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Discipleship #9
We invite young people into opportunities to serve others and invite them to reflect theologically about these opportunities
Context
We are confident that young people will commit themselves totally to Jesus Christ, who will ask everything from them and give everything in return. We need to provide concrete ways by which the demands, excitement, and adventure of being a disciple of Jesus Christ can be personally experienced by young people—where they tax and test their resources and where they stretch their present capacities and skills to the limits. Young people need to have a true opportunity for exploring what discipleship ultimately involves. (Renewing the Vision)
Goal
Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people invites young people into opportunities to serve others and invite them to reflect theologically about these opportunities.
Suggested Implementation
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Training and Engagement in Liturgical Ministry: Invite young people into service in liturgical ministries. This is the most public witness of the parish being an opportunity for engagement by young people.
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Multi-Generational Service Programming: Engage young people in ministry as SIGN (Service in God’s Name), especially encouraging them to engage with adults who model lifestyles of service.
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Catechetical Ministries: Young people can offer service as catechists and/or aides in catechetical ministries. This is especially true during Vacation Bible School.
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Parish Groupings, Ministries, Committees: Survey various adult groups to discern openness to young people’s participation and involvement.
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Journal: Invite young people, while engaged in service, to reflect upon their experience with attention to how God may have been working through or around them as well as where they felt God calling them after the experience.
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Post-participation Interview: Invite young people, following their service or ministry, to reflect upon their experience with attention to how God may have been working through or around them as well as where they felt God calling them after the experience.
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 young people engaging in service or ministry for “higher purposes” than collecting service hours?
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What service opportunities (e.g., Pitcher and Basin) are available to our young people?