This was a historic event, as it marks the importance, necessity and urgency of the ministry with young adults in the diocese.
The conference covered issues of morality, liturgy, ministry to Families with Gay and Lesbian Catholics, and Christian leadership, among others. At the same time, the participants were eager to learn and share their experiences in leadership and service in young adult ministry.
The Conference began as a pilot project from the Parish Ministers Formation Program (PMFP) Specialization Course on Young Adult Ministry that was offered by the Pastoral Juvenil Young Adult Ministry last year. Thus, the purpose of the Conference was to apply the concepts learned during the Specialization Course about shared leadership in a comprehensive ministry which, to be effective, must address methodological, educational, catechetical and service elements.
Furthermore, the Conference was also influenced by the principles of Hispanic Ministry, which are woven into the so-called “pastoral circle.” This concept outlines an array of pastoral actions known as: “see – judge - act.” In this case, the young adults saw the need to provide leadership opportunities and training for the benefit of Young Adult Ministry; they judged that the best way to do this would be through a diocesan conference focused on the ministry; and finally they acted, guided by the Holy Spirit and their vocation of service, by offering the first diocesan Young Adult Ministry Conference.
Bishop Rutilio del Riego accompanied the young adults and left a message of hope on the grace that young adults represent in our Church. There were moments of sharing over a cup of coffee and taking “selfies” with a six-foot cardboard image of Pope Francis.
The Catholic Church is apostolic. We continue to forge the ministry begun by Jesus, calling and walking with the apostles. Ultimately, that is what our Church is all about, to continue empowering leaders, and what a better way to do it than with our young people!
María José García is the Coordinator for the Office of Pastoral Juvenil Young Adult Ministry of the Diocese of San Bernardino.