Adolescent faith formation is often identified as a critical parish priority. Parents, pastors, and many others share a common desire to pass on the richness of our Catholic faith to young people.

To identify a need and priority from the bleachers, however, does not necessarily translate into an action plan that leads to the desired results. Too often, parishes that genuinely desire to faithfully respond to their youth, don’t plan well, and are forced to lower expectations. They are left hoping that somehow teenagers will deepen their faith and stay active in the Church, yet they are not quite sure of what they can do to foster that reality.

It is time to fully enter the race. Lace up your ministerial shoes. John 14:31 encourages “Rise, let us be on our way.”