Last week I spoke about the “ecumenical gift exchange,” the
idea that God calls every member of
the body of Christ to share their gifts at the common table of the world’s
needs. We need each other if we
are going to provide a compelling witness to the world today. Another way to put it is that we are
“mutually impoverished” when we fail to recognize and actively partner with
other members of the body. I made
the suggestion that there is a “YL-sized hole in the Catholic Church,” that the
Church would be strengthened by the gifts that Young Life has to offer. The dynamism of Young Life’s initial
proclamation of the gospel to kids (the kerygma), the call to true conversion and the commitment to ongoing discipleship is precisely what the
Catholic Church struggles with, according to recent research.[1]
So it may be clear what Young Life might offer the Catholic
Church in this exchange, but what do you think the Catholic Church has to offer
Young Life? This was the question
posed by one of my readers who directs the office of youth ministry at a
prominent metropolitan diocese in the U.S. What do Catholics, and the long-standing religious tradition
that has formed them, have to give Young Life leaders? I could not be more excited to answer
this question. Clearly, both Young
Life and the Catholic Church have something to give and receive. By no means does Young Life see itself
as the solitary antidote for the Church’s ills. Matter of fact, I would argue that Young Life has much more
to gain in the ecumenical gift exchange.
The Catholic tradition represents a veritable treasure trove of theological reflection
and spiritual wisdom. Its sacramental worldview, its reconciliation of faith
and reason and its commitment to justice are but a few of the gifts which our
Protestant brothers and sisters would be blessed to receive and explore. Many
of my Protestant friends are elated to discover the lives and teachings of
Catholics who they’ve never heard of but nonetheless inspire their faith –
Francis de Sales, Therese of Lisieux, Charles de Foucauld, Yves Congar, Pierre
Teilhard de Chardin and countless others.
Beyond its rich intellectual tradition, the Catholic Church
also has an immense deposit of pastoral gifts to offer Young Life’s leaders as
they pursue “every kid, everywhere.”
With over one billion Catholics worldwide, there is no bigger body of
believers to welcome and support Young Life staff wherever they may find
themselves. The depth of its liturgy and the intimacy of the Eucharist offers
real nourishment for those who draw near. Lectio
divina, the liturgy of the hours and Eucharistic adoration are incredible
ways to strengthen our relationship with God and others. The Catholic Church
has much to give to the mission of Young Life.
“The moment has come,” Pope John Paul II said, "for the
entire body of Christ to commit to evangelization.”[2]
A dynamic partnership between Young Life and the Catholic Church not only
represents a significant step toward fulfilling the Great Commission, but it
also has the potential to showcase the depth, beauty and sophistication of the
Catholic tradition to those outside her communion. While Young Life has the
potential to help reanimate the core of the Christian faith for millions of
Catholics around the world, non-Catholics within Young Life might also uncover the
incredible depth of spiritual wisdom and blessing as they build relationships
with their Catholic friends.
Are we, as Catholics, ready to offer our gifts at the table of kids' needs? Are we ready to enter the great ecumenical gift exchange?
[1] See
Pew Research Center, “’Nones’ on the Rise: One in Five Adults Have No Religious
Affiliation,” The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, Oct 9, 2012; Pew
Research Center, “U.S. Religious Landscape Survey,” The Pew Forum on Religion
& Public Life, Feb 2008; and Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate
(CARA), “Sacraments Today: Belief and Practice among U.S. Catholics,” CARA, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.,
cara.georgetown.edu/sacraments.html (accessed
October 25, 2012).
[2] Pope
John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio (Mission
of the Redeemer), 3.
As a protestant, here's some running thoughts/observations I see: The Catholic Church demonstrates a reverence/healthy fear of God that isn't seen in most evangelical churches, organizations, or the people involved in them. There's a profound respect for the 'house of the lord' aka, the local perish, that we (a typical evangelical protestant) forget. In many ways, we (a protestant-and probably the majority of YL leaders) don't have the same sense of 'awe' and 'respect' of holy things...the actual word of God (the 'physical' bible) for example. We throw it under our seat, spill stuff on it...throw it around, ...etc.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think the Catholic church values it's traditions (and thus, it's forefathers hard work, spiritual awakenings of the past, revelations) much more than YL (or folks in YL) do of their own history.
So nicely said, my friend!!
ReplyDeleteI recently volunteered at a YL camp in the kitchen. I missed the Holy Mass and my personal encounter with the Eucharist, which I love with all my heart. It would be nice if they would offer a Mass for the Catholics attending the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI agree LB. Last year we brought a priest to one of our camps in Virginia who was able to celebrate Mass for our Catholic teens and staff. It was a wonderful moment of ecumenical collaboration in the body of Christ. This has been done before, but I pray that this may become more normative as YL and the Catholic Church enters into more cooperative agreements to reach kids. Thanks for the bridge-building work that you're doing in this unique "missional moment"!
ReplyDelete