Can you imagine re-starting your ministry every three years or maybe even every year because your teens and families change?

It you’re a military youth minister know this reality all too well; families coming and going, volunteers rotating in and out throughout the year and priests relocating just as often. So what does a youth minister do when all elements of your “youth ministry” are changing?

Listen and follow God’s will.

I wish I could give the perfect “5 step” plan to solve the challenge of inconsistency, but everyone’s plan and call are unique.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

The key is being obedient to God’s will. From a daily communion with God through the Sacraments and prayer, comes the foundation of leading teens closer to Christ. A foundation rooted in relationship with teens and their families pointing them constantly to the Sacraments.

This week I had the opportunity to talk and pray with a military youth minister who is dealing with this reality of inconsistency. Can you imagine your agreed upon pay check and benefits changing monthly without you knowing it? Your Edge leaders are moving in a few weeks and oh – by the way – we now need you to lead and run the confirmation retreat! Don’t forget that your priest will be out a few months for medical procedures and the priest who will take his place will only be able to be there for Sunday Mass.

Wow! And that’s a typical season for a military Youth Minister. Six months ago you had the dream team of Core Members, volunteer Edge leaders, a dynamic priest and a committed group of teens ready to change the world. Now none of these can be found in a 100 mile radius!

So where do you go from here? Here are some suggestions from my own experience:

Fresh Start

Look for new opportunities. Maybe this is a season of pruning for future growth. Look for those who may not fit the mold of what others envision as ideal volunteers but if they have a heart for the youth go ahead and plug them in.

You need to spend some time restructuring your volunteers, fixing the kinks in your military contract and gaining the support of your parish council. Invite teens and families into these tasks. Gather a group of teens and adults around you in prayer to seek God’s will. It may be okay to not have a formal Life Night or Edge night with all the “bells and whistles.” Change it up by having a night of prayer and Adoration. The key here is seeking His voice.

Re-evaluate.

Continually take the pulse of your teens and families. Who are you doing your events and gatherings for? Are you doing things because you did them in the past? What do your teens need? And who’s available to join your team to meet these changing needs?

Relationship is Key.

Go where your teens are. Ask tough questions. Pray for them and with them. Get to know your teens and bring other adults with you to teach them. Train your Core so that they can step into your role at any time. You never know when you may be the next to move; equip those around you to take your place.

Most of all remember why you are doing what you are doing and stay rooted and covered in prayer.

A priest says Mass for soldiers.

Every wonder what happens when a military family from your parish moves to a base overseas? In 1985, the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) was created by Pope John Paul II to provide the Catholic Church’s full range of pastoral ministries and spiritual services to those in the United States Armed Forces. This includes more than 220 installations in 29 countries, patients in 153 V.A. Medical Centers, and federal employees serving overseas in 134 countries. Numerically, the AMS is responsible for more than 1.5 million men, women, and children. The Archdiocese receives no funding from the United States government. Rather, the Archdiocese is solely funded by the generosity of its chaplains, men and women in uniform and private benefactors (you can find out more on the AMS website: www.milarch.org).

Your military families are a part of the only Archdiocese for the Military Services in the world. Weekly, this ministry and outreach includes Mass, the Sacraments, religious education and other ministry opportunities. We are proud to announce that Life Teen Military Ministry is now a collaborating partner with Military Community Youth Ministry (www.mcym.org) to specifically lead military teens and their families closer to Christ.

How you and your parish can join us in Life Teen Military ministry?

Pray specifically for our military families and their teenagers stationed all over the world during this time of war. Partner with Life Teen financially to sponsor Life Teen Military missionaries in Europe (go to lifeteen.com/donate, designate the funds for Life Teen Military Ministry).

Prayer for the Archdiocese for the Military Services

Almighty God and Father, look with love upon our men and women in uniform and protect them in their time of need. Give them health and stability and allow them to return to their loved ones whole and unshaken. Be with their families and sustain them in these uncertain times. Grant strength and peace of mind to the Veterans who have given their best for the country they love. Support them in infirmity and in the fragility of old age. Teach us to remember their sacrifices and to express our gratitude.

Hear us as we present our prayers to You though Christ our Lord. (adapted from milarch.org)