I’ve always been a person to help people and do anything I can to make other people’s lives better and create positive environments
A service experience that really stayed with me was when, for this past holiday, we made care baskets for the elderly, and we gave it to them. I think that they really appreciated it, even though it wasn’t much. I know it’s the thought that counted the
most to them. And I was really grateful to do that for them.
Honestly, I didn’t have any fears going to that service experience.
I mean, I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew that God was going to lead me no matter what happened. So, I was just ready to do the work.
Preparing for service opportunities for me is pretty easy. I don’t really think about it. I just know that we have something to get done, and it has to get done. I generally let God take over me and just do what needs to be done.
After participating in service opportunities, I like to reflect and thank God for giving me the opportunity to help others and to be there and able to make a change. And I’d also like to see how we could have done things better and what we could do moving forward to help the community more
I would like adults to take into more consideration the point of view of kids my age.
To my peers, I would say take service opportunities seriously.
It takes a lot for a person to go out and help people, continuously seeing the good and everything that you’re doing and that’s being done. So, I would just tell them to be gracious and really thankful for being given the opportunity to go out and help other people.
As a youth ministry leader, you have to not just let youth join organizations, organize a service project, and participate in service projects. It is essential that they understand why it matters that they are taking part in these measures, and then it will lead their hearts and faith to take ownership to do more. It also helps to build relationships and encourages them to want
to do more on their own instead of being forced to do something. Why it matters is Key!
EDITOR’S NOTE
These interviews were edited for length and clarity. You can access these full video interviews, and others through the Faith and Service Ministry Network, available through the NFCYM Connect Platform at nfcym.org. Consider using these questions to interview your youth about their service experiences and consider sharing them through your parish social media account.
Be sure to tag @NFCYM, and we will share the link through the ministry network.
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Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Coordinator,
Diocese of Austin
Diocesan Member
"NFCYM has accompanied me in reaching out to like minded professionals to better provide service (ministry) to adolescents. NFCYM has allowed me to network and grow professionally.
'Youth as Protagonists' has been essential to Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the Diocese of Austin."
Youth Minister, St. Christopher Church
Associate Member
"The various resources have helped me keep our program exciting and vibrant. NFCYM has provided me with shared information via webinars, workshops, conferences, outreach, and opportunities that are very informative to help make my ministry successful.
NFCYM is an open forum for me to seek material, guidance and support in keeping the youth ministry program successful."
