Young adults invited to deepen participation in the Church

After serving two years on the school board at St. Joseph's/St. John's Academy in Rensselaer, Peggy Preston has some words of wisdom for young adults interested in serving the Church.

"You really can contribute more than you think you can," she said. "It takes everyone. Just take the first step."

The 28-year-old native of Rensselaer is one of two young adults without children to serve on the board, which assists the principal in governing the school. While the board is advisory, members provide Sister Kathleen Pritty, RSM, with valuable ideas and information as well as volunteer labor.

Impressed by school

Mrs. Preston, a graduate of the former St. Joseph's School in Rensselaer, has found her service on the board to be enlightening.

"When I was a student, I had no idea what went on in running the school," she said. "It's amazing. I can't believe how much Sister Kathleen has to do."

Last year, the board decided it was important to have non-parents represented on the board so that all segments of the parish, which supports the school, would have a voice in the school.

Mrs. Preston saw board membership as an opportunity to give back to the Catholic school community. Saying "Catholic school made me what I am," Mrs. Preston believes she has a stake in the success of the school.

Contributing more

During her first year of service, she had some uncertainties about her role. During the monthly meetings, she just listened and took it all in. With one year under her belt, however, she feels more confident about what she has to offer.

Besides attending the monthly meetings, Mrs. Preston is involved in matching parents with service opportunities. At St. Joseph's/St. John's, parents must volunteer their time in addition to paying tuition. Those who can't pay the full tuition can compensate with volunteer labor.

Mrs. Preston meets with each of the parents to schedule service opportunities for them. She and her husband also work at the school's bazaar and volunteer in other areas where they are needed.

Young adults

Mrs. Preston's enthusiasm for serving the Church through her involvement in a Catholic school is what the U.S. bishops hope will happen across the nation as ministry to young adults develops.

In "Sons and Daughters of the Light," the bishops' recent pastoral plan for young adult ministry, they state: "Young adults can be a rich resource of time and talent for the local faith community."

In order to tap into that resource, Church leaders need to welcome and invite young adults to participate. The bishops write: "Throughout the history of the Church, people in their late teens, twenties and thirties have been an active segment of Church life....Today that is not necessarily true. Therefore, it is important to make an effort to personally invite and welcome them into Church life. Young adults will participate when they perceive that the invitation is authentic and their participation is constructive."

Mrs. Preston said her age group, like others, can make significant contributions to the Church. "It's important to get a mix of ages to contribute."

Positive experience

For Sister Kathleen, the experience of having two young adults on the board has been positive.

"They add to the board," she said. "It's helped us to become less myopic. I'd recommend young adults 100 percent. They're great."

Mrs. Preston and Brian Vadney, the other young adult on the board, have also brought professional expertise to their work with the school, the principal said. Mrs. Preston, a computer analyst for a state agency, and Mr. Vadney, an accountant, have provided information that has helped Sister Kathleen in her work as principal.

Benefits

Another benefit to working with young adults, Sister Kathleen said, is that they have more time to contribute than other age groups. "Because they don't have children yet, they have more time," she said.

Both young adults are life-long members of the parish and graduates of the school, which helps in their work with the board.

"They know people in the area and have a lot of contacts," Sister Kathleen said. "They really care about what happens."

(01-30-97)

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