By Maureen Smith
MADISON – On Saturday, July 28, more than two dozen youth minister representing four deaneries and 10 parishes gathered at Madison St. Francis of Assisi Parish for a day-long event. The theme was “Reflect, Renew, Recharge” as an effort to offer support, encouragement, time for personal reflection, prayer and to share best practices.
The agenda included Youth Culture/GenZ, study from St. Mary’s Press called “Going Going Gone,” the Pre-Synodal Document on “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment,” Creating a Vision in Ministry, Spirituality of a Youth Leader and best practices for youth ministry. The presentation involved prayer, discussion, activities, multimedia, and resources for youth ministers to take home to their parishes. Abbey Schuhmann, coordinator for youth ministry for the diocese, coordinated the day, compiled the materials and lead the workshop.
“We’ve added new diocesan events for youth over the past couple of years and I knew we needed to include something to offer support specifically for youth ministers which is what sparked the birth of this event. It was purposely planned for this time of year to “recharge” youth ministers before the start of a new ministry year which often coincides with the start of a new school year,” said Schuhmann.