Musings of a Youth Minister

Launching Jesus in a Military Community by  CASSANDRA SMITH A flurry of excitement, nerves, and energy abound when a military community is moving toward change; especially when it involves our youth. When we adults look back to our time as young persons, most of us feel a sense of nostalgia for the energy and fortitude we once had, the intensity with which we felt, and the fearlessness with which we approached many things. These are some of the reasons those of us who participate in youth ministry find ourselves so invigorated working with young people, it harkens us back to a time that we were more attuned to our world, the people next to us, and less on the demands of adult life. Of course, youth ministry has its challenges, and it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, much like our youth. There are ups and downs for sure. But when God calls you to a ministry like this, and your eyes are on Him, you can’t help but feel akin to the young people you serve. That is why...

European Training Conference in Barcelona: Life Teen at Work by  CASSANDRA SMITH My My My Barcelona Barcelona: a city that encapsulates the richness of an ancient history with modern flair and vibrancy from art and architecture to exquisite food may have a new surprise in store. A spiritual revival that has its own unique texture and foundation is in the making. That movement was born in a place a little distance from the beautiful Spanish city of Barcelona. It had its humble beginnings in Mesa, Arizona. That movement is none other than Life Teen. Life Teen as a Catalyst Life Teen is a catalyst for more diverse and profound encounters with Christ all over the world. Those of us who have been engaged in a Catholic culture that involves Life Teen likely will not find the depth, energy, and dynamic environment in which the Holy Spirit chooses to reveal Himself a surprise, but for the rest of the world; take notice. God willing, your city may be next. What is so Dif...

Out from behind the Table: Building relationships for the fall semester in Military Parishes It’s time to regroup now that a third of your teens graduated high school. You are full of cake and BBQ, your feet (and back..let's be honest) are sore from trying to learn the nay nay and you have to empty the trash bin of all the used tissues from tear-filled goodbyes because another third of your teens are PCSing (Permanent Change of Station). Does anyone else laugh when you read that? There is nothing “permanent” except the change. Now what?   Typically you take a couple weeks to try to salvage the rest of your summer before you begin planning because you are anxiously awaiting the new Life Support Box (ministry resources)… Since you can’t sit out by the receiving door of your chapel and stalk the mail carrier you decide it is time to meet the new faces you have started seeing in the pew. Picnic time! Some communities plan a parish picnic a couple of weeks prior to the star...