Many of us have witnessed the effectiveness of Catholic youth camps and retreats to awaken faith in teens. We often gauge the success of these programs by the number of participants, the bonding of the students, the response to the talks, and the felt experience of God in prayer. While important, there is growing interest in followup and longterm discipleship. Are students still practicing their faith five years later?
We all know how easy it is, as Scripture says, “to return to [ones] former way of life and no longer accompany Him” (John 6:66). St. Francis de Sales wrote the Introduction to the Devout Life to motivate souls to stay the course. He wanted us to “run in God’s ways, and, at length, almost fly.”
Practicing Catholics describe three helps to persistent faith:
ongoing faith formation in theology, spirituality and apologetics, to address new-life experiences, questions and challenges;
transitioning from the joy of one's own conversion to the joys of discipling and serving others. St. Paul writes: “what is our hope or joy or crown to boast of in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming if not you yourselves? For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thes. 2:19–20); and
spiritual friendships, the “little churches” we create within the bigger Church where we safely and mutually share our lives, faith, prayer and love.
Jesus calls each of us to lifelong discipleship. Post-camp followup, formation, and prayer help fulfill that calling. The Oblates launched Live Jesus Ministries to provide the training and resources needed to build high impact, small group discipleship ministry. Small groups are a powerful tool for ongoing teen evangelization. Please visit Live Jesus Ministries via the link below for more information.
The motto “Tenui nec dimittam” is on the Oblate shield. It translates as “I have taken hold and will not let go.” This is our prayer and goal not only for ourselves but every soul we encounter.
“Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you also want to leave?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.’” (John 6:67-69)
