Youngstown Synod Surveys, part 6 - Outreach

The Synod question asked was:
How and in what manner is contact made with young people who do not frequent Church surroundings?
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          From the surveys of parents/families and staff at parish and school, the most cited way to make contact with young people was through invitation (56).  Within this answer, many people specified that personal invitation was best (28), while a significant number stated the importance of peers inviting their friends (21).  Social media was also a common suggestion (21). 

Many responses including having more programs, activities, events, or socials, only specifying that they be fun and engaging and offer youth a wide selection.  Specific elements mentioned were music (7), food (6), and sports (5).  Social justice and service were mentioned by 20 people as a way to reach out to youth. 

Other responses include:

• Empowering the leadership of youth (7);
• More engaging Masses (6);
• Inviting youth to Mass (6);
• Listen to youth (4)

Going to where young people are (2). 

How does your parish reach out to teens?

How does your parish reach out to young adults?

How do you prepare your parishioners to provide hospitality 
and invite others to participate in Church activities? 
(If you do have an answer to this question,
does that include preparing teens and young adults to evangelize as well?)