Time spent on youth ministry is an investment in the future
By Father Larry Kramer of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church
Over the last three years or so one of my lifelong ambitions has been fulfilled—while remaining pastor, to be more directly involved with youth ministry. We often heard it said that the youth are the “future of the Church” and that is certainly true, but who are the “future” of the youth? The answer to that question, not nearly heard as often because of the difficulties of arranging it, is: the adults of today!
Youth minister Pacha Lott has recruited a growing number of outstanding youth-oriented adult parishioners who have, despite demanding personal schedules of their own, made themselves available to help with our youth program. A special challenge has been our annual Kentucky Mission trip, begun quite a few years ago under then youth director George Crowe. The original site, for instance, became unavailable when the missionary Sister who had located needy households and coordinated things on that end had to retire. There was no one living in that parish who could replace her. That is something that can’t be done from here.
Pascha has found another location in a different part of the impoverished section of Kentucky who can benefit from a hand with urgent repair work on their homes. With the help of a local coordinator, a well worked out program has begun, one that also offers more suitable living quarters for our youthful volunteers and their young-in-spirit mentors. The adults this time include, in addition to Pascha, Tracey Peterson, our DRE, Mike Pine (of Franciscan missionary fame), Mike Weigold, Lori and Dane Starkey and Alec Woll.
Our program during the school year will feature a weekly “heads up” for parents on topics to be covered in the doctrinal part of our youth group events. We all know what happens when most parents ask their kids what they learned at anything they attend. This way there will be something for parents and kids to rap about at home if they’re at all willing. I myself enjoy taking an active part in the doctrinal discussions and hardly ever miss an evening of youth ministry, thanks to the wonderful support staff we have at this parish. Thanks to all who are making it possible!