Youth Ministry Flourishes During Pandemic Connecting and Serving in Exciting New Ways
A
huge part of Mass is about building community. Longtime Director of Youth Ministry Christie Powell truly believes that, having fostered community with hundreds of teens for more than 30 years. “This is my life,” she says. “It’s my passion.” When the COVID-19 pandemic forced school and church closures, Christie knew she had to do something to keep youth connected. Like so many people have during this unprecedented time, she took to the Zoom video conferencing platform, conducting weekly virtual meetings for the senior high students. While it’s certainly not the same as meeting in person, video The young adult group meets via the Zoom video conferencing platform. conferencing has provided a way for the teens to be accountable to one another. The Zoom sessions are spent checking in to see “This is a wonderful opportunity to let them how everyone is doing during this difficult time. The know they are not alone,” Christie says. “It’s participants also talk about the Sunday readings. like a support group. With COVID, the sense of Right now, Christie is looking forward to the community is being busted up. It can get them annual Christmas Caravan, even though it will distracted. Then, they can make bad choices. It’s look a bit different due to COVID-19 precautions. so important to keep them connected.” The youth group members, their families and many In pre-COVID-19 times, a junior high — sixth to parishioners pitch in to make this day a success. In eighth grade — group had been meeting every other past years, more than 1,000 toys and hundreds of Wednesday evening, with up to 75 youth attending. coats has been given to homeless in the area. In the face of so many upsets, Christie can “The kids are so generous and they work so still list many blessings that have come to her hard,” Christie says. “This is our 15th year for the during the past months. One such blessing is Caravan. So many kids have given shoes off their having the time and interest for a young adult feet and the coats off their backs. They look forward group, for those in college to age 30. This group to that every year.” has been meeting on Thursday nights via Zoom. Each year for Thanksgiving, the youth In the future, she hopes this group can meet groups gather, box and deliver ingredients for a in person about once per quarter. For now, the Thanksgiving meal for those in need. Members Zoom meetings are working very well. also participate in diocesan events, a summer “All of them have gone through the Youth work camp and the Steubenville conference. Minis-try program, and they still want the connection,” “The senior high students are a real faithful Christie says. “It was just the right time.” group,” Christie says.
If you would like more information on the current Youth Ministry events, please contact Christie Powell at 501-835-4323, ext. 10. 7
