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Engagement #9

We give young people skills and opportunities to pray together

Context

If parishes are to be worthy of the loyalty and active participation of youth, they will need to become "youth-friendly" communities in which youth have a conspicuous presence in parish life. Parish communities that value young people welcome them into their midst, listen to them, respond to their needs, and support them with prayer, time, facilities, and money. More importantly, these parish communities prepare young people to be adult Catholics by providing skills and opportunities necessary to grow in their faith, by giving them meaningful roles in leadership and ministry, and encouraging their contributions. (Renewing the Vision)

Goal

: Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people creates opportunities for young people to pray together but first builds skills to assist them in understanding the importance of prayer in their daily lives.

Suggested Implementation

• Peer Ministry: Train young people to lead and/or pray with their peers
• Training in Many Prayer Styles: Offer training to young people in Liturgy of the Hours, Lectio Divina, The Daily Examination, and forms of meditation.
• Prayer Resources: Develop and provide prayer resources for young people “where they are” - in anticipation of sports seasons, exams, school productions or events, proms and other dances, promotion or graduation. 
• In Crisis: Gather young people together when crisis befalls their lives. Pray for the Lord’s trust and guidance more than for intervention.

Methods for Evaluation

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

• Are young people of the parish community more comfortable with prayer in their lives?
• Can we recruit young people to lead or guide prayer in times of need?