Religious Education and Youth Ministry

Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in the routine of pastoral ministry—there are many tedious tasks and scheduling involved in being a director of religious education. It can feel void of any spiritual significance if one is the “typical” lay minister (we are often creative types and life-long learners, but administrative tasks can feel very constrictive). Oftentimes this is the result of what we refer to in the field as “ministry fatigue”—overworking, saying “yes” to too many tasks, or simply being overwhelmed. From September through May, life feels like an endless blur of meetings, attendance sheets, lesson plans, etc.

However, when I re-center myself and focus on what matters, the monotony falls away and the beauty of the Spirit of God is revealed. Like the priest who is surprised that he touched someone while at the ambo giving a homily, I am often amazed at the response of my students of all ages when I give them seemingly dull information. The wisdom of the parishioners, especially youth and children, is what makes me remember the purpose of my ministry.

Some are called to contemplation, others are called to care for the poor, but the vocation of education of the faith is the door that opens us to all of our unique vocations in Christ’s body. Education is essential for the life of the Church. Because of this, catechists and pastoral ministers should treat their position as a task of great importance, and not spend their time going through the motions.

It may sound cliché, but to fulfill one’s vocation as a Christian educator, one has to be willing to meet people where they are. That means I must humble myself and recognize that the Holy Spirit is in charge and my opinion is not the only one. The Church has many voices.

This notion of humbling of oneself becomes evident in the education of the teens and young adults in particular. In today’s world, these age groups are starving for depth. Many are depressed and in despair. Teenagers are spread too thin, between their sports and very competitive academics. Young adults work 2-3 jobs in order to make ends meet. God is not as prevalent in their lives because they simply believe that they do not have time for faith, or they believe that God is not listening. As a result, I try to approach their catechesis with openness and love. My only rules are not to judge, and to do all actions with love in mind.

As teens and young adults try to navigate this confusing and sometimes cold world, they are going to make many mistakes. They have a lot to work out internally. When a student says something that is not very loving, I try to refocus him/her to God’s forgiveness, and emphasize that judgment is not our place. Judgment brings a burden on all of us that is too great to bear. When teens are presented with the notion that they should not judge others, then they begin to realize that there is no sin that they could commit that would keep them from God’s love. It becomes about their own personal growth and journey into God. They realize why it makes very little sense to judge a person for a sin they committed when everyone is imperfect. This realization shows in the service of the youth. God loves each of us perfectly, and when the students realize that we are all equal, they express it through soup kitchens, clothing drives, and home repairs for the needy. They find the connections, and move closer to Christ.