From a Former Youth Minister

St. Julie Billiart Youth Ministry

TNT , Teens Need Togetherness. Yes, teens do need togetherness, but that's not all they need. Youth ministry has flourished greatly in the past decade and in our own diocese. Youth ministry has given our young parishioners a new way to dream, to hope, and to find God in their lives. Are we done? Is it safe to say that, "we've done all we can to bring teens closer to Christ?" Have we done enough for the teens in our parish or in our word? Did Jesus say to His disciples, "I've done all I can for you, so you're on your own?" Why has the Holy Father spent so much time and effort reaching out to our young people? He has inspired me to spend my energy focusing on the youth, and because of his inspiration, I am here at St. Julie today.

"At this stage of history, the liberating message of the Gospel of life has been put into your hands. And the mission of proclaiming it to the ends of the earth is now passing to your generation, the young Church. We pray with the whole Church that we can meet the challenge of providing coming generations with reasons for living and hoping."

Pope John Paul II, Word Youth Day in Denver, 1993.

The Holy Father knows that we must reach out to our future church. We must feed teens emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Just like Jesus prepared His disciples, we too must prepare our youth as well. And as He passed the responsibility of carrying on HIS Church to His disciples, we too will someday pass on this responsibility to the young people of today. Will they want the challenge? Will they know and love Jesus enough to lake up the cross and take on the responsibility? The Holy Father is challenging us to provide this generation the knowledge of the Gospel. He is challenging us to show this generation a reason for living and hoping. Well, he really expects a lot from us doesn't he? Or, maybe not. What nave we done so far?

Well. some of the benefits of youth ministry at St. Julie. which give our teens reasons for living and hoping are. . Gosh. I could make you a list! Okay, maybe I'll do that!

1. Charity- Donation to the food pantry by an annual scavenger hunt.

2. Joy- Having internal joy and sharing it with the folks at Tinley Court.

3. Peace- In knowing that there is a group of people ever at church who cares for them.

4. Patience-Learning to welcome and accept EVERYONE, and to realize each person is special, important, and loved.

5. Kindness-Serving our community, fasting for 30 hours, and raising money to feed the poor around the word.

6. Goodness - Spending 5 days over Easter vacation to clean up a retreat sight used by a multitude of parishes and other teens in our diocese.

7. Generosity- Waking up at 4:30AM once per month to make breakfast for the homeless in Joliet.

8. Faithfulness-Planning, participating, and ATTENDING a teen mass two times per month, faithfully.

9. Modesty - Offering time to help and teach another youth ministry in our area how to use video equipment techniques.

10. Self-control -Playing softball in a coed, catholic league, and not being too worried about who wins or who loses! :)

I could go on, but I'll stop for now. Yes, I have listed the Fruits of the Holy Spirit! Well, most of them. Why? Because this youth ministry is inspired by the Holy Spirit! Jesus left His Church the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and when empowered by the Spirit, we see the Fruits of the Spirit! God is good, and God is very present in the hearts of these teens. WE the adults, are merely instruments. If we allow the spirit to move us, we will pass on the responsibilities to these teens someday, and they will be ready to take up their crosses. All we need to do is support. encourage, and pray for this ministry! The teens are finding hope and reason for living in this world; and they are truly doing great things. I pray for the continued support by the families and all the parishioners here at St. Julie. We will see the fruits of our labor, and may God be Glorified through our faithful service to His Church, and especially to His children. God's Love and Peace to all of you! 

Jan Manatee, 
(Former) Youth Minister