Fostering the Development of Young People

Deacon Eduardas Meilus often hears people say, "The youth are the future of the Church." He tells them this isn't the case. "They are an integral part of the Church now," he insists. "They're very important now." Down the road, he noted, the teenagers currently playing on parish basketball teams, attending youth retreats and volunteering their time serving others will assume more responsibility. "They will be the leaders of the future," said Deacon Meilus.

Deacon Meilus directs the Youth Ministry Office, located in the Chancery on Elm Street in Worcester. His ministry is funded by Partners in Charity. The office supports parish-based youth groups and religious education programs throughout the diocese. "We are a resource for the parishes," he explained. For instance, parishes seeking to start a youth group can contact the office for assistance. They'll receive advice on implementing programs that have proven successful in other settings. Adult or college-age students who've been confirmed can also receive training on how to run youth groups.

"Parishes can pick and choose how we can help them," he said. Deacon Meilus said Partners in Charity makes it possible to conduct outreach, such as retreats for high school students. These may be offered at a single parish or they may involve multiple parishes. Sometimes individual parishes contact the office for assistance with confirmation retreats.

Recently, for instance, the Youth Ministry Office coordinated a three-night youth mission. Father Frederick D. Fraini, III, one of the youngest priests in the diocese, was the speaker. "There's a lot of outreach —  a lot of different things going on," Deacon Meilus said. "There's always on-going things."
In any given year, about 3,000 to 5,000 youth participate in various fun and faith-forming activities, such as softball, volleyball and basketball tournaments, according to Deacon Meilus.

The Office for Youth Ministry is also involved in Scouting programs at the parish level. "Whatever will bring the young people closer to God," said Deacon Meilus. One time, at a sporting event hosted by a parish, a young man took Deacon Meilus aside. He asked him, "What do I have to do to become a priest?"

"That's why we need to be available for them — to meet them where they are," said Deacon Meilus. "We're meeting them where they are and lifting them up."

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