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Fr. Fabio’s Reflections on Preparatory Document: Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment – Part 2

11/08/2017

During the conference from ‘Krakow 2 Panama’ held in Rome in April 2017, Fr Fabio Attard SDB was asked to share his thoughts on the third part of the Preparatory Document For The 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops “Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment”. We seriously encourage those involved in youth ministry to read his sharing as it is full of insight. The article will be split into 4 parts and we will upload two parts a week. For those who have not yet had the chance to read the preparatory document please click the following links: Maltese – English

Here’s Part 2 of Fr Fabio reflections on the Preparatory Document: Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment. If you haven’t read part 1, please click here, or the image below.

2. Communion and pastoral leadership

Real youth ministry does not imagine or perceive young people as patients needing care! In the pastoral journey of the Church young people are at the same time objects and subjects of ministry, like the Church itself, which evangelized by Christ while and evangelizing Christ!

First, we must look to the young, especially the poorest and those most in need, even the most wretched among them, with the certainty that in the heart of each one there is an accessible point of goodness. It is the duty of each educator and evangelizer to discover this space of goodness, this sensitive cord of the heart and make it vibrate, because even in the most unfortunate cases, the most rebellious and difficult young people, there are strings can vibrate life.

Second, it is important that we are guided by the conviction that bringing the good news is not a privilege of a few, but the invitation offered to all. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis acknowledges that “even if it is not always easy to approach young people, progress has been made in two  areas: the awareness that the entire community is called to evangelize and educate the young, and the urgent need for the young to exercise greater leadership” (106). With this conviction, today more than ever, we can never give up the goal that sees young people as apostles of other youth.

One of the features that is deeply felt in the youth charismatic experiences is the growth within the hearts of young people not only of the joy of faith in Jesus Christ, but more so the desire that the faith received is also shared, from evangelized to evangelizing. It is a consoling duty to offer young people this high standard of ordinary Christian living as commented by Saint John Paul II at the end of the Holy Year in Novo Millennio Ineunte (NMI)

“The time has come to re-propose wholeheartedly to everyone this high standard of ordinary Christian living: the whole life of the Christian community and of Christian families must lead in this direction. It is also clear however that the paths to holiness are personal and call for a genuine “training in holiness”, adapted to people’s needs. This training must integrate the resources offered to everyone with both the traditional forms of individual and group assistance, as well as the more recent forms of support offered in associations and movements recognized by the Church” (NMI n.31).

Fr Fabio Attard SDB

Haven’t read part 1, please click here.

Fr. Fabio’s Reflections on Preparatory Document: Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment – Part 1

07/08/2017

During the conference from ‘Krakow 2 Panama’ held in Rome in April 2017, Fr Fabio Attard SDB was asked to share his thoughts on the third part of the Preparatory Document For The 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops “Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment”. We seriously encourage those involved in youth ministry to read his sharing as it is full of insight. The article will be split into 4 parts and we will upload two parts a week. For those who have not yet had the chance to read the preparatory document please click the following links: Maltese – English

PRESENTATION OF PART III OF THE PREPARATORY DOCUMENT
FOR THE 15th ORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS
“YOUTH, FAITH AND VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT”

Part III of the Preparatory Document (PD), Pastoral Activity, could be an easy victim of a purely operational interpretation of the ongoing process towards the Synod Young People, the Faith and Vocation Discernment. Such a summary conclusion is not complete; it is just superficial. Seen in its entirety, Part III of the PD presupposes and builds on the first two parts. Being convinced that pastoral action cannot be thought of as if it were a thing to do, we ask ourselves how can this part help us strengthen the pastoral work as an answer within the overall pastoral journey?

Part III lays open before us several specific challenges that must be read and discussed in the light of the broader journey of the Church. I offer some thoughts around 4 points that help us capture well this Part III and take advantage of the proposals it contains. I propose that we read Part III in the light of 4 perspectives that correspond to sub-titles it contains.

1. Empathy
The first point carries the theme; ‘Walking with Young People’. It is crucial to see the subject in light of the EG (Evangelii Gaudium). The three verbs used – going out, seeing, calling – are the synthesis of EG. And it is precisely in the light of the EG that the journey of youth ministry should be thought and lived.
And here we have a first challenge: the urgent need for us to keep EG as our compass. The importance of studying it well so that it remains a light that guides our pastoral steps: “going beyond a preconceived framework, encountering young people where they are, adapting to their times and pace of life and taking them seriously” is a result of pastoral empathy choice.
Pastoral empathy that shows up in the “willingness to spend time with them, to listen to the story of their lives and to be attentive to their joys, hopes, sadness and anxieties; all in an effort to share them. This leads to the enculturation of the Gospel and for the Gospel to enter every culture, even among young people.”

