Connections

Searching for Signal

In preparing for a presentation at the New Diocesan Directors Institute in June, I was connecting the LCD projector to the computer. While the projector was warming up, the message appears on the screen: “Searching for Signal.” I was struck by the appropriateness of that message and I thought, “Aren’t we all?”

Aren’t we all searching for a signal, a sign, some indicator that we are doing the right things, that our ministry is effective, that our work is valued, and that all of this makes sense?

Certainly on a personal level, we are all discerning signals that provide a sense of meaning and purpose. We value relationships that provide us love and security. We value experiences that challenge us, that cause us to extend our personal boundaries, and that enable us to use our gifts and competencies.

On a spiritual level, we look for the signals of the transcendent;- those experiences, places and persons that point us towards the mystery of God and to a relationship with the Christ of the Gospels.

This searching for signals also applies to our ministry.

At NDDI, the signal might have been some insight or learning about the role of the diocesan youth ministry leader that affirmed participants’ experiences and provided direction for their future work.

We have seen the young participants at NCYC longing for signals that faith makes sense and that Jesus is real. This is no less true at NCCYM, where adults hope for the same signals.

Our service centers—NCCYS and NACYML—are discerning signals that will enable them to more fully meet the needs of their constituencies. At NFCYM, the signal might be some sign from the field that our programs, resources and services are meeting the needs of our membership and enabling the field of Catholic youth ministry to move forward.

More broadly, NFCYM leadership must always be attentive to the signals emanating from the church and ministerial landscape. Our leaders constantly try to understand the signals coming from dioceses that are restructuring and reconfiguring offices and are either increasing or decreasing staff. Reading the signals from the USCCB, from individual bishops’ committees and our partner ministerial organizations is increasingly important because those signals impact our organizational structures, our strategic planning, and the services and resources we provide.

The future work of the Federation may include services, resources, and programs that diocesan offices can no longer provide to the field of youth ministry. The role of the diocesan leader may be evolving, which may necessitate new services from the Federation. And the future work of the Federation may have to be accomplished within different structures than currently available. We will have to return repeatedly to our mission statement, “to serve those who serve the young Catholic Church,” and discuss anew what those who serve the young church need from the Federation and how those needs can be addressed.

Searching for signals, reading the signs of the times, and attending to the changing ministerial landscape is certainly challenging. But let’s get back to the LCD projector. When the connection between the projector and the computer is correct, the message on the screen reads “Source Found,” and there we find a sense of hope.

“Source Found.” In the midst of multiple and even conflicting signals, we can trust that we are moving in an authentic direction when we stay connected to our source. More than a mission statement, more than a strategic plan, and more than our professional intuition, our source is Jesus. Working in the ministerial vineyard, building the reign of God, and living as disciples of Jesus makes sense only when we are connected to the source.

Searching for Signal?

Yes, we are.

Source Found?

It’s our faith and hope.