Each country in our Region is constantly searching for ways to reach out and be more present among the youth. In this article we want to share with you our experiences, challenges and reflections regarding this ministry in Poland.
For many years, a team of 2-3 sisters sent by the Regional Superior has been able to dedicate themselves fully to youth ministry rather than treating it as an additional duty. One of our biggest commitments is organizing weekend retreats for young people: 12 sessions per year for three different age groups. Each day, we celebrate the Eucharist, have adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and prayer based on the Word of God. There is also a time for confession during the retreats. We also make space for conversations, shared fun, and various activities. What touches us most is the testimony of young people who share that the silent adoration is the part they value most during the retreats. This confirms for us that it is worth sharing our charism with young people. Another important aspect for them is the experience of fraternity within our retreat community. As a team of sisters, we consciously strive to create an atmosphere of friendship, openness, and joy in our Franciscan spirit. This is our response to the increasing sense of alienation among today’s youth.
For several years we have also been engaged in pastoral prison ministry. Every week, we visit the boys at the Juvenile Detention Center in Lublin. We offer them so-called “Bible Dramas,” run the Alpha Course, conduct various workshops, have conversations, play games, e.t.c. Over the years sisters in our Region have been involved in pastoral prison ministry. About ten years ago we established a volunteer program for young people, engaging lay people in this mission. Looking back, we see that this initiative is a response of the Holy Spirit to a certain gap in our local Church. Young people recognize that there are not many communities for those aged 25+ who have finished their studies but have not yet entered into marriage. Volunteers share that this is not only an opportunity to help others but also a community where they build relationships, grow in faith, and develop themselves.
In addition to retreats and volunteer work, which we as sisters lead, we are constantly involved in various initiatives and projects organized by dioceses, church movements and religious congregations (retreats, festivals, pilgrimages, missionary meetings, youth gatherings in parishes etc.). Whenever possible, we visit schools to conduct lessons on vocations, missions and human trafficking. We see many good fruits resulting from inter-congregational collaboration and working with lay people.
We also accompany young women who are discerning their vocation. We offer them contact with a sister, conversations, meetings, retreats, and days of reflection. Sometimes, they also stay with us in the community for a few days. Today most of the young women who join our Congregation first “meet” us through social media, searching online for information about religious life or a specific charism. Often they accidentally come across a video, a song, or a retreat invitation that captures their interest. Social media today is a powerful tool for both promotion and evangelization. It requires a great effort. However, we see that without a media presence we miss many opportunities to be known by young people and to be where they can find us. At the last Chapter of our Region we discerned that our presence in the media should become one of our priorities: we want to bring the Gospel to others in every possible way.
In our Region we pray daily for vocations and for those who are discerning their ways of life. We have eight Rosary prayer groups. We believe that prayer gives courage to those called and opens their hearts to the voice of God.
During this jubilee year looking back from today’s perspective we are grateful to our predecessors for their concrete efforts, discernment and bold steps in accompanying young people. We see how all the projects initiated in the past are now bearing fruit. Many FMM would never have discovered our Congregation if it were not for the devoted service and witness of the Sisters.
Sylwia Stelmach, FMM
Anastasia Koleynik, FMM
All Saints Region
