MAKANA’S HELPFUL HINTS
Today’s tip: Invite and lead young adults to participate in activities with their campus or parish social justice committees or local social action organizations!
This year, for our annual Island Leadership Retreat, we decided to follow the theme of the Jubilee of Mercy (happening now!), “Merciful like the Father,” which really points us toward solidarity. We invited the Catholic Relief Services student ambassadors at Chaminade University to lead the retreat.
The four students, all in their second or third year, have been trained to be alert and aware of the impact their day-to-day living has on the whole world, which is really the heart of the church teachings on solidarity. The activities they are sharing this year help us to be wide awake to the impact everyday actions have on the world.
For example, the “Where My Feet Have Been” activity goes through the various places people have served others. It’s so amazing to look around the room and be able to say, “Between all of us, we’ve reached people all across the island, state, country and world!”
But the real gem here is that everyone was invited by someone they knew and trusted to explore avenues of service with them … a living example of the Father’s loving hand.
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.