‘God is working in the lives of the young’: Youth Ministry, Religious Ed Convocation

 

This past Saturday, the Diocese of Tucson held its annual Convocation for Youth Ministers and Catechists. There were approximately 300 youth ministers and catechists from all over the diocese who gathered together for a day of reflection and fellowship. 

  

Robert Feduccia was the guest speaker. He has been a speaker in the Catholic world for a long time. He shared his own story of how he began to work with youth. But what struck me was this quote: “We are graced to be in this privileged place to see God working in the lives of the young.” 

 

How many of us see the work we do as a “privileged place”? It takes humility to take a step back and see how God is working in the lives of the young people around us. What we see is not  our doing, but the work of God. 

  

What do we need to do in order to give God the glory of our work with youth?  

 

First is remembering and believing that we are also children of a loving God; that every encounter with God is an encounter with the “purifying love of God.” Hebrews 12:29 tells us that God is a consuming fire that burns away all that is not love! Just think about that for a moment. Do you feel that? If not, how can you come to know this love of God? Encountering God through prayer, through worshiping with others, through being open to the beauty of God’s creation are ways to build a relationship with God and experience God ‘s love. 

  

Second, faith is caught not taught! What we do, how we treat those around us speaks volumes about our commitment to God and the tenents of our faith. It’s not that theology classes are not important, but if what we teach doesn’t align with our actions, young people can sense hypocrisy. Do we practice what we preach? Do we have enthusiasm for our faith; are we filled with joy? 

  

What I have come to learn is this: to know God is to know love. We have been created in the image and likeness of God, called by God to love others, and loving others takes place when we clothe the naked, feed the hungry, respect others, and work for peace. This is part of what discipleship is about: knowing that God knows us, God loves us, and God has a plan for each of us.  

  

Can you see our parishes and schools as these privileged places where God is at work in the lives of our young people…and one another?