At times over the past few years, I have found myself serenaded by a chorus of “Why?” Why would we suggest this or that? Why did we start summer camps in the midst of a Church safe environment crisis? Why does Life Teen continue to grow even in the midst of youth ministry cutbacks in the Church? To all the members of the “Why Chorus” – I simply say you may want to change the tune to “Why Not?”

Why not have Life Nights through the summer?

Why not respond to your baptismal call and serve teens 10 hours a week as a core team member?

Why not designate an entire room in your parish for the teens?

Why not have a Liturgy at your parish geared toward teens?

Why not take your teens to summer camp?

Why not invite your Bishop to celebrate teen Mass and stay for Life Night?

Why not change your religious education for middle school students to a large group meeting model like Edge?

Why not spend more time with teens than you do planning?

Why not go to daily Mass and pray for your teens and their families?

Why not invite your parents to go on a teen led parent retreat?

Why not spend the extra 3 hours organizing teens permission slips so they can go on an away retreat?

Why not call 2 parents a week to tell them that they have done a great job raising their teen?

Why not challenge teens to discern a religious vocation?

Why not show up for every Mass and Life Night with a smile on your face?

Why not ask the Virgin Mary to intercede?

Why not offer a mission trip for teens?

Why not make your parish one of those in your diocese known for amazing youth ministry?

Why not help the core members assigned to the night clean up after Life night?

Why not put more time into making your youth Mass more youth friendly?

Why not strive to make ministry comprehensive?

Why not start a contest that rewards the core team member who knows the most teens names?

Why not take the Gospel seriously and go out to all nations (teens) and preach the Good News?

What are the “Why Not’s” that you have been wanting to do?