Our Future

Yesterday, I had a really great idea for a post, but then I had to do other stuff and I forgot what I wanted to blog about. So now you get to read about something likely just as important.

I recently got involved in my parishes youth group. It is one of the better "organized" ones that I have seen. (although, I do admit that I have not seen that many) The parish is very willing to get kids involved, and has many monetary and property resources to do so. For example, the kids have access to a nice gym, a "game room" as well as class rooms, computer labs, and social halls. That's not to mention the fact that they can have access to the church when they want for prayer.

Despite all that, there are still things holding the youth group back from what it really could be.(phenomenally great) A lot of that has to do with the fact that there just aren't that many Catholics that want to be involved in youth group. Compounding the issue is the fact that for some of the well-meaning adults that get involved don't know much more (if anything) than the kids.

These problems stem from way back (the long-time Bishop in my diocese was nationally outspoken for things like women priests, protestant-esque churches and the like). So many people that grew up here never had the faith formation that they really deserved. Now with people living such busy lives, they don't have the time to go to classes to learn how to minister properly to our youth. Now, with two great Bishops in a row (maybe we are making up for other "deficiencies"?) the diocese has put together all sorts of opportunities for the faithful to properly learn their faith and spread that faith to our youth.

My role so far has been limited in the youth group. I have more or less simply been an adult figure that has a little more knowledge than what these kids are used to. However, with the opportunity (that is, as long as the parish priest decides that is the capacity he would like me to undertake) to obtain a deeper understanding of the faith, and more young adults that want to be involved in these kids' lives and faith formation, I feel that the youth group could become something more than just a better atmosphere for kids to get together, but a solid foundation to shape their lives and carry out the faith.

So my question is: what do you feel makes a youth group great? Is it deep discussions about the faith? Or maybe trips to see seminaries? Time for prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament? Let me know how you think our future needs to be shaped.

Posted by: Brian