The first weeks of YM

Whew! People aren't kidding when they give you an eyebrows raised whistle as you explain that you are beginning your first year of youth ministry, developing a ministry from scratch (little previous experience), AND doing faith formation for the parish.  Granted, it's a pretty big job description, but I'm only doing parts right now because programs need to be established and developed before it's a full faith formation program.  

However...I still feel completely overwhelmed at times! There are so many things that I want to do, and so many things that I can't do with confidence until I know people. But I can't get to know people until I start doing stuff! (Like trying to find a job for "experience" but they require you to have "experience" to get the job).

But the most important thing so far: is that I LOVE everybody I've met.  The kids are awesome, and we had fun at the Jr. High youth night last night. The staff are great: friendly, helpful as I get things started, and hilarious in staff meetings.  This is a beautiful place to get on my feet and dig into youth ministry as I have always wanted to. 

As unfamiliar as I am with so many aspects of the church, school and people, I feel at home.  And as the rest of my life begins to settle a little more I think I can see myself feeling quite at home here in Seattle.  

I am in your midst as one who serves...

A little bit about me: I am a fresh graduate from college beginning my first year in parish ministry.  Youth ministry and faith formation to be exact.  As I've started to collect my thoughts about how to effectively preach our Catholic faith to young people, these words of Jesus keep coming to mind.  "I am in your midst as one who serves."

This statement takes place just before Jesus' Passion as the disciples are discussing what it means to be great, and who is the greatest.  Jesus tells them to ignore the common way of achieving greatness.  "But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant." (Luke 22)

This rings true to all of those life-changing moments I've experienced in my own life, through the work of youth ministers, family, friends and countless people of faith.  The most profound "preaching" of our faith comes through radically living the way Jesus did: among us and as a servant.

It's those people who took the time to get to know me and my life, who served me in humility and charity, and who cared more for my growth in holiness than their own comfort or prestige...these are the people that change lives!

So as I begin my newest vocation of helping others embrace the movement of the Spirit in their lives, I pray that these words will be justly spoken through my own life, that others may be changed by Christ who lives within me.