Going out, seeing, and calling as a pastoral attitude that becomes both a method and a journey. A life’s choice that is the result of the courage to get out of outdated and rigid patterns, the usual “we have always done so.” A choice that joyfully realizes the aspirations and hopes of the young, but also a choice that allows one to be challenged by the suffering and disappointments that they, the young people are paying too high a price.

Only when we prophetically go out and with humility we encounter the story of our young people, then we can be credible. Our words, our proposals have already been listened to and evaluated by young people before they are even spoken or heard. They are experts in judging whether our presence among them is the result of real empathy or just a barren and dry physical one. Walking with the young is beautiful but also demanding. They ask us to accompany them to the truth, but with charity. Our journey with young people is the expression of the journeying Church, the bride of Christ. It is like Christ that we as a Church journey with the young.

These two points, patient and empathic listening, and the journey of the Church, are well summarized in the EG:
As adults, we find it hard to listen patiently to them, to appreciate their concerns and demands, and to speak to them in a language they can understand. For the same reason, our efforts in the field of education do not produce the results expected. The rise and growth of associations and movements mostly made up of young people can be seen as the work of the Holy Spirit, who blazes new trails to meet their expectations and their search for a deep spirituality and a more real sense of belonging. There remains a need, however, to ensure that these associations actively participate in the Church’s overall pastoral efforts (EG n.105).

 

Fr Fabio Attard SDB

I Dare You to Accept!

04/07/2017

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring

Being a student at the University of Malta and being a young person myself, I can understand the words of Frodo Baggins in this conversation with Gandalf, when he couldn’t understand what had to happen and why it all had to depend on him. When faced with the reality of himself, of others, of God and of his most probable future, man might deny, or else victimise himself and like Frodo remain in his emotions without actually doing anything.

This is where Gandalf comes in and shows something which is much more profound and much more interesting. He affirms the same wish which Frodo had just expressed, but with the difference that he offers the solution. He invites Frodo to accept the situation as an opportunity rather than as a hurdle, and to do something which will change the present.

I find this truly interesting, as while walking in the grounds of university one might notice both Frodos and Gandalfs. While there are those who both psychologically and spiritually are unable to digest what is happening in their lives, there are those who take the opportunities which come up in their lives and use them to design a phenomenal future. The aim of this article is surely not to judge a part as being wrong and the other as being right. Together we will strive to find what is similar between them and convince ourselves that life is to be loved and cherished. After all, it is our one and only chance.

What I first notice in both of them is the search for love. Those who still cannot grasp the events happening in their lives are those who usually come to mind when talking about seeking love. This is because such people might seem confused, protection seekers and continuously looking for advice. We immediately notice that they desperately need to find love around them , and more than this, the love which comes from above. The love which is perfect and which makes every situation in life sweeter than it actually is. On the other hand, those who accept the different situations in their lives are those who have understood both the love of God and of the people who surround them and also that they cannot satisfy every person on the planet. They have reached a level of search for love in the sense that they can accept the fact that they are individually loved by God (to the extent that He died for each and every one of them). This is the fact which makes them continue searching to fulfil the mission which they were entrusted with.

Something else which I notice in the university’s Frodos and Gandalfs is the search for fulfilment and, as a result of this, for true joy. Once again we can notice that both of them are at a different level from each other. If we go around and ask what would people ultimately want in life, I believe that each and every person would answer with fulfilment and true joy, or else with something which will eventually get them there. Yet, this state of joy never comes simply by focusing on and internally improving oneself. It is about doing what God himself did for us: transcendence. It is about self transcendence, which means trying to exceed your own limits. In our earthly language, we might say this means giving up yourself to the service of others. True joy is then the result of such an action. It is understood that this is something which we learn to do gradually throughout life. The key word here is ‘gradually’. This must be obtained by turning to the one who was the first to transcend himself to us, God himself. I believe that by turning to Him and literally plead for his help in doing the mission of transcending ourselves in the way which seems best is important for the action to happen in the first place. Gandalfs can also be of help by reassuring, by listening, by being true friends. Unfortunately, amongst us we encounter many people who all they wish for is that someone might stop from the hustle and bustle and just listen to them. You might say, I do not feel that I’m capable of giving counsel. Yet, everyone has the ears to listen and everyone has the heart to feel the burdens of his fellow friends.

