Confessions of a Catholic Youth Minister

After a few years, the Antioch Youth Group was not attracting new members. The retreat would get a couple of new teens involved. The original members were graduating. The youth group model is ineffective long term as the original teens are comfortable with each other and are not motivated to bring in new members. The group eventually dies and you have to start over. I went to visit Frank Mercandte at St John Neumann Parish in St Charles. He was using a  comprehensive model which was centered on a Peer Ministry team. Teens were presenting content, leading small group, giving witness talks, performing skits, running games, leading retreats, and inviting teens to come to events. Done right, it was constantly reaching new teens. When the teens came to an event, the peer ministers were trained to be welcoming so that no one felt alone. After picking Frank's brain, I decided to go with this model. Still, I discovered that the group would only get as big as the number of adult lea

And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain My friend, I'll say it clear I'll state my case, of which I'm certain I've lived a life that's full I've traveled each and every churchway And more, much more than this I did it God's way Regrets, I've had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do And saw it through without exemption God  planned each charted course Each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this I did it God's way Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt God ate it up and spit it out  We faced it all and God stood tall! And I did it God's way I've loved, I've laughed and cried I've had God's grace, my share of sinning And now, as tears subside I find it all, all so amazing To think We did all that And may I say, not in a shy way Oh no, no, no