Exciting ways to enhance young adult ministry
Today’s tip: Provide opportunities for people to experience different forms of personal and group prayer
Straight from the U.S. bishops’ “Pastoral Plan for Ministry with Young Adults, Sons and Daughters of the Light,” this week’s tip is about the foundation of growth, opportunity. One can only grow by taking the opportunity to try things for the first time.
The obvious question here is, “How do I provide this kind of opportunity?” You basically have three options: INVITE, CREATE, REPLICATE.
INVITE: Ask others to attend the prayer events your parish is already doing. For example, invite others to go with you to an Advent communal penance service.
CREATE: Host prayer gatherings yourself that highlight a type of prayer. For example, the Co-Cathedral of St. Theresa has holy hours every Wednesday when they offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The first Wednesday of the month is dedicated to praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
REPLICATE: Look at what others are doing and hold a similar event at your parish. For example, the Newman Center hosts Taize prayer every Lent. Contact them and let them know you are interested in hosting such an event at your parish.
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.
