I was sitting in my hotel room in beautiful Cleveland, Ohio as a freezing Alberta Clipper whipped outside.  It was the closing day of the National Federation For Catholic Youth Ministers Conference (NFCYM) – now that is a mouthful – and I was contemplating the event.As a first-timer and resident of Arizona, I stared out the window at the snow and wind, wondering why anyone would choose Ohio in the winter, for a conference. I had to admit though, despite the weather, I was enjoying myself immensely. The conference is especially designed for Youth Ministers.  It is a time for us to come together, learn, share, and have our empty reservoirs filled to overflowing.  We were challenged, energized, and inspired with a renewed sense of hope that we were indeed called to ministry.

What surprised me the most was that many of the youth minister’s were somewhere around “my age,” give or take a decade?  They were married and parents of teenagers just like me. I felt right at home.  In my Diocese, I sometimes feel more like shag carpeting – lots of life left with great stories to tell – but not as vibrant and new as the Berbers. Yet, I believe with all my heart that God called me to be right where I am, doing exactly this.

God’s timing is perfect. Never in my life would I have ever imagined myself as a Youth Minister. Yet, as I look back at all that I have experienced and accomplished in life, I can see that He was laying the groundwork in preparation for this vocation.  God was moving me on the path that landed me right where He wanted me to be and when He wanted me to be there.

On the final evening of the conference we were treated to a closing extravaganza that featured some of the biggest names in Catholic Youth Ministry: Jesse Manibusan, Steve Angrisano, and APEX ministries to list a few…you know – the ones who seem to have an extra portion of God’s most marvelous gifts.  This was an evening with these folks doing what they do best just for us. What surprisingly touched me the most was when several entertainers briefly eluded to the frustrations that come with parenting and keeping their own kids on track in their Catholic faith. I was reminded of my own frequent lamentation, “God, I help other teens come to know you, what’s going on with my own kids?”  It was comforting to know that I wasn’t the only parent struggling in the battle for their kids’ holiness.

When they were small, we might have been a three-ring circus at Mass, but we were there and they were totally into the whole God show.  These days, it is a different story altogether.  They push back and find excuses not to go. They take turns having their own faith crisis as they try to figure out their place in this world, where God fits in, and the significance of their Catholic beliefs.  As a mother and a Youth Minister it is absolutely overwhelming at times trying to figure out when to push, how hard to push, and when to simply give them over to God.

I have heard it said that some of the greatest sinners made the greatest saints.  This encourages me tremendously in my work with teens. It reminds me to never loose hope, never stop praying and always trust completely in God’s plan for their lives.  In the thickest part of the battle it is hardest to see the victory, but victory is eminent because we do not fight alone.

Some of the teens that I work with have told my children about what a “great Youth Minister” they think I am, (generally my kids roll their eyes and make some indistinguishable snorting noise).  I wonder how I am allowed to be pivotal in some other kid’s life and at the same time seemingly repel my own offspring.  Isn’t there something in Scripture about a prophet not being accepted in his own town? Now don’t misunderstand me, I am no prophet. I am, however an on-fire, passionate, caped-crusader for Christ.  I love what I do and I am honored to have a small role in helping kids find their way to Christ. 

I am also keenly aware of the impact other people will have in the faith life of my own children. Together, we make up the One Body of Christ, the children of the Most High God.  Like the Three Musketeer’s lets say together, “All for one, and one for all.” Heaven is the goal and it’s going to take all of us, to help get the rest of us there. Let’s all “pray without ceasing.”