So, in this school year, what is the most important thing you will do? Will you be offering exciting new programs? Are you starting a new job or ministry? Maybe you are taking some extra trips? Are you adding service projects? Taking part in new support groups or educational opportunities to learn more about Liturgy, youth or pastoral presence?

Will these items be the most important things you will do? I would like to suggest that these activities will pale in the light of what we are really about. The most important thing that you and I will do this year is to help people follow Jesus Christ.

As a matter of fact, I will be repeating over and over again to the young people in the parishes where I work: “The most important decision you will ever make in your life is whether or not you will follow Jesus Christ. It is more important than where you will go to college, who you will marry, or what kind of job you will have. It is more important than any other decision in your life as all other decisions will be made in its light.”

I am especially addressing this note to you who work with youth ministry, since that is where the majority of our subscribers come from. Isn’t it true that once a decision to follow Jesus is made, all other decisions can be weighed effectively against it? Yes, I know, conversion is ongoing, but at some point we have all made the decision that our model will be Jesus.

How this year will you help young people make that decision? Will it be in great scripts, great programs or great trips? Maybe. Maybe not. It will however be in the relationships that you and your team develop with young people. Teens are attracted to vibrant faith in adults.

With all the violence in schools over the last few months, it seems our questions and statement, “The most important decision you will ever make is whether or not to follow Jesus Christ” becomes increasingly urgent. I pray that all of us, no matter the methods we may choose, will be able to reach young people who are so desperately seeking Christ.