HENRITZE: Faith Without Fear ... The beauty of middle school ministry

Youth cheer at a past Junior High Youth Rally. (Photo by Michelle Eisterhold/For the Herald)One of the things I love most about middle schoolers is the natural way their minds pendulum from one topic to the next. No other age group can move so effortlessly from deep, insightful questions to uncontrollable laughter in the span of about three seconds. Middle school youth ministry dwells in that space of change — and that’s exactly where its beauty lies.

Middle school students are wonderfully unfinished. They are just beginning to show the first signs of the person God is forming them to be as an adult. They ask big questions, often with shockingly disarming honesty: Why does God let bad things happen? Does God really hear my prayers? Do I have to sing that song again? Did you get that haircut on purpose?

These questions aren’t signs of insincerity or rudeness; they’re signs of intrigue and authenticity. They want to know the truth but haven’t yet learned to coat that desire with courtesy.

As adults, it can be tempting to gloss over these years because of how awkward they can be. I encourage you, however, not to view middle school as a waiting room. It is sacred ground.

Research has shown that if a young person makes a conscious faith decision during this time, he or she is more likely to stay connected to their faith through high school, college and early adulthood.

There is also much that we, as “mature” adults, can learn from middle schoolers. They can help us rediscover how to live with joy and authenticity. They are not afraid to pray out loud, to serve generously or to show enthusiasm for the little things in life. They are quick to forgive, eager to belong, and deeply moved when they realize they are known and loved by God. Their faith is not yet perfect or polished, and for that, it is all the more beautiful. It reminds all of us that God meets us exactly where we are, not where we think we should be.

Youth ministry at this age is less about having all the answers and more about creating space; space to encounter Christ, space to ask questions, space to laugh and space to grow. It’s about trusted adults who show up consistently, listen attentively and model what it looks like to follow Jesus imperfectly but sincerely.

Your encouragement to the middle schooler in your life matters more than you know. When you ask about their faith life, attend Mass together, pray before meals or show interest in the things they’re wrestling with, you reinforce the message that faith is not just something we do on Sundays — it’s who we are.

One of the great joys of middle school youth ministry is seeing young people discover that they are not alone. Christianity is not meant to be lived in isolation, and gatherings beyond the parish help them see that the Church is big, diverse, joyful and alive.

That’s why we are especially excited to invite our middle school youth to the annual Archdiocesan Junior High Youth Rally on Feb. 28. This year’s theme, “Without Fear,” will invite young people to trust God’s presence in the midst of both joy and uncertainty. 

Through prayer, engaging speakers, music and community, the rally will remind our youth that God walks with them, no matter what they’re facing. I encourage you to reach out to your parish youth ministry or faith formation director to inquire about attending with your community.

Middle schoolers grow up fast. Between the business of school, sports and other activities, it is important that they have a place where they are welcomed, celebrated and reminded of God’s love. A place where laughter, questions, friendships and community allow them to catch a glimpse of the Church as it truly is. For the Church is now, and always has been, a place of life, a place of joy and a place of peace.

We hope you’ll encourage the middle schoolers in your life to actively journey the path of faith without fear.

Brian Henritze is an associate director with the Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization.