Insights From Our Partner Parishes: Reflecting On 2023
Insights by Cassie Schutzer
Monday, February 5, 2024
As we reflect on the last year of ministry with young adults, here are some of the biggest insights from our partner parishes.
Culture change in the parish is important to give young adults a sense of belonging.
We began to view our work this year as preparing parishes to receive young adults. This does not happen by simply creating a “youth group for adults,” but by creating space within all aspects of parish life for young adults to participate.
“Hospitality is a key to young adults feeling welcome in the life of the parish. Activities – formation and social – must be paired with a shift in culture, helping young adults know they have a rightful place in our parish.”
Community goes beyond the walls of the parish.
This year, our parishes have gone even deeper in investing in the lives of young adults. They have realized the need for intergenerational relationships and encourage friendships among young adults outside of church events. Good parish ministry leads to Christ-centered friendships, where people make an intentional decision to “do life” with one another.
“Providing opportunities for connection with our young adults is so important, and watching them take those opportunities and move into deeper relationships outside of BGCatholic events is the greatest gift. We have done ministry well if they are discipling and evangelizing others on their own.”
"Our parishes are hungry for opportunities where both young and old can come together to socialize. Our new yearly Mardi Gras celebration is a great example of this done well.”
Ministry is unique to each parish community.
We continued to build on the insight from Phase 1 that ministry is not “one-size-fits-all.” Our parishes discovered that not only does ministry need to adapt to different ages and seasons of life, but it also needs to work for their particular community. We minister in reality – in a real time, in a real place, with real people. Our ministry has to take into account the people and communities we serve; we need to know the gifts they bring to the table, the obstacles they face, and ultimately, our common goal.
“The biggest insight this year is that not all parishes are built alike or have the same needs. We seem to be unique in what is transpiring in young adult ministry and continue to learn from those lessons. We are learning about the desires and needs of the young adults who are presently visible in parish life. We are discovering that our approach to this ministry is less about events and more about an overall identity. Our hope is to continue to form a youthful presence and identity in all facets of our community.”
Sometimes, it matters less what you do – what matters is how you minister.
Are you in it for the long haul? Do you act with love? Are you building trust with young adults? Our parishes learned that the disposition of the heart of the minister and the environments they create are crucial to bringing more young adults into the fold. They also learned to be patient with themselves and with the young adults – quality relationships take time to build.
“Consistency is a really big part of how we have grown young adults. We have our monthly event, which is always communicated four weeks before, and we send an RSVP text two days before. Young adults know what to expect when they come to a gathering, which helps put them at ease.”
“Building relationships and trust takes time – sometimes years! Be patient! Accompaniment and becoming deeply invested in the lives of others is the best way to evangelize. Think quality over quantity.”
“Young adults are looking for community and so many are open to God. They just need to be put in a situation where they can talk about him openly without being judged.”
Leadership, leadership, leadership.
Leadership among young adults was a consistent theme throughout the year – both as a challenge to overcome and a focus when investing in young adult relationships. Below are three insights related to leadership, with supporting testimony from our parishes.
Leadership Insight 1: Young adults have a desire to lead, and they need to be leaders in their own ministry. They cannot lead effectively without being invited, formed, and supported.
“Young Adults need to lead. Yes, they need to have direction and training just like anyone else, but what they truly desire and what ensures that they continue being a part of the community is allowing them to lead.”
Leadership Insight 2: As ministers, we cannot do it ourselves. When we invite young people into leadership, we give them an important opportunity to grow and discover how much they are capable of doing. We also prevent ourselves from burning out!
“Giving people the space to grow and learn is important. Delegation is key and allowing myself the freedom to let other people take the reins is a good thing!”
Leadership Insight 3: Plan for the future, not just the present. By inviting young adults into leadership and nurturing their gifts, it will ensure the survival of a ministry after a period of transition. Ministries experience short life cycles when everything depends on one person and is built around their specific strengths.
“Planning for my possible move from St. Joseph to another parish is also a dynamic change in leadership and how we function as a team. I'm trying to have a voice, but also make it so that a successor can step in, and it's not just based on my own gifts and charisms."