Being in a Youth Ministry - Journey of Faith

Romit Alfred
Apr 24, 2021
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

What is Youth Ministry?

Youth ministry is a faith-based movement that nurtures young people—typically between the ages of 12 and 30—in their spiritual growth. It often includes prayer, formation, fellowship, social outreach, and service to the Church and society.

In the Catholic Church, youth ministry can take many forms—from small parish-based groups and school associations to large international gatherings like World Youth Day. Its three foundational pillars are Fellowship, Formation, and Service—inviting young people to discover Christ, journey with Him, and bring His love to others.

My Youth Ministry Journey

My own journey with the Youth Ministry began in 2009, during my Confirmation formation. Back then, we simply called it the “Youth Group.” It was my mother who encouraged me to join—hoping I would explore my talents, build friendships, and grow in faith.

What started as a simple nudge turned into a transformative experience. Over the years, I discovered not just new friends, but also a deeper purpose.

Called to Lead

In 2013, I was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Youth Ministry in my parish. I often wondered how someone like me—quiet and reserved—could take on such a role. But with grace and guidance, I learned what it meant to lead by example, just as Jesus did.

I found my strength in organizing—planning year-round calendars, hosting regular meetings, and creating meaningful events that reflected our core focus: Fellowship, Formation, and Service, with Christ at the center.

This was not a solo mission. I was blessed with a supportive spiritual team—Br. Simon Rodrigues, Fr. Gnana Jothi, Br. Leon Veigas, and our then-parish priest, Fr. Richard Crasto. Their encouragement made a world of difference.

Beyond Parish Walls

The Youth Ministry opened doors to experiences beyond my local parish. Through deanery-level meetings, we interacted with youth from neighboring parishes, learning from their journeys and challenges.

At the diocesan level, we joined hands with hundreds of young Catholics across Mumbai—organizing and participating in events that celebrated faith, creativity, and community. These events not only showcased our talents but also reminded us of the positive impact youth ministry can have in a world plagued by superficial social media pressures, substance abuse, and brokenness.

Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Being part of the Youth Ministry teaches lessons no classroom can offer:

Working as a team
Respecting diverse perspectives
Building empathy and inclusivity
Cultivating servant leadership
Growing in knowledge of the Church and vocations
Serving in orphanages, old-age homes, and other social outreach programs

These values shaped me—not just spiritually, but also professionally and personally. They prepared me for real-life challenges—whether in corporate life, social service, or relationships.

A Creative Awakening

One of the unexpected gifts of Youth Ministry was the chance to explore my creative side. I designed the Youth Group’s logo, built a website and Facebook page, and produced videos like Youth Moments to document our journey.

At the time, I only had Microsoft PowerPoint and Movie Maker—but passion drove me. That passion eventually evolved into a career. Today, I work as a graphic designer, still guided by the spirit of creativity, service, and faith that Youth Ministry instilled in me.

The Heart of Youth Ministry

At its core, Youth Ministry is about growing together—in faith, friendship, and service. If we focus on only one aspect, we miss the full beauty of the journey.

Fellowship brings us together as one community.
Formation anchors us in prayer and the Word.
Service moves us to act—to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.

So, if you ever feel lost, disconnected, or unsure about your path—step into the Youth Ministry. You might just find your purpose, your people, and your calling.