WelCom May 2020:
Nick Wilson
The Diocese of Palmerston North young family ministers, youth ministers, school chaplains and tertiary ministers are working in their respective patches getting alongside our young people pastorally as we navigate the Covid-19 event. In this ministry, which is typically face-to-face relational ministry, it is most unusual not being physically present. The challenges of virtual presence are numerous, and surprisingly many would think these digitally-native-aged people would be best on the digital mediums. However, we are learning this is not necessarily the case. Praying online, helping with school work, providing food parcels, conversations, sharing the Easter event in a meaningful way and sharing the various Easter reflections, liturgies, Masses, apps, movies and more, is how we use our time. A number of our young people are struggling with lockdown, particularly in relation to curtailed social contact, so working through this with them to help ensure stability of mental health is a big part of the kaupapa.
Our youth ministers from across the diocese have been finding new ways to stay in touch with our young people and keep their communities connected during lockdown. Reflections from our youth ministers about how they are serving our parishes are on our website: pndiocese.org.nz