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Advocacy #9

We avoid words like “kickoff”, “event”, “youth group”, or “membership”

Context

The Christian truth is attractive and persuasive because it responds to humanity's deepest needs. (Pope Francis; Address to College of Cardinals, March 15, 2013)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people reminds us that young people are part of ministry because they are baptized, not because they register, start at the correct beginning of the year, or merely show up.

Suggested Implementation

• Prayer: The true starting point of anything we do in ministry should always involve prayer. If you need a “kickoff” experience, reserve it for your team and make it about prayer.
• Homecoming: All programming should offer a sense of homecoming regardless of whether it is a participant’s first experience, part of their regular routine, or if they have been away for a while. An emphasis on hospitality, no matter the season, is key.
• Avoid Hype: We should take care to avoid promotion for programming that might be labeled as excessive publicity or offers exaggerated or extravagant claims.
• Spirit of Inclusion: We should take care to always build a spirit of inclusion to all those who are present; no one set aside, no one ignored, all are welcomed.

Methods for Evaluation

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

• Do our publicity efforts contain all basic information needed: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How much? Deadlines?
• What effort have we placed into improving our hospitality?