THIES: How the Church is a place of healing

I have been working full-time in youth ministry as a youth minister at a parish. A few years ago, I began a new chapter in my ministry work as I went back to school to study counseling. I have now completed a master’s in counseling, and it has been beautiful to see the healing work of Christ in the life of the parish through youth ministry and in the counseling office. In both realms, I feel like David as he stood against Goliath, as we stand against the culture and its many temptations and tragedies.

Thankfully, we have help in this battle in the form of the Church. Pope Francis said in his interview with the Jesuit magazine La Civita Cattolica, “I see clearly that the thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the Church as a field hospital after battle.” I believe and see the Catholic Church present in the midst of the battle, assessing the wounded and providing healing.

In counseling, we create treatment plans as a pathway to follow to provide healing to those we minister to. Basically, a treatment plan includes a diagnosis of what the problem is and goals to help one heal from their distress. I believe there are preventative and healing aspects to a well-run youth ministry at a parish that can be life-giving for a teenager, just as a treatment plan can be healing within counseling. Here are three ways that a faithful and fruitful youth ministry can provide spiritual and mental healing to a teenager.

Prayer and Silence

Youth ministry should have opportunities for prayer and silence. In his book “The Power of Silence,” Robert Cardinal Sarah writes, “Our world no longer hears God because it is constantly speaking, at a devastating speed and volume, to say nothing.

Modern civilization does not know how to be quiet. It holds forth in an unending monologue.” Time in prayer and silence is good for the soul and mind. Silence and prayer allow the mind to rest as we “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Ptr 5:7). On our high school retreat, we kindly ask that the teens turn in their phones. It is beautiful to see the teens come alive by participating in our prayer times and engaging each other because we have silenced the constant distraction of their phones.

Community

Youth ministry is a community where we learn from others, share our burdens, and have hope instilled in us as we walk in faith with others. In counseling, we encourage clients to reach out for help from those whom they trust. Christian community within a youth ministry is a safe place to be vulnerable and allow ministers and friends to encourage us. As the common proverb teaches, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The Church is a place where we find meaning by giving of ourselves and find strength by receiving help from others.

Joy and Laughter

Youth ministry is a place of joy and laughter. At many youth ministry events, there is an icebreaker, a skit, or a funny video that brings some levity to the participants. Laughter is said to be the “best medicine,” and though it may not be the “best” medicine, it does have positive effects on our mental health. Laughter helps us connect to others by forming social bonds. Laughter contributes to the body releasing endorphins within the body, which help us to feel good (without the use of drugs or alcohol). There are also studies that indicate that laughter activates serotonin which is a neurotransmitter that is commonly used in antidepressants. So, if you are wondering why youth ministers “waste time” on icebreakers and games, there is a biological and healing intention behind these games.

In my counseling work with teenagers, I highly encourage them and their parents to get involved in the youth ministry at their parish. In many cases, there is an immediate change in the teen’s life. Sometimes it takes more time for a teen to warm up to others at their parish and feel comfortable in the rhythms of a new community. Youth ministry does not replace the need for counseling or medicinal treatments in one’s healing journey. It is appropriate and necessary to seek the services of trained doctors and mental health providers.

Youth ministers and volunteers at a parish can only do what they are equipped to do, and they are not equipped to handle mental health crises. Youth ministry within the Catholic Church is another tool that can help bring about a teenager’s healing, and these days we need all the tools we can get. Our parishes are not just places of healing for teenagers. I encourage those of any age to be involved in their parish and enjoy the healing aspects of prayer, community and joy. 

David Thies is a youth minister at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Photo by Fred de Noyelle / Godong.