INVOLVING PARENTS, PASTORS, STAFFS, AND THE PARISH COMMUNITY IN YOUTH MINISTRY

– A diversity of program settings Age-specific programs for young and older adolescents Family-centered programs for the entire family, for parents, for foster parents, for grandparents raising children, and for parents and adolescents Intergenerational parish programs Community-wide programs RENEWING THE VISION (1997)

In 2002, the study on “Effective Youth Ministry Practices in Catholic Parishes,” asked youth, adult leaders, and parish staffs “What works in youth ministry?” – Hospitality and relationship building are foundational to effective youth ministry – Young people are welcomed and accepted – Extending personal invitations, providing a warm welcome, building relationships, and forming groups is intentional and ongoing – A web of relationships is created: youth with youth, youth with adults, parish community with youth, youth with their families EFFECTIVE PRACTICES

Youth Minister Parents Pastor Staff/ Parish Council Community Youth

“Education in the faith by the parents should begin in the child’s earliest years. This already happens when family members help one another to grow in faith by the witness of a Christian life in keeping with the Gospel. Family catechesis precedes, accompanies, and enriches other forms of instruction in the faith. Parents have the mission of teaching their children to pray and to discover their vocation as children of God. The parish is the Eucharistic community and the heart of the liturgical life of Christian families; it is a privileged place for the catechesis of children and parents.”(CCC 2226) PARENTS

“The single most important influence on the religious and spiritual lives of adolescents is their parents.” – Christian Smith, principal investigator of the National Study of Youth and Religion PARENTS

Build relationships with families to earn trust and to help in partnering together Listen to parents and their needs Have a nonjudgmental attitude, empathize BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Use all available communication channels to keep parents and families informed about the youth ministry program Create parent call lists and lists to help parents connect with each other COMMUNICATE WITH PARENTS

Provide ways for parents to help with special events and activities such as service trips, retreats, and youth liturgies Perhaps parents would like to contribute by cooking meals throughout your retreat weekend INVOLVE PARENTS

Provide tips, ideas, and encouragement to parents to help them communicate with their teens about what their teens are learning and discussing in youth ministry Give parents information and resources that reinforce the content and activities in which their youth are involved Encourage them to have a “family narrative” Organize family faith-sharing gatherings from time to time Plan family intentional activities like “Family Fun Day,” father-daughter dances, etc ENCOURAGE FAMILY DIALOGUE

What are some ways you can involve parents more fully in your parish youth ministry program? What strategy can the parish utilize to remind families that they are the primary catechists of their children? REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Young people will be able to learn from their peers, find refuge in common struggles, and provide direction and insight to others who are at a different place on their faith journey. When we are intentional about building community intergenerationally, we give young people the opportunity to learn about discipleship through the lived experience of faithful adults, find consolation and support from others outside their families, and provide guides and mentors as they move from childhood to adulthood. Relationships with adults help young people move through this transition with success. St. Mary’s Press, Resource on Community Life COMMUNITY LIFE

Atmosphere – Create an atmosphere where young people know they are safe and accepted, their presence is valued, and they are invited to contribute their own ideas and skills within the community Attitude – The attitude of community members towards young people must be authentically positive and understanding Actions – What we say and do (or what we don’t say or do) communicates volumes to young people COMMUNITY LIFE

Have “computer classes,” where the young teach the elderly through service When young people are on retreat and attend Mass in the parish, have each of them pass out a prayer card with their name on it to give to the community Involve young people in the ongoing liturgical life of the Christian community Have the youth lead stations of the cross during Lent, or a Christmas play during Advent Invite and prepare teens to visit with an elderly person on a regular basis. PRACTICAL IDEAS

Invite older adolescents to sponsor a Halloween party or Easter Egg Hunt for younger parishioners Prepare “study-snack” packs for youth during finals week. Involve parish organizations and adult leaders in organizing and delivering packs Have an intergenerational basketball game Sponsor a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt to collect food for food pantries or families in need in your community. Develop relationships with service organizations in your areas that involve youth and their families in service. Consider Habitat for Humanity, local food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Develop an adopt-a-grandparent program. COMMUNITY LIFE

Evaluate current parish ministries and activities that already include young people. What are the strengths? How might those ministries be strengthened? Consider parish ministries and activities that do not include young people. How might young people be invited and welcomed? REFLECTION QUESTIONS

The pastor is the main shepherd of his parish community. He should be informed about what is happening, consulted before decisions are made, and involved as much as possible PASTOR

“Breakfast with Father” Sponsor a pancake breakfast with the youth and the pastor. Provide the young people with the opportunity to share their hopes and dreams. Q&A Session- Have teens write down questions they would like to ask. Facilitate a discussion with the pastor and the youth Pastor as “MC”- If comfortable, have him MC your youth event, maybe do a performance, lead the opening prayer (some time of involvement) INVOLVING THE PASTOR

Invite him on your service projects and retreats Speak with him about “Renewing the Vision.” What are his hopes and dreams for the youth? Share things you have learned from youth ministry courses, retreats, and hearing from other youth ministers INVOLVING THE PASTOR

How is he already involved with the youth ministry? How could he be more involved? REFLECTION QUESTIONS

The staff and/or parish council contribute to a welcoming and inviting parish for youth Teach about Renewing the Vision and the community’s role in ministering to and caring for the youth Inform them about youth ministry events. Ask how youth can be involved within the parish Ask if one or two youth representatives can attend meetings and voice their opinions or share about their experience in youth ministry. Develop a network of adult mentors who will connect with, support, and be available to youth. INVOLVING THE STAFF/PARISH COUNCIL

Is the parish staff and/or parish council aware of the youth ministry program and its events? What could you do to advocate for the youth and their needs? REFLECTION QUESTIONS