In the ever-changing climate of today’s Church, youth ministry can seem like an overwhelming challenge for priests, especially in parishes with limited budgets or small staffs. One of the most profound resources, however, is the giftedness of parishioners.

As St. Paul shares with the people in Corinth, there is one body but many parts (1 Cor 12:12). Everyone in the parish has been given particular gifts and talents by God to contribute to the ministry to young people in the parish. By creating spaces where youth feel seen, valued and heard, priests and their parish communities can profoundly shape the faith journeys of the next generation. Fostering a sense of belonging is the foundation for young people to thrive spiritually and personally, and there are many practical ways to make this a reality within any parish.

Research from the Springtide Research Institute reveals that the most essential ingredient for young people’s spiritual growth is a sense of belonging. When young people feel like they belong, they are more likely to engage with the faith and connect with the person of Jesus Christ.

What It Means to Belong

Angela Patterson, Springtide’s head writer and editor, explains that in interviewing young people, three distinct experiences emerge from their stories of joining groups and ultimately feeling like they belonged: feeling noticed, feeling named and feeling known. These experiences build on one another to create a more profound sense of belonging over time.

I am noticed: Young people’s sense of belonging often begins with being invited into spaces and/or others showing interest in them. Everyone in the parish can take note of how they’re paying attention to the young people in their community and increase their interactions to ensure that young people feel noticed.

I am named: While calling a young person by name is an instant way to forge a connection, helping them feel named extends to showing initial curiosity about their lives. Simply talking to young people before or after Mass and asking basic questions can go a long way in building a sense of belonging.

I am known: Developing a sense of feeling known requires an investment of time and effort. As adults get to know the young people in their parish over time, simple exchanges grow into meaningful relationships where both parties feel safe having open, honest conversations about their lives.

Thankfully, Patterson adds, taking steps to cultivate belonging is within reach for any parish, no matter the size of the congregation or resources available. All it requires is dedication to ensuring each young person feels actively included in parish life and a commitment on behalf of every adult to consistently enact it. While these actions may seem like basic acts of community building, these personal interactions have the power to fuel a lasting faith — and each person in the parish has the skills to support the process.

Where Do I Start?

While creating a youth ministry program centered on belonging may seem overwhelming, especially for parishes with limited resources, fostering of inclusion is achievable with commitment and intentionality. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Teens today are different from those of five years ago, and the traditional youth group model of sports nights or large events may no longer resonate with them.

Another aspect to remember is that even without a full-time youth ministry coordinator on staff, effective ministry to young people can still thrive at the parish level. Every person in the parish, from the priest to the oldest parishioner, can help cultivate belonging. From hospitality to marketing to programming, every parishioner has a role to play. One does not need to interact with teens to support youth ministry programming in a parish.

Starting a youth ministry program can be a deeply rewarding and impactful way to engage young people in their faith and an incredible way to foster growth and joy throughout the parish. Here are some practical tips to get started and ensure the success of this vital ministry.

Develop a prayer partners initiative: Most importantly, youth need people to pray for them. Asking parishioners to pray for the young people not only supports the youth but also engages parishioners in the lives of the teens. This opportunity can be especially powerful for those who are homebound or involved in perpetual Eucharist adoration.

Encourage hospitality: Nothing makes teenagers feel more welcome than food. Inviting parishioners to bake or bring items for the teens not only strengthens the sense of community but also reduces parish costs. When teens know that adults they have never met have taken the time to provide for them, it creates a genuine feeling of warmth and belonging.

Create small group opportunities: Small group settings allow young people to build deeper relationships with one another and adults in the parish. These can be simple, like a youth Bible study group or a movie night with discussion. Consider inviting teens to participate in already established parish programs, such as a retreat or book study, to help integrate them into the broader parish life.

Engage teens in acts of service: Teens learn by doing, and an active parish has plenty of opportunities for service engagement. While it’s easy to assign teens the tasks that adults might prefer to avoid, it’s crucial to walk alongside them during these service projects. Empower the teens to organize and participate in initiatives such as a food drive or cemetery cleanup project. Let them use their passion to serve the community and beyond.

Prioritize one-on-one connections: Taking the time to get to know individual young people is key. Whether a scheduled meeting, a chat after Mass or a casual conversation in the parish hall, these interactions have an impact on a young person’s sense of belonging. This can be done by many people in many aspects of parish life. Empower the adults in the parish to truly “see” the teens and recognize their unique gifts rather than dismiss them.

Develop youth mentorship programs: Pair young people with trusted adult mentors who can walk with them on their faith journey. These mentorships can provide consistent, one-on-one support as young people navigate the challenges of growing up and growing in their faith. Consider pairing teens with adults in career fields that interest them. This might be an organic way for the adult mentor and teen to connect before diving into deeper topics of faith. Don’t be afraid to ask the older population in the parish to walk with young people. Teens enjoy learning from older generations; many look to them for guidance and advice.

Advertise beyond the bulletin: To spread the word about youth ministry programs and advertise for volunteers, it’s essential to go beyond traditional bulletin announcements. Engage with your community through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram (which the teens can help with), highlighting the impact and excitement of your programs with photos, videos and testimonials from the teens involved. Consider creating flyers and posters to display in the parish or community to engage a broader audience.

Don’t go at it alone: While creating a culture of belonging can be an internal parish effort, external resources are available to assist priests and parish leaders in building strong youth ministry programs. The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) partners with parish leaders, dioceses and more than 75 organizations that support the work of youth ministry across the country. From webinars, professional development, resources, networking opportunities and curriculum tools, NFCYM’s mission is to accompany those who minister to young people. Two examples of NFCYM partner organizations that provide valuable tools for fostering belonging and discipleship among young people are NET Ministries and YDisciple. NET Ministries is an apostolate serving Catholic communities through youth and young adult evangelization and discipleship. YDisciple, a program focused on making disciples rather than simply running programs, enables adults to launch small groups and guide young people on their discipleship journey. More information can be found at www.nfcym.org and www.netusa.org.

Be consistent and patient: Building deep relationships takes time, so be patient and consistent. Continue to show up, keep the lines of communication open and be there for young people and their families, even if the response isn’t immediate. Trust that the tiny seeds planted today will bear fruit over time.

Learn more: Recently, NFCYM conducted a nationwide study to gather the perspectives of priests on youth ministry. This research provides valuable insights into how clergy view and engage with the spiritual and developmental needs of young people. If you’re interested in learning more about these findings and how they can inform your work in youth ministry, you can explore the full details at www.nfcym.org/accompaniment-project.

Youth ministry is not about large budgets, flashy programs or complex resources. It is about the people of the parish coming together to create an environment where young people feel noticed, named and known. When youth experience this kind of belonging, their faith deepens, and they are more likely to stay connected to the Church throughout their lives. Priests and parish leaders have the profound privilege of guiding this process and helping young people experience the love of Christ through their relationships with others. By fostering belonging, priests can help lay the foundation for a vibrant, faith-filled future in the parish community. 

MOLLY SCHORR has been in ministry for over 20 years in youth ministry, religious education and evangelization. She is currently the Membership Coordinator for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.