The Important of Process
About this article
This provide a simple guide to having service experinces make a greater impact within the hearts of teens.
I usually learn things the hard and long way. I have sponsored many prayer services, service projects and other such activities for teenagers. Prior to the event, I am usually consumed with details. Permission slips, transportation, food, and the schedule are all things that occupy my mind prior to an event. When the event finally rolls around, I am a bundle of nerves hoping that the young people are getting into it, praying no one gets hurt and trying to keep track of everyone. After the event, I just want to relax and have my burden lifted. But I was missing something huge for the young people: process.
A tragedy happened. A young man from a neighboring parish died while at college. For reasons I won't go into, the family asked if the young man could have his funeral at the parish where I served as youth minister. The family made one request. They wanted young people to minister at the funeral liturgy. We happily obliged.
Because of the heavy emotion, I asked for the high school students who agreed to minister to meet with me in my office. I thought it would be important to meet with them to prepare them emotionally for what they might see. They then confidently and gently ministered. As I saw them minister, I was curious as to what they were thinking. After the liturgy, I asked them to return to my office. When they I had assembled, I asked what have become my favorite questions in ministry: Where was your cross? Where was your resurrection? I was overwhelmed as these young people spoke of their love of their families, their questions about death and their gratitude for their faith. I was so thankful I didn't just let them go after the funeral.
After that night, I never did another event without first meeting with the young people to prepare them and then pose those two simple questions to them. Whether we decorated for a dance or served food to the homeless, led a small group or picked up trash, the young people were prepared, they served and then they reflected. The result was people who not only served, but were changed.
Because of the heavy emotion, I asked for the high school students who agreed to minister to meet with me in my office. I thought it would be important to meet with them to prepare them emotionally for what they might see. They then confidently and gently ministered. As I saw them minister, I was curious as to what they were thinking. After the liturgy, I asked them to return to my office. When they I had assembled, I asked what have become my favorite questions in ministry: Where was your cross? Where was your resurrection? I was overwhelmed as these young people spoke of their love of their families, their questions about death and their gratitude for their faith. I was so thankful I didn't just let them go after the funeral.
After that night, I never did another event without first meeting with the young people to prepare them and then pose those two simple questions to them. Whether we decorated for a dance or served food to the homeless, led a small group or picked up trash, the young people were prepared, they served and then they reflected. The result was people who not only served, but were changed.
Acknowledgments
Copyright © 2009 Saint Mary's Press. Permission is granted for this article to be freely used for classroom or campus ministry purposes; however, it may not be republished in any form without the explicit permission of Saint Mary's Press. For more resources to support your ministry, call 800-533-8095 or visit our Web site at www.smp.org.Published August 15, 2003.
