WORKS OF MERCY - QUENCH - FOr Ministers

“And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

Every young adult who walks through your parish or ministry doors is a child of God and saint-in-the-making. Therefore even the smallest act of hospitality or charity toward them is no small act. It is an acknowledgment that this person is made in the image of God, and an invitation to that person to recognize their own identity as such. 

That cooler full of drinks at your ministry kick-off event? It could be the meeting place between your leadership and a lost soul who is visiting or returning to the Church.

That cup of coffee that you meet for? It could be the doorway to a life-changing conversation.  
That Catholic trivia night you host at the local brewery? It’s helping to teach the faith and build authentic, Christ-seeking relationships.

A small act of mercy such as offering a drink can have eternal effects if done with love and intentionality. Of course, what comes after that small act is also important. There are a lot of other factors that go into making a parish or young adult ministry into a nurturing environment for future saints. One is by welcoming and consoling the doubts of the young hearts in attendance.

 It is so important for parishes and ministries to communicate to their young adults that perfection is not a requirement for belonging. Many of the actual canonized saints went through seasons of serious doubt and struggle in their faith. Our parishes and ministries are not meant to be a destination, but rather a place of patient and personal accompaniment through the struggle. 

Is your parish or young adult ministry a place where young adults feel safe to bring their doubts and questions? How can you grow in the works of mercy that are giving drink to the thirsty and consoling the ignorant?