Connections

Since this past July, I have been privileged to serve as chair of the NFCYM Board of Directors. During that time, I have received a thorough introduction to “chairing” by my predecessor, Sr. Jude Ruggeri. I have chaired my first NFCYM Board of Directors’ Meeting (July 16-21). Overall, the past weeks have been an exhilarating experience with a steep learning curve. I am grateful to Sr. Jude, the executive committee, and the members of the board for breaking in this “rookie chair” with such patience and wisdom. At the same time, my appreciation goes out to Bob McCarty, executive director, for the many ways he has introduced me to the breadth and depth of ministry to and with Catholic young people throughout the country.

The fact that the board discerned me as chair at a time when diocesan leadership is experiencing some turmoil lends significance to this two-year term of service. Clearly, the support of youth ministry leaders on the diocesan level has to be an important part of the Federation’s work. For my part as chair, this is a goal that I will take seriously to heart.

A Starting Point

The Chinese character for “crisis” has a meaning that includes both “threat” and “opportunity.” The fact that we are already experiencing the triple threat of economic downturn, sexual abuse, and institutional restructuring is abundantly clear. We trust that a triple opportunity will be on the horizon before long.

However, simply hoping will not make it so. No matter how many times we invoke the double meaning in the Chinese character, the triple opportunities will not be ours unless we respond to these threats with courageous action in pursuit of a new future. Covey would express this starting point in what he calls his first habit of effective people: “Be Proactive.”

As national and local youth ministry leaders, we can easily fall into the trap of being reactive instead of proactive people. We lead more by fulfilling the expectations of others than by creatively pursuing the mission and goals of our church and the youth ministry community. Thus, we repeat the same programs, serve the same audience, plan with a small circle of colleagues, and depend on the same budgetary sources from year to year. If brought to its extreme, we live and minister according to a principle of entitlement: “Youth ministry is essential to the work of the Catholic Church. Therefore, we have a right to receive the resources required to carry on that essential ministry.”

The premise of that principle is certain. Ministry with adolescents is essential for helping the church realize its mission with young Catholics (Vision of Youth Ministry, p. 3 and Renewing the Vision, p. 3). However, we cannot take the conclusion of that principle for granted. That conclusion can only be true and effective when viewed from within a proactive approach to life and ministry. It is futile for us to think that our role as diocesan or national leaders will thrive (or even survive) if we fall into the routine of completely depending on others to provide our goals and funding. We become leaders who lose our creative energy, effectiveness, and ministerial fruitfulness. We limit ourselves to conducting programs and managing budgets. We lose the essential quality of our vocation: to creatively “enlighten the world and to show it the path to life” ([Ps. 16:11] quoted by Pope John Paul II at World Youth Day in Denver, August 15, 1993).

Moving Forward

As we continue our ministerial journey, we remember our beginnings on the road to Emmaus. Our spirits may be somewhat disheartened and confused. However, we are buoyed by our colleagues, our young, and the Lord’s mysterious presence. We reflect on our ministerial leadership in the light of God’s word. In the breaking of bread, our fears and doubts are transformed into an enthusiastic proclamation of the Lord’s risen presence.

In 1976, the Catholic youth ministry community began an Emmaus journey to a renewed church. In 2004, we continue this same journey in a very different world and church. We journey in faith with the conviction that, even today, it is the same journey, the same kingdom, and the same mysterious presence of the Lord.