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Discipleship #7

We offer pilgrimages and service opportunities to young people so they can grow spiritually and in community

Context

Our life is made of time and time is God’s gift, and it is therefore important to make use of it by performing good and fruitful actions. (Perhaps many teenagers and young people waste too much time in futile activities: chatting on the Internet or on mobile phones, watching “soap operas” on TV technological progress should simplify and improve the quality of life, but sometimes distract you from what is really important.) Among the many things to do in our daily routine, one of the priorities should be reminding ourselves of our Creator who allows us to live, who loves us, who accompanies us on our journey. (Pope Francis to German Altar Servers August 5, 2014)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people calls for young people to have experiences, which are to include the opportunity to serve others, and then reflect theologically about these opportunities.

Suggested Implementation

• Pilgrimage: Invite young people to participate in the Bishop’s Annual Youth Pilgrimage which occurs each “Palm Saturday”.
• All Trips are Pilgrimages/Pilgrimage at Home: A pilgrimage is a journey of religious significance.  Always encourage travelers to pack simply and to maintain a humble spirit for their travels, remaining open to the presence of God along the way. Tour your own church recognizing the history that is there as well as spiritual artwork.
• Conferences as Pilgrimages: Treat conferences as a pilgrimage, an opportunity to grow in knowledge and faith.  Invite young people to journal their experiences, “debrief” their days in small groups, and seek where the Lord might have spoken to them throughout the day.
• Seek Holy Spaces: Design travel to places of religious significance and history.  Both learn more about the church’s role in the world and engage in prayer in the spirit of those who have gone before you.
• Service Opportunity Listing: Develop a list of potential service opportunities within the region. Take note of potential volunteer roles as well as potential age restrictions. List a contact person, phone number, e-mail address, and local address.
• Service During “Off” Times: Schedule service opportunities during school breaks and vacation days, including the summer.

Methods for Evaluation

Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask: 

• Has our parish offered opportunities for young people to live out their faith? 
• Has our parish provided many experiences upon which to build faith?