November 8, 2009 edition.

PRIEST COUNSELS YOUTH, LEADERS: ‘Shake It to make it’
by Steve Euvino

MERRILLVILLE --- Divine Word Father Chester Smith offered this advice to middle school youth: “You gotta shake it to make it, like Jesus did in the temple.”

Keynoting the third annual Grásta Dé! retreat Nov. 1 at Andrean High School, father Smith recalled Luke 2:41-52, in which a 12-year old Jesus, missing from his parents for three days, was found conversing with the elders in the temple.

“He demonstrated that somehow, through his power, he was going to be the best person he could be,” Father Smith told 220 youth from grades 6-8, along with their leaders, assembled in the Andrean main gym.

The retreat, Gaelic for God’s grace, drew youth from 22 parish and school groups. The Sunday afternoon program combined contemporary Christian music, icebreakers, skits, two rounds of learning sessions, and Mass with Bishop Dale J. Melczek.

Originally from Chicago’s south side, Father Smith now works in youth ministry in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, addressing local youth, he used the image of snakes throughout his address to represent the evil in society. Sometimes, he said, those snakes – including drugs and friends – may resemble those young people.

Speaking on All Saints Day, Father Smith encouraged his young audience to have power and courage, as did the saints.

“We honor the saints because they received God’s grace to do great things in their lives,”
he said. “There are saints in this room. You have to have courage. When you have courage, you can do all things in Christ,” despite peer pressure to do otherwise.

“When you’re about God’s business, you have this attitude of gratitude that God will give you the power to be where you’re supposed to be,” the priest continued. “Never let a problem in your life become an excuse. You are all beautiful and you have gifts.

“Have the grace to know you are somebody.”

Later, during a learning session for adult leaders, Father Smith offered the following keys to dealing with young people: accountability to God, the youth and themselves; attentiveness to young people; affirmation; assessment; and advice.

Speak words of encouragement and support, the priest said. “We have to affirm, because words have power,” he said. “Be authentic in your affirmation. If you don’t practice what you preach, you have no power.”

Father Smith also recommended assessing youth programs and what youth leaders are doing. In everything they do, he added, adult leaders must have power, purpose, passion, a sense of prayer, and peace of mind.

“You have to have passion for the love of Jesus, whom you are serving,” he said, adding, “Your task is not to please the people in church. Your only task is to please God.

“Always know that God is on your side as you work with young people. The Church is going to grow because of your work. Be successful and always know that God has your back.”

Among the more than 30 adult leaders gathered in the AHS library, Vickie Blackwood, from St. John Bosco, Hammond, said leaders’ task includes affirming parents and guardians as well. Jackie Gudino, from St. Francis Xavier, Lake Station, said one key is to work with parents through their children.

“If you can relate to their child and get your point across, they can go home and get that point across to their par4ents,” Gudino said.

Dorie Little, director of religious education at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, New Chicago, said one challenge to working with junior high youth is “getting them there.” One project that has worked for her is a series of six parent meetings each year. Parents attending these meetings receive suggestions for working with their children.

Beth Barajas, from St. Paul, Valparaiso, said one challenge is “getting off the ground.” Her parish is in the process of starting a junior high youth program, and St. Paul ahs 300-400 potential young people in that age category.

In addition, Barajas said, St. Paul is trying to integrate a youth program for students from the Catholic school and religious education program, as well as a growing number of home schooled students.

Father Smith counseled adult leaders about their young people: “They’re going to test you, but you’ll win the test. Be strong in the Lord.