Catholic High Schools are often an overlooked gem in the grand scheme of our ministerial lives. Whether they are diocesan, regional, or run by a religious order, these schools do what we as youth minister could only dream of. They journey with hundreds of teens on their daily journeys. Navigating academic, extra-curricular, faith opportunities, and the college hunt can be an overwhelming four years for teens. These schools strive to meet young people along the way. Which one of us wouldn’t want to be a part of this? However, I would argue, this is often an overlooked resource and partner where we need to:
Many of these schools have a unique charism or a particular virtue that they follow. How can you, as a leader, utilize that charism in the work you are doing at the parish? Maybe their charism is preaching (like the Dominicans), working with low-income families (like the Sisters of Saint Joseph), or minister to teens (as with the Salesians of Don Bosco). Tapping into these charisms can help make a connection with the high school to your parish program and make it more fruitful.
Often campus ministry offices can be overwhelmed with their work. They run retreats, service projects, pilgrimages, prayer services. How can you help or support? Many of the youth leaders in our diocese help provide music for liturgies, assist with programs, give talks, run retreats. And the beauty is it allows us to meet teens in a new way, a way we may not have tried before.
We need to remember that we are all in this ministry together. We are all co-workers in the vineyard, trying to help teens get into heaven. Going at it alone will not bring as much fruit as if we work together. So, I encourage you, call your local Catholic High School. The experiences and results may surprise you!