Reaching Out to Make a Difference
As we near the one-year mark of the "Pandemic Shut Down," many of us are growing weary of the social distancing, mask wearing, constant hand washing and so on. But, as the COVID-19 keeps spreading (and now bringing in variants to deal with), being as safe as possible is appreciated. That being said, we as ministers need to find ways to refresh our own souls this Lent; to allow God to renew us... "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31). ... so that we can step up our efforts to reach out to our young people. Springtide Research Institute shared the following insights: <<Seven out of ten people who watched an online service say that interacting with people, even virtually, makes them feel more connected. Yet, nearly half of those people still report feeling isolated because no one is reaching out to them individually. Despite some young adults finding value in churches and religious or faith communities providing online rituals and virtual spaces during this time of social isolation, the survey found that what mitigates their experience of loneliness is the act of caring adults checking in and connecting with them*. >> So, we need to once again do what we can to reach out to each and every young people of our parish, as best we can... How might you do that? + send a card from the parish + if you have permission for direct contact with minors, send an email, text or other communications + have your team/volunteers help you make Lenten supply bags and drop them off at the front doors of their homes + invite (again) to join an online activity + start planning some outdoor/distanced events on the parish campus for late spring/summer and build excitement by inviting the young people to help with the planning. What other ideas to you have? (Please share in comments section below.) THANK YOU for all that you have been doing for the past 11 months. May we continue to journey with St. Paul, as he wrote to the Philippians (3:14): "I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus." ------------------ * https://www.springtideresearch.org/new-social-distancing-study
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*** Note: The Office Blog is now inactive, but posted for continued reference as needed (6/30/21) ***Cindee Case, MPSFormer Director of the Diocese of Youngstown Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (2/2002 - 6/2021) Archives
July 2021
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