Youth Ministry anyone?

Well, I may have found my mission field up in Canada. Last weekend I went to a provencial youth gathering in Nanaimo. It was for ages 14-25 - all together, never divided into smaller age groups.

I think that the Anglican Church in Canada has done some things very well. They seem much more focused on inclusive language in liturgy. But there isn't a lot of focus on youth. How fast do you think that jumped out at me?

I'm going to try and get some gatherings going. I don't know what the reality of things will be yet, but some of things I would like to see are gatherings of area youth leaders or people interested in youth work, young adult retreats at Sorrento, and youth retreats here at the centre that aren't focused on working at the centre. We'll see what may actually happen. I'm not sure yet.

So, what does this mean about my future? I find that I'm wanting to figure out my next step now. I think because I would have to apply for postulantcy by advent it makes me feel like there's not much time. And if that's the next step, then there isn't much time, but I don't know yet that it is. There are SO many possibilities and I haven't been here long enough to figure anything out.

I've talked with Barbara Andrews about getting a discernment group going up here - I really miss the group from back home. In November I'll be doing a nine day silent retreat here at the centre and I'm really excited about that. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I do have a lot of time.

We'll see.