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Advocacy #7
We respond to the pastoral needs of young people.
Context
I prefer a Church that is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church that is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security…. More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: “Give them something to eat” (Mk6: 37). (Pope Francis, Evangeli Gaudium, 49)
Goal
Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people includes the ministry of pastoral care, a compassionate presence in imitation of Jesus' care of people, especially those who were hurting and in need. (Renewing the Vision). It has been noted that this should include building a capacity to address the challenges of suicide, death of a family member, struggling with addiction (i.e., drug addiction, cutting, eating disorders, etc.), as well as addressing the needs of incarcerated or institutionalized young people
Suggested Implementation
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Care Providers: Develop/update a listing of local professionals for which you can offer families referrals to assist them in addressing the many challenges of adolescents.
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Pastoral Care Planning/Training: Use the Pastoral Cross, provided by CYM during a time of loss in your parish or school community. Use the resources that accompany the cross to help your team lead young people through their grief.
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Pastoral Needs Survey: Conduct a survey with school counselors, local police, and other ministry leaders regarding the perceived pastoral needs and challenges facing young people in your community.
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Parent Formation: When addressing the pastoral needs of young people make sure to include resources and/or additional programming to serve parents and adults.
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Peer Ministry Training: Equip young people with the caring skills (listening skills, showing empathy, referral skills, etc.) to accompany their peers through the many challenges of life.
Methods for Evaluation
Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:
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Are the pastoral ministry efforts within your parish community perceived as being “at the center” or are they directed towards reaching the fringes of the community?
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Were those responsible for pastoral ministry within the community both trained and flexible enough to help the community address a crisis or emergency pastoral care issue?