The Symbol

Sometimes the most meaningful conversations aren't the ones you plan.

They're the ones that happen after the work is done.

After the campers left Lake Champion, I sat down with Ace, one of our Summer Staff members, to talk about his journey—from growing up in the Dominican Republic, to moving to New York City, to being served through WyldLife and camp, and now serving the next generation himself.

One thing I love about this story is that it's a reminder of why we invest in young people in the first place.

You never know who they're becoming.

The middle school student who walks into club...
The camper who says yes to a week at camp...
The young person you invite to serve...

Years later, they may be the one changing someone else's life.

That's the heartbeat of discipleship.

I'd love for you to watch this conversation and let me know what resonates with you most.

🎥 Watch here:
https://youtu.be/9PBiDvN51u8?si=-9KT6wKTaVZ-4q6H

And if someone invested in your life when you were young, tag them below or tell us about them. They may never realize just how much they helped shape who you've become.

Why He Came Back to Serve | Ace's Young Life Journey Not every meaningful ministry conversation happens behind a microph...

Everybody talks about the young people who come to church.

What about the ones who don't?

In this episode of What Catholic Youth Ministry Looks Like, I sit down with Steven Perez, a high school senior from East New York whom I've known since the 7th grade.

Steven isn't the stereotypical "church kid."

He's connected to his faith, chose to sign himself up for Confirmation, and has shown real leadership over the years. But he's also someone who knows the neighborhood and understands the young people who never walk through the church doors.

So instead of asking ministry leaders why teens aren't showing up, I asked a teenager.

We talk about:
• Why many young people stay away from church
• Whether teens feel judged by the Church
• What adults often get wrong when trying to connect with youth
• What makes a young person trust a leader
• Why culture, music, and environment matter
• What young people in neighborhoods like East New York actually need from the Church

One thing Steven said throughout our conversation is that young people want to know that they're seen.

Not managed. Not fixed. Not talked about. But - Seen.

If you're a pastor, youth minister, catechist, parent, teacher, or volunteer, I think this conversation will challenge you in the best way.

🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/eEbI8wj3Aoc

After you watch, I'd love to hear your thoughts:

What is one thing the Church can do better to reach the young people we're currently missing?

We Asked a Teen Why His Friends Don't Go to Church In this episode of What Catholic Youth Ministry Looks Like, I sit d...