GUEST POST: Discovering The Silver Linings

If I was told that at the beginning of this pastoral year, that by mid-March:

• All public celebrations of the mass would cease.
• All public gatherings would be a health concern.
• That we would be living in an age reliant on digital communication.

I would, as many of you, probably would think it could never happen. Yet, here we are. Throughout this time, I have tried to look at the positives (a hardship for those of us from New York City, trust me) and here is what I found:

YOU ARE MADE FOR THIS

There is that famous quote from St. Joan of Arc, who, facing her execution, says how “she was born to do this.” And in many ways, perhaps we should look at her as a patroness during this time. WE are made for this. WE are called to serve at this poignant time in the history of The Church and the world. Our Creator knew who He wanted tending His flock during these trying times. We should consider ourselves lucky to be called at this time.

LET’S GET DIGITAL

As with all things, in excess, it’s not so great. But what I have seen through social and digital media, has been astounding. As someone who has served in the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens for so many years, I am blessed to see youth leaders stepping up to the challenge starting what they call The BQ Breakthrough. Such an innovative way to connect with young people, especially when so many institutions were not prepared to minister in this way.

Our friends at Project YM stepped up with Project YM Live with a weekly virtual event featuring presenters like Fr. Mike Schmitz, Katie Prejean McGrady, and ALOB. 

I have heard time and time again how parish youth leaders quickly learned, without any formal training, to translate their weekly gatherings into Zoom Meetings or Google Hangouts. This endeavor is undoubtedly no easy task. But YOU stepped up to make sure young people can still meet Jesus and fall in love with Him. For this, I thank you. Our Church, thanks to you. You may not hear it enough, but what you are doing today for your young people and their families matter so much for the Body of Christ.  

MASS APPEAL

As soon as public masses began to stop, the immense influx of digital masses through social media increased. What a wonderful testament to the Gospel message! This movement should be a reminder to all of us as to how vital our Church communities are. People are starving for the sacraments, and we can help with that. We can be the leaders that help bring people to their Church.

Once things return to normal, I am confident that there will be a revitalization in our ministries to young people. Blessed are we who are called to minister at this time. I, for one, am honored to stand side by side with you as we do it.

What blessings do you see in the ever-changing world?

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 A native of Queens, NY, Paul has been serving the young Church in the Diocese of Brooklyn since 2010 and is the newest member of our Marathon Youth Ministry Team. Paul served as a middle school teacher in Queens and a Diocesan Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for over a decade. In addition to these roles Paul has served as the Co-chair for the USCCB’s World Youth Day Panama Advisory Board and the Chair of NCYC 2019. Paul holds an undergraduate degree from St. Francis College in Downtown Brooklyn in History. In 2013 he completed his Master of Arts in Historical Theology from St. John’s University and more recently wrapped up a Masters of Science in School Building Leadership from Fordham University. Paul and his wife Alison have two children James Anthony and John Paul