I was sadden to hear the news of another young person taking one's life. Stark and Ashtabula Counties in particular have had a number of teens attempting and committing suicide. I am also distraught by the increased incidents of depression, anxiety and loneliness, growing during this time of pandemic as we face social isolation along with the physical distancing and mask-wearing. Springtide Research found that in March 2020, 60% of the young people (ages 13 - 25) felt "very isolated." They also found that 24% of 13 - 17 year olds feel sometimes or always alone. I share this information not as a "Debbie Downer" but it is important to have awareness, and perhaps to find out how the young people around you feel. We do not want young people to feel alone for too long, or to be isolated from family, community and support for too long as hopelessness can set in, which I believe is the basis for suicidal ideation for many youth. So, even during this pandemic when we cannot do many of the things we typically do in parish ministries, how can we still help teens to be connected to our faith communities? To feel that they are supported and loved by our faith communities? That they are vital parts of our faith communities? For those of you hosting virtual gatherings, keep doing it, but make sure you include messages about the love of God and the love from our communities! See if your pastor/administrator/parish leader can join in a session to share a message. Ask your parish council president or other other members to join to talk with and listen to the teens. Invite leaders of key parish ministries and organizations to join to also share why they miss seeing the young people around the parish and that they are important (think Knights of Columbus, Ladies Guild, Social Justice Committee, choir director, etc.) Of course, having people join a virtual meeting can also be adapted for those gathering in person with all safety protocols in place. For those at parishes not gathering with groups now, snail mail is another great tool. Thanksgiving cards... just thinking of you postcards... sent from the parish address in the name of the parish. Including notes to the teens in the pick-up packets for families to use for faith formation/religious education/Generations of Faith... What other ideas come to mind? Remember that chapter 4 of CHRISTUS VIVIT is a treasure trove of quote you can pull out to use so that teens are reminded that Pope Francis love them, prays for them, and wants them to know they are important to the Church.
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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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