Often when we think of looking for resources in ministry, we look to our bookshelves or the internet, but some of our best resources for ministry are people.

St. Paul tells us in chapter 12 of 1 Corinthians that each of us has gifts, and each of us is necessary to the proper working of the body of Christ. As Catholic Christians, we know the importance of community. Look to your civic community, colleagues, and parishioners to build relationships that are mutually supportive in your parish work and your personal and spiritual development. Our understanding of interdependence is one of the greatest assets of the church, we are not in this alone.

Since comprehensive youth ministry is our goal, it is important to remember that you do not have to, and should not, do everything yourself. In Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry (USCC, 1997), the United States bishops stress that the whole church is responsible for youth ministry. “The comprehensive approach uses all of our resources as a faith community—people, ministries, programs—in a common effort to promote the three goals of the Church’s ministry with adolescents.” Following are suggestions for six of the many groups you can look to for resource persons.

1. The Parish Staff—Large or small, this group shares a diversity of gifts. Use your gifts, and call on others to assist you with theirs. Ask your pastor, music minister, liturgist, pastoral minister, catechetical leader or administrative assistant for their expertise, ideas, cooperation, or feedback. Their involvement in your ministry works to advocate for youth in other areas of parish ministry, as will provide different perspectives for youth ministry.
2. Parents and Other Parishioners—These people can be positive models of the faith and life experience for teens and invaluable resources as catechists, chaperones, project leaders, or a consistent presence at your gatherings. Look for family, intergenerational, and multicultural experiences for this group to share with youth. This group can also serve as a pool for developing mentoring relationships with young people.
3. Youth—Do not forget the young people with whom you work. Teens will provide insights into youth culture and trends, develop leadership skills for peer ministry, and assist those of us who are technology challenged with PowerPoint presentations, web pages, DVD players, sound systems, etc. Youth who are visibly involved in liturgical ministries, parish organizations, service projects, and leadership also provide a ministry of witness to the faith community.
4. Civic Community—Look to your local public servants and professionals for their expertise and collaboration. Some of these resource people include police and fire departments, healthcare workers, college professors, schoolteachers and administrators, coaches, and social service workers. Many programs offered through these professionals will work hand-in-hand with your ministry. You may even discover that some of these civic connections are members of your faith community.
5. Co-Workers in the Vineyard—Colleagues from other parishes and churches can share ideas, volunteers, and sometimes, financial support with your ministry. Sharing ideas, successes and even failures with others can help in planning and accomplishing some of your ministry goals. Do not forget colleagues you have met through professional organizations, like NACYML, and conferences such as the National Conference on Catholic Youth Ministry. Phone calls, e-mail, chat rooms, and support groups are some ways to tap into a wealth of knowledge, ministry experience, and encouragement of colleagues.
6. Diocesan Staff—Do not overlook this valuable resource to your ministry. Look to your diocesan youth ministry office for assistance with training, support, networking opportunities, guidelines, and suggestions for ministry. Other diocesan offices such as Catholic Charities, family life, religious education, pro-life, vocations, and others will provide advice, presenters, evaluation tools, and other connections to assist in your ministry.

Do not try to do it all alone. Comprehensive youth ministry is the responsibility of the whole church. Use your gifts wisely, and seek resource persons who assist in making your ministry fruitful. For your own sense of balance, and the best use of your gifts, combine your gifts with the gifts of others to minister effectively.