If it weren't for the Youth Ministry Program, "Mike" not his real name wouldn't have found his skill: A love for building and working with his hands. But when he attended the annual Haunted Labyrinth run by the Comprehensive Youth Ministry Program, he discovered his abilities as well as a passion for helping his community and his faith.
Mike is an average high school student who is active in sports with many friends. He has a slight learning disability and has struggled with academics.
Reading was not one of his strong points, but he never imagined it would affect his spiritual life. Mike had trouble at religious education classes and was often made fun of because of his reading problems. He tried to hide his issues and, as a result, he was labeled a goof-off and was no longer welcome at religious education. Frustrated with the church, he left the faith he had grown up with. He started attending a different church, where he and his friends were accepted for who they were. It wasn't until a cool autumn night several months later that Mike rediscovered his faith.
Comprehensive Youth Ministry builds, sets-up, and operates the Haunted Labyrinth at the Cranston youth center. Mike attended this event and noticed it was run by his peers. He asked how he could get involved, and it was here that he discovered his skill of working with his hands. He helped build sets and loved the interaction within the group. Mike realized that he didn't leave the church because he disagreed with its teachings; he left for reasons that could be fixed. He belonged here with these people and was ready to share and give meaning to his life again.
After deciding he'd give the Catholic faith a second chance, Mike participated in the Youth Search a program that encourages young people to deepen their faith. He found his place in the church. He is now active and involved with youth events and has even spoken at a few retreats. Mike felt like he had something to give back to his faith and was welcome with open arms.
"It is important for today's youth to have a place with meaning, where they can make a difference," said Louise Dussault, director of Comprehensive Youth Ministry.
Along with hosting their own events, three youth centers help those who work with today's Catholic youth. They provide resources and facilities to local parishes that can't afford to set up an entire event themselves. For example, during Catholic Youth Mission Week, the Youth Ministry Center provided speaker and Catholic musician Jesse Manibusan, who performed for youth ministries and confirmation classes.
Youth Christianity Leadership Institute, one of the many programs developed by Youth Ministry, was started 18 years ago. It gives teens a chance to learn leadership skills and practice them in small groups. They also take part in liturgy, develop communication skills, and plan events like the Haunted Labyrinth and auctions. It is a hands-on approach to learning everyday skills.
Other events include gathering and recognition programs, which award those who excel in leadership; retreats for high school students, where they can explore their faith in God; the Quiz Bowl, which exercises brain power; and competitive sports leagues, which include cross-country, basketball, cheerleading, soccer, volleyball and tennis.
The church is responding to the ever-changing needs of today's youth, Dussault said. The Catholic Charity Fund Appeal provides monetary support.
Youth Ministry is a resource to parishes for confirmation and religious education. Through this, teens are formed into "apprentices in Christian living," as Dussault describes. Today's young adults have a place to explore their religion while forming and strengthening the person they are becoming.
"Young people aren't the future of the church, just as elders aren't the past of the church," emphasizes Dussault. "Today's youth is the church now. They have a role now, and it is up to us to challenge them to accept this role. That is what Youth Ministry is all about."
The ministry operates three youth centers: Rejoice in Hope in Cranston, Father Marot in Woonsocket, Emmaus in Riverside, and the Mother of Hope Camp in Chapachet. For more information on how you can get involved, contact Louise Dussault at 401-278-4626.
(This article originally appeared in The Providence Visitor)
