Deanery Youth Chaplains
...some ideas for getting involved...
Background
Chaplains have been assigned to deanery youth units on and off for a few years now. It’s not an officially appointed position, and the primary reason for that is so the chaplain can have maximum control over her/his level of involvement. Even though it’s "unofficial" in some respects, I believe that chaplains can play a vital role in the life and effectiveness of deanery youth units (DYUs). Here are some ideas – feel free to add, subtract...make them your own!
DYU Chaplains – Purpose and Goals
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To provide direct pastoral care to DYU members when approached by the youth, referring to parish ministers and/or other sources when appropriate. Often, teenagers come to DYU events but are not otherwise connected with a church, so the Chaplain can provide a pastoral connection to young people who may otherwise fall through the cracks.C
To act as a spiritual resource for the Deanery Youth Co-ordinator. While I do provide support in terms of resources/ideas/consultation, my support is not overtly spiritual or pastoral. The Chaplain can be someone who encourages this leader, as an extension of the Bishop’s pastoral leadership.C
Serve as a link between the youth and the clergy, particularly through clericus. This link would not merely be to communicate news of events (as important as that is), but also to be a resource to incumbents seeking to effectively pastor teenagers. Keeping incumbents informed about events, etc. is necessary for obvious reasons...and also because often parish priests don’t realize that youth in their own parishes are very active at the deanery level.C
To be a resource to the youth for "spiritual" program needs. The Chaplain can respond to requests from young people for things such as celebrating Eucharist at retreats, helping with ideas for Bible studies, saying grace at meals, etc.. Of course, the Chaplain is not the only one who can say grace or have a good idea about a Bible verse, but helping in these ways can build community and help the youth and Chaplain get to know each other.C
To intentionally pray for deanery youth ministry. Chaplains are encouraged to pray for the youth...both for their programs and for them personally.