Under the guidance of Bishop Frank Caggiano, the parishes in Fairfield and Easton are working together on collaborative youth ministry, so that young people in middle school and high school can grow in their faith, know that they have a home in the Catholic community, and learn to bear witness to Jesus in the world. This is the first of a three-part series by Bishop Caggiano, reflecting on the importance of collaboration between parishes.

Regional Youth Ministry Program – Collaboration in Ministry

St. Pius, Assumption, Holy Family-St Emery, and Notre Dame parishes have embarked on collaboration in ministry with the help of the Seton Collaborative. We have begun our second year sponsoring Regional Youth Ministry to serve the young people of our parishes more effectively. Together, we are striving to combine our talents, resources, and personnel to serve the needs of our youth and their families.

What does it mean to collaborate? For those who work in ministry, collaboration refers to the intentional and cooperative effort between individuals or groups within the Church to achieve common goals. This involves working together, sharing resources, and uniting talents to fulfill a particular portion of the mission of the church, whether it’s spreading the Gospel, serving the community, or nurturing spiritual growth. In ministry, collaboration is not just about efficiency. It is about embodying the unity and love that Christ modeled for His followers.

Collaboration is vital in ministry because it mirrors the communal nature of the Church as described in the New Testament. We are one body in Christ. When ministry leaders and members collaborate, they pool their diverse gifts and talents, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This unity is crucial for effectively reaching out to others, making a meaningful impact, and reflecting the oneness that God desires for His people.

Biblical Foundation for Collaboration

The concept of collaboration is deeply rooted in the Sacred Scriptures, where numerous examples illustrate the power and necessity of working together. For example:

1. Moses and Jethro (Exodus 18:13-26): In Exodus 18, we see Moses overwhelmed by the responsibility of judging the disputes among the Israelites. His father-in-law, Jethro, advises him to delegate some of these responsibilities to capable men who could serve as leaders over smaller groups. By following this advice, Moses was able to focus on the most critical issues while others helped manage the community. This is a clear example of how collaboration can lead to more effective and sustainable ministry.
2. Jesus and His Disciples (Luke 10:1-3, Matthew 28:18-20): Jesus Himself modeled collaboration by choosing twelve disciples to be His closest followers and training them to continue His work. In Luke 10:1-3, Jesus sends out seventy-two disciples in pairs to preach and heal, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and mutual support in ministry. Moreover, in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus charges all His followers to work together to make disciples of all nations. This command is a call to collaborative mission work, ensuring that the Gospel reaches every corner of the world. We hear the same call at the end of every Mass: “Go in peace.” It is a command, not an invitation.
3. The Early Church in Acts (Acts 2:42-47): One of the most compelling examples of collaboration in the Bible is found in the early church as described in the Acts of the Apostles. The believers “devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” (Acts 2:42). They shared everything they had, sold property and possessions to give to anyone in need, and met together regularly in the temple courts. This model of communal living and collaboration allowed the early church to grow rapidly and to meet the needs of its members and the broader community effectively.
4. Paul and His Co-Workers (Romans 16, Philippians 2:25-30): The Apostle Paul frequently collaborated with others in his missionary work. In Romans 16, he lists numerous individuals who were his co-workers in Christ, including Priscilla and Aquila, who risked their lives for him. Paul’s letters often include greetings and acknowledgments of the many people who labored alongside him, illustrating the collaborative nature of his ministry. Another example is in Philippians 2:25-30, where Paul commends Epaphroditus, calling him “my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier,” showing that ministry was a shared endeavor.

 Application in Ministry

In practical terms, our parishes will collaborate in ministry to, with, and for young people. Our parish leaders will come together to plan events, ensuring that each aspect of the event is handled by those with the appropriate gifts and skills. Youth ministry leaders will develop small group opportunities for formation. They will work together on regional events, and working together, young people will be invited into a relationship with their faith communities, especially in the years beyond Confirmation, when many young people are tempted to “graduate” from participation in their parish. Instead, our goal is to invite young people to dive more deeply into the many opportunities for discipleship that already exist in the life of the parish. When these efforts are collaborative, they reflect the unity and love that Christ prayed for in John 17:21: “…so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you.”

Collaboration in ministry also fosters accountability and mutual encouragement. The beauty of this collaborative effort is that the responsibility for the ministry with young people becomes an opportunity for shared responsibility. As believers work together, pastors and parish leaders will support one another, bear each other’s burdens, and spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). This communal approach not only strengthens individual believers but also enhances the overall effectiveness and impact of the ministry.

Please pray for this collaborative effort in youth ministry. May we effectively advance God’s kingdom, support young people more effectively, and truly live out the Gospel in a powerful and unified way. The church is strongest when its members unite their gifts and efforts, and our young people deserve our very best.