Let's Start at the Very Beginning

Most of us are familiar with the beloved musical, "The Sound of Music." Whenever I think about my first months in Ireland I immediately start singing,

"Let's start at the very beginning,

A very good place to start

When you read you begin with A-B-C

When you sing you begin with do-re-mi

When you start ministry programs you begin with databases"

Wait? That's not right, but it has definitely been my experience! 

I was lucky enough to be able to meet with Fr. John in person when I was still living in Boston. He was able to provide some context for Paige's and my work, and answer some of our questions. We knew going into it that Tobar Mhuire had just reopened as a retreat center (it was actually a school for Passionists students at one point!) and we knew that there was no established youth ministry program in place. But, there was no way to really understand the task that Paige and I had waiting for us. 

Neither of us had any experience in program creation and development, so we had quite a shock when we were shown our office. An empty office with empty desks and empty filing cabinets. There were no databases with previous retreatants, schools, or anything. We didn't even have a specific target audience, just "youth and young adults." There was absolutely nothing.  We were starting completely from scratch.

Building a ministry program is like building a house. You need to have a strong foundation. And that is what Paige and I created. It was hard and tedious work. For the first month, we researched and sought out as many people as we could to meet and talk to about the current climate of youth ministry in Ireland. Unfortunately, there were more un-returned calls and emails than I wish to say. On top of that, the youth ministry was "our project" and as a result Paige and I received very little help from the rest of the Retreat Team. There is a real value in begin an independent worker. I would like to think that when given a manageable and realistic task, I am self motivated. But, sometimes last year (and this year) I felt isolated and I craved more of a team environment. 

After our preliminary assessment of youth ministry in the North of Ireland, we moved into the database and brochure making period. Paige and I made databases for everything under the sun - primary schools, high schools, other youth ministry programs in the area, dioceses and many, many parishes. And after the databases and brochures had been made, we mailed and we mailed. And after the mailing, we waited for the phone to ring. And, it did.

I have now facilitated well over 20 retreats for both youths and adults. I've had opportunities to create prayer services, faith development opportunities and service projects. And, much of that is thanks to the hours that Paige and I dedicated to creating a firm foundation for the youth and young adult ministry to be built on. 

In all honesty, it took almost an entire year to create a functioning foundation. I use the word functioning intentional, because there is still a great need to continue identifying more supporters, collaborators, and allies. But, I have done what I could, and I have done it to the best of my ability. I am proud of what I am leaving behind: a starting point. While they may be few, Tobar Mhuire's youth and young adult ministry does have supporters, collaborators, and allies. Now the task is to continue fostering the relationships that have already been developed and to identify and nurture more healthy working relationships. Good luck 2013-2014 volunteers!    

P.S. I know you all have been humming Do-Re-Mi in your heads. So here you go, have a wee sing-a-long. You know you want too!