Connections

One of the most helpful tools I have experienced in my years in diocesan youth ministry in Pittsburgh is a focus group of youth ministers. The impetus for the group came from individual youth ministers who separately surfaced questions regarding professionalism, certification, monthly meetings, in-services, and dreams for creating a youth ministry community of support.

With staff and youth ministry consultation, it was decided to bring together youth ministers from a variety of perspectives: experienced and new, full-time, part-time, and volunteer, from large suburban parishes, cluster parishes, and inner-city parishes. The hope was to bring people together who would be collaborative, flexible, and willing to dialogue. Eight people accepted the invitation.

Our first task was to discuss areas of concern and focus on areas where an impact could be made. We have explored steps to diocesan certification, designed a format that includes prayer, education, and networking for our monthly meetings, organized quarterly skill seminars, and begun to discuss the mission of the diocesan department.

The focus group is invaluable! Sometimes we meet frequently and at other times just as needed, but always with an eye to improve the youth ministry community. The group truly represents its colleagues in its willingness to listen to the people in the field and voice concerns. It examines the pros and cons of projects and keeps the staff connected to the concerns and dreams of the youth ministry community. Also, the members of the group are able to work this into their parish schedules. It is not seen as more work, but rather being able to contribute and build.

I am a believer and an advocate of core teams for youth ministry in parishes, but it took people asking me myriad questions to consider applying the core team concept to diocesan ministry. This group’s members really have become companions on the journey.

As one director to another, I urge you to consider such a group. It could be done by invitation, election, or just asking for volunteers. For me, the group has become a way of keeping me connected to my beginnings in youth ministry. Advocacy in action, open lines of communications, and friendships are the benefits of such a group. Consider!