On Monday, April 25, the Most Reverend William Francis Medley
became the second U.S. Catholic bishop to enter into a collaborative agreement
with Young Life to reach a world of kids together. Nearly one year after a
similar agreement was reached in Brownsville, TX, the Diocese of Owensboro,
which covers the western third of Kentucky, acknowledged “the simplicity and
purity of the mission of Young Life” and highlighted Young Life’s methods –
going where teens are, building real relationships, and earning the right to be
heard – as inherent to the Catholic tradition and essential components of the new evangelization.
“This agreement is so important,” noted Melinda Prunty,
Director of Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Owensboro. “We might do well with those kids who come
to us, but we need help reaching those kids we don’t even know are out there.” Melinda
played a critical role in the nearly three-year process that culminated in
Monday’s signing. “We have so much to learn from the deeply relational approach
to Young Life’s ministry,” she continued. “This is about introducing kids to
Jesus and helping them grow in their faith. I pray that our Catholic clergy and
youth ministers see the broader vision and walk side-by-side with Young Life.”
Chris Dillbeck, the local Young Life area director in
Owensboro, has been a tireless force for bridge-building since he started Young
Life there in 2012. His winsome spirit and ecumenical vision forged relationships
that transcended denominational affiliation. One former youth minister in the
diocese, Danny May, tells the story with great joy and wonder. “Three years
ago, Chris walked right into my office, introduced himself and to the ministry
of Young Life. From our first conversation, I could see that he was building
bridges with the Catholic community.” Since then, the two have become good
friends and partners in the mission to reach lost kids. “Young Life enabled me
to reach students in the public schools that I would not have had without Young
Life. That’s why I volunteered to help Young Life freshmen orientations and
club events. That’s why my wife and I support Young Life to this day.”
Dillbeck believes this is more than a practical agreement to
reach kids. “This is another step in unifying the Bride of Christ, the Church.
I truly believe this pleases the Lord.” He also hopes it will draw more
Catholics into a permanent state of “going out”, putting everything in a
“missionary key,” as Pope Francis has exhorted. “This agreement opens the door
for Catholics to be a part of this dynamic mission, and gives us a template for
partnership moving forward,” he said.
Paula Schmidt, Coordinator of Religious Education at St.
Pius X in Calvert City, could not be more excited about this new spirit of
partnership. “When I first heard about Young Life coming to Kentucky, my first
and only thought was ‘AWESOME’!” Paula was raised Catholic, attended Mass with
her parents, and eventually got confirmed. “But my experience with Young Life
helped me see my faith in a new light,” Paula says. After attending many weekly
Young Life clubs, she went to summer camp at Frontier Ranch in Colorado. “Young
Life planted a seed of faith and helped it to grow. That same faith is now
flourishing as I serve the Church today!”
Brett Hersma, Young Life Senior Vice President over the
Midwest Division, attended the historic signing in Owensboro and concluded by
saying, “This agreement helps to formalize what we already believe – we all
care deeply about kids, and we want them to be alive in their faith. It’s
important for more communities to see that Young Life and the Catholic Church
are making strides in working together for the sake of Christ and kids.” Our
prayer is the same as that which Jesus prayed on the night before he was
betrayed, that we may be one, so the world would know Jesus Christ, the Son of
God. Every kid, everywhere, for eternity.
Chris Dillbeck (left), Michael Havercamp, Bishop Medley, Brett Hersma, and Jack Nikcevich
