MAKANA’S HELPFUL HINTS
Today’s tip: No matter what kind of program, event or resource you implement, make sure you’re being OPEN, INVITING, FLEXIBLE AND CHALLENGING (giving opportunities for responsibility).
Everything I share comes from “Sons and Daughters of the Light,” the U.S. bishops’ pastoral plan for ministry with young adults. This week, I’m going to let the document speak for itself:
“The pastoral care of young adults demands a certain kind of openness and flexibility. Parish leaders need an awareness of the life patterns, transience and mobility of young adults. Those who work with young adults will need an approach that is nonjudgmental yet challenging.”
At the end of this section, “The Parish and Young Adults,” is a quote from Christopher Hood, a young adult from New York: “My hope is that the church would reach out to us — seek us out and open the door to participation. I am very aware of my need for God’s forgiving love in my life. Yet it is so easy to put those needs on hold and focus on expectations that society has put on me. Having a community to share these struggles with would be a tremendous blessing.”
So, openly invite, be flexible and offer challenges.
Makana Aiona is the diocesan coordinator for Young Adult Ministry.