Teens need adults to listen, inspire

"We need to build a culture where young people feel safe," said Mary Harrison, associate director for youth ministry in the diocesan Office of Religious Education.

"We need to look at how faith communities respond to young people and how we transform our culture from one of death to one of life," she said. "The tragedy is not just Littleton. Our young people are hungering for the holy. If we were truly listening to young people, we'd pay attention to the signs."

Work of all

According to the NFCYM document "The Challenge of Catholic Youth Evangelization," the world at times seems dominated by the effects of broken relationships with God: war, oppression, poverty, racism, sexism, materialism and hopelessness. Within that context, youth yearn for a sense of hope and fulfillment in their lives. Young people, the document states, hunger for:

* Meaning and purpose: Young people fear that much of life does not matter, including their lives. Young people long to know that meaning and purpose are found in the Gospel message;

* Connection: Young people have a need for relationships on a variety of levels that allow them to experience love and acceptance;

* Recognition: the need to be affirmed in their goodness and their giftedness, and to be listened to;

* Justice: Young people have an innate sense and desire for justice and fairness. They are quick to point out the inequities of life. They face the societal pressures of materialism, consumerism and individualism;

* Holiness: They are searching for a faith that makes sense, and that provides direction and challenges. They are searching for a way to understand their experiences of God.

Listening

"The Church can't do this alone," she said. "The bottom line is that we need to cultivate relationships in these areas."

In the parish, relationships between youth and adults can develop as young people take on roles alongside older people. As those relationships develop, the young people have the opportunity to be listened to by adults, who can provide guidance.

Youth also need the opportunity to be listened to by their peers. "They need to gather among their peers to talk about their fears and anxiety, and to discuss issues," Mrs. Harrison said.

Unity

"In light of [Littleton], we've seen quick fixes: Punitive measures through the justice system, calls for gun control," she said. "As adults, we're responsible for the culture we live in. We need to take a broader look." And that requires networking among families and community organizations.

An example occurred recently at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, which hosted a candlelight prayer vigil to honor the memory of those killed in Littleton and as a statement on non-violence. Students from surrounding high schools were invited to the event, which was planned by seven college students.

The HVCC students "were so touched by this tragedy because they are close in age," said Sister Rosemary Ann Cuneo, CR, campus minister. "This shows a lot of hope. Caring is not lost in this violent society."

Such public events (see sidebar) are important for young people, she added, because they "provide unity and strength. They help you see you're not standing alone, and that gives you strength."

More to do

The Church, she said, must provide families with support through such things as:

* Renew for Families;

* The diocesan Speakers Directory, which lists speakers available to do workshops on a variety of topics;

* "Building Assets in Congregations: A Practical Guide for Helping Youth Grow Up Healthy," published by the Search Institute;

* The monthly Family Page produced by the ORE, a non-violent retreat and workshops on media violence, all related to a year-long project on how to combat violence.

* Mrs. Harrison also urges parishes to revisit the NFCYM's document "The Challenge of Catholic Youth Evangelization." She is available to do workshops on this for deaneries and clusters.

"If we're not grounded in something bigger than ourselves, we lose the foundation of our morality," said Mrs. Harrison. "We have Jesus' life, death and resurrection that call us to life."

(The Diocesan Speakers Directory is available by calling 453-6661. "Building Assets in Congregations" is available by calling 1-800-888-7828. For information on programs offered by the Office of Religious Education, call 453-6630.)

(05-06-99) [[In-content Ad]]