," said Mrs. Carlin.

Because of the distance that she has to travel to get to the three parishes, she maintains an "office on-the-go. I have a laptop computer and carry it with me at all times in addition to all my files. The main office is at St. James in North Creek, and I am there every Wednesday. But the copier and office equipment are at St. John's. Since Father Fleming and Sister Fran spend most of their time at St. John's, I spend as much time there as I can."

Connections

Comprehensive youth ministry is exactly what Mrs. Carlin and cluster administrators are trying to establish as an alternative to separating the youth from the rest of parish activities.

"We believe that every part of parish, liturgy and community life should educate and include the entire community," she said. "This is what we're all supposed to be doing" when it comes to education and community interaction between youth and the rest of the parish community. "We need to get away from the 'youth group' mentality."

Issues to face

"Through the intervention and guidance of high school counselors and ministers within this community, we are all working together to improve these situations," she said.

Additionally, when Mrs. Carlin begins coordinating the adult faith formation program in July, she expects that the two groups will be on an even more intimate level of interaction.

"We all have a call by our Baptism to see Jesus Christ in each other," said Mrs. Carlin. "If we all believe this and live it, it can be a very different place [in which to live]. We can experience a conversion in ourselves. All we need to do is open the door."

(06-21-01) [[In-content Ad]]