NAJJAR: You do not have to look too far

An inmate is reads the first reading during a Mass at the correctional facility in New York. (OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz, Long Island Catholic)When people think about evangelizing or spreading the Christian faith, they sometimes feel compelled to relocate geographically, leaving the state or even the country. At times, I believe people — including myself — can over-complicate the simple mission that Jesus gave to His disciples and to us. Proclaiming the Kingdom of God is more proximate than we might think, and it can often be done in our very own backyards.   

I have been blessed to serve the at-risk youth involved in the juvenile justice system for two months now, following my previous jobs as a middle school religion teacher in the Archdiocese and a high school youth minister. Indeed, my experience in these positions prepared me for this local mission. 

Special Youth Services is a juvenile probation ministry that models the embrace of Christ through pastoral care at juvenile justice facilities and in communities across multiple counties within our local Archdiocese, serving children aged 10 to 17 years.   

Showing the mercy of God can be done in hundreds of other ministries and is even done in adult prisons. However, the youth being detained across our Archdiocese are often forgotten. 

Some people might feel that it is tough to change adults, but with divine assistance, I have seen how our presence with these kids has molded and changed them. 

Something as simple as offering grief support, spiritual support, asking questions, accompanying them, and most importantly, showing God’s love can help. It is a “ministry of presence.” I am still amazed at how just being near to someone in a moment of suffering or confusion, sitting with them and supporting them, can help shape an individual.  

Jesus says, “In truth I tell you, insofar as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.” We live out Matthew 25:40 every time that we tend to the needs of this group of children, and it is not found abroad, but rather right in our own neighborhoods.   
Special Youth Services is a two-way ministry. 

Although I am serving the kids, I have benefited from it more than I can ever imagine. My prayer life has increased, seeds are still being planted, and my job still feels meaningful. Souls are being saved, including my own, by learning from the trials of God’s children.   

We are all children of God, and we should all be looking for ways to serve Him. Just remember that the opportunity to change lives is a lot closer than you may realize. 
For more information on how to get involved, contact Special Youth Services at 713-741-8739.
 
Basil Najjar is a pastoral minister with Special Youth Services.