Workshops focus on youth

During Spring Enrichment in May, two ministers to young people will speak about helping youth discover a connection to Christ, community and prayer.

According to Sister Helen Hemmer, IHM, a speaker and author from Parsippany, NJ, wonder comes naturally to children and is an integral component of their faith formation.

"A child's world is new and fresh and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement," she said. "A child has invisible antennae that literally pick up everything. Frequently, the things that are most hidden to adults -- what we take as common or casual -- the child sees as wonder, awe and mystery."

In her workshop, "Wonder, Prayer, and the Child," she will discuss ways that catechists, parents and teachers can nurture children's wonder through song, poetry, prayer and ritual.

For example, Sister Helen will talk about how songs can be used to enhance discussion and how symbols -- such as giving a child a plant to care for, just as their faith needs to be cared for -- can assist youngsters to discover the presence of God.

In her workshop, "Praying With Young People," Maureen Smith, pastoral associate for faith formation at St. Ann's parish in Fort Ann and Our Lady of Hope in Whitehall, will talk about getting teens involved with the worshiping community.

She believes that adults need to encourage young people to engage in ministry; in turn, those teens will serve as examples for others to volunteer.

Youth involvement can revitalize a parish, Ms. Smith said, adding: "They're serious enough, have a strong faith and want to participate; but when we tell them 'sit tight,' we lose them." But when youth are involved, "adults in the parish are going to have an eye-opening experience. Young people can learn from the wisdom of the adults, and adults can learn from the enthusiasm of the young."

(4/15/04) [[In-content Ad]]