Catholics On Call - Reflections On Call

Reflections On Call

Reflections of a newly-minted Youth Minister

People never really think of Youth Ministry and Confirmation as a vocation. I had never thought of it as my true vocation until I came home from CoC Conference in August of 2008.

I came to the conference with the idea of me being a Doctor of Physical Therapy and doing lay ministerial work on the side. I realized that I wasn't truly happy with doing all the Medical classes. I wasn't being who I am. I didn't really think a calling could be as easy as something just coming natural to you. When I decided to dedicate my life to Confirmation and Youth Ministry that's when the magic started to happen. I came home charged and refreshed to dedicate my life to a life of lay ministry in the church.

I am a Youth Ministry/Confirmation Coordinator at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish in North Hollywood, CA as well as at St. Peter's Italian Church in Los Angeles, CA. Being at one parish is definitely interesting, but being at two makes life a lot of fun! I deal with different parents, teenagers and personalities on a daily basis.

As a Youth Minister, my experience is truly blessed by being in two different parishes. In one parish, I have young people who are adversely affected by gang violence. In the other parish, I have young people coming from middle class families. The problems vary from person to person, and sometimes, I'll find the same problem in both parishes. It is my job to be there, to listen to them, and to lend them advice when needed. It is also my job to remind them that even though times are rough, there's always someone there to guide them on the path. I pray with teenagers, I do outings to the theater...we have done Chinese Dinner Theology night and are looking to start a Starbucks Coffee Youth Ministry night. There's so much more to my job that I can't describe in words because I would not do them justice.

As a Confirmation Coordinator, I have more responsibilities. Now, I am not only getting a date set for Confirmation, but I also have the responsibility to find good peer leaders to help the candidates on their way. In one parish, I can do this with only the aid of a Seminarian because the classes are quite small. In the other parish though, I have 40 teenagers in each year. With 80 students, we have to have at least 8 peer leaders per year. With those leaders, I have to make sure that they are trained according to the standards of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, make sure they are fingerprinted, and make sure they attend weekly planning meetings. I believe I have a good team of people that can help guide the teens on their quest to be Confirmed. There's a lot of paperwork and lesson planning involved before a class starts. However, there is a sense of fulfillment when all is said and done. In more ways than one, my team and I bring young people closer to knowing God. This is a true gift. Everyone can do it in their own way.
I haven't looked back on leaving Physical Therapy studies. I look forward to more Theology classes as I continue to dedicate my life to my vocation. I enjoy what I do and look forward to helping many teens become closer to knowing God in their lives.

Michelle Fanara

(Michelle Fanara is a 2008 CoC alumn)

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Reflections On Call

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