Nowadays, the Church is focusing more and more about accompaniment. This might seem something too priestly, but it is not! It is something which God expects from each and every believer:

– “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom… for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink…” (Mt 25, 34-35)

– “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” (Mt 5, 7)

This is our most important task at present: being merciful by clothing (i.e. comforting) and giving a drink (i.e. giving love and space) to those who desperately are in need of it.

Finally, I would like to make it clear that I don’t want to picture our society as being divided between those who are still not ready against those who are. I believe that all of us can be both Frodos and Gandalfs. At different periods in one’s life, a person might be a Gandalf in a way that he/she does what he/she has to do and also helps other people in doing this. At other times, he/she might be a Frodo and might truly need the support of another person.

Whatever happens in life, whether you’re Frodo or Gandalf, always remember the words of Samwise Gamgee, “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings – The Two Towers

Jean Claude Schembri

I like to work with young people, but …

06/01/2017

5 Steps to Relaunch Your Ministry When Things Seem to be Going Wrong

We’ve all gone into youth ministry for a million reasons: We were enthusiastic to share what we received, we had leadership qualities we wanted to express, we looked up and wanted to imitate a youth leader who guided us, we really wanted to lead a lot of young people, the vibe of having loads of young people around excited us, our Jesus experience was simply irresistible … Many times we feel one or many of these reasons are being accomplished. That makes us feel great, satisfied, spiritually boosted or simply confirming we are in the right vocation.

But, at other times, it simply seems not to be working.

“My group has just crumbled, most of the other leaders are leaving the ministry, I feel drained of ideas, there doesn’t seem to be any spiritual growth in my group, petty issues are taking over the group dynamic and to top it all I don’t know whether all this is really worth it!”

When the statements and situations above seem to be more present than the original desires and stimuli, apathy or burnout might be taking over, especially if we are still committed as before. How can we avoid, or how can we react in these circumstances?

1. Don’t push too much

Many a times our first reaction might be: ‘Maybe I’m not doing enough’ or ‘I should do something bigger, or more attractive’.  As long as you’re committed to your youth group this might not be the case. Instead, remember the first calling of Jesus to the apostles: “He appointed twelve that they might be with him … (Mk3:14)” Our first call is not to be ministering more but to be with Him. As Mother Theresa says: “God has not called me to be successful. He called me to be faithful.”

Youth ministry is not about doing more but being more.  Young people are looking for an authentic witness who is faithful to his journey, irrespective of this resulting in success or showing one’s vulnerability.  This calls me to the second point:

2. Are you actually doing more than being?

Many times the feel good factor that comes from being on the field, working with young people, receiving their approval, might be ironically the biggest temptation to go off the mark. Formation should be your priority. It’s a challenge for me as well but I’m ever more convinced that keeping this as a priority is what develops good quality ministry. So go through your formation checklist: when was the last time I attended a course of personal formation? Maybe I need to start a journey or renew one with my spiritual director or mentor! How is my prayer life? Maybe I need to put a retreat in my programme!

Elena Pace Photography

3. How are my relationships in the group?

Sometimes my relationships within the group might be disturbing and creating uneasiness every time I’m going to the group even though it might not be so evident. A youth group is not simply a group of friends. A community is somewhat different. Go through a personal exercise to see what’s happening in your heart. Have friendships and dependencies actually taken over your relationships with your colleagues, or members of the group? Am I struggling with these relationships? And are these relationships actually alienating me of the intentions of the group or ministry I’m responsible for?

4. Count your blessings

Many a times we are often lost in grumbling and complaining on all the factors, persons, and situations leading to ‘failures’ in our ministry. Instead, a different approach can actually set our hearts and ministry on fire: “Gratitude in advance is the most powerful creative force in the Universe.” (N.D. Walsh) Let gratitude be the attitude which leads you to new pastures, the attitude which guides you through the good and the bad times.

5. It might be actually a time for change

Without making rash decisions, God might be calling you to a change. The Lord might be calling you to mysterious changes, maybe a change within your ministry, a change to a different ministry or an interior spiritual change. Never allow yourself to think small, but allow God to direct your thoughts, he might be asking you to leave to a land he’s showing you, to row into the deep, or to strengthen your roots. Do not be afraid to let go into this change.

Many times it is difficult to discern which of the above is the most urgent for you. Make sure to facilitate your process of prioritising. First of all try to think as objectively as possible alone or with a true friend where you truly are. Secondly and most importantly make sure to take your experience to prayer and spiritual direction.

Remember the Lord is first of all calling you to your ministry, not your creativity, your success, your excellent talents or social skills. If you desire it, you will surely get the help you need and you’ll soon be in a new place to relaunch your ministry.

 

Anthony Mifsud