In this current time, we are facing a great challenge in the whole world because of the new deadly covid-19 virus which has claimed lives. It has been more than one year that we are dealing with a “new normal” lifestyle and following some protocols such as washing and sanitizing our hands, wearing a mask or a face shield and keeping a social distance. Moreover, our activities outside the house are also limited since direct contact with others is forbidden to stop the transmission of the virus.
As religious missionaries who also do apostolic works among the youth, we are also affected and have to adjust ourselves to the new realm that we cannot do this service as usual as before. During this trying moment, in order not to lose our missionary and apostolic spirit, we should be creative enough to use any kind of possibilities and tools to animate the youth so that they still feel connected, see the presence of God in their lives, and find a new zeal to live the day joyfully. And, what can we do now?
Not Only a Matter of Online but a Commitment to Journey Together
Since last year, when the covid-19 outbreak reached the Philippines, most of our activities have become online. It is indeed tiring and demanding because we have to stay in front of the gadget’s screen for a lot of time. Reading e-books, watching videos sent by the teacher, having synchronous classes, etc. have been already parts of our “new normal” way of doing things in this time of the pandemic. Regarding this new system and after being accustomed to this lifestyle, we learn that this boundless online system could also be beneficial for our way of preaching the Good News to the youth. We can use the same system by having online or synchronous meetings with the youth using some useful platforms, for instance, Zoom, Google Meet, or Facebook Group Chat.
However, we should not think that this is only a matter of “online”. The most important thing is why we have to do this. In my opinion, it is all about our commitment and motivation as their friends who journey together in knowing Jesus, deepening our faith in God, and loving one another as brothers and sisters. Otherwise, being abundantly overflooded with online classes, the youth will easily get tired or bored because they may think that “they will have another online class” just like the formal school offers to them. I am afraid, instead of giving them insights or refreshments, this new way of apostolate can be another “online” burden for them. Hence, in my point of view, we should inject some creativity inside our virtual meeting so that they may find new and different things which they don’t find in their online classes.
One possibility that I can share is to have various activities such as praying the Holy Rosary, sharing the joy and sorrow in this difficult moment, giving them some good topics, or doing Lectio Divina. According to my experience, in the beginning, doing this online apostolate is quite difficult because I have to be proactive and creative to find new ideas for the youth activities. At once, I was thinking about giving all the responsibilities to some youth who are active in this ministry. Unfortunately, as I perceived, later on, there was no movement. So, we decided to work together (between my companion and also the youth); whenever we have an idea, we will talk about it and realize it as our next virtual activity. I am amazed by their fidelity to the schedule we made; twice a month until now. Not all the members of the group join the meeting, but we could see that some are faithful.
Being an Initiator who Brings Liveliness
Furthermore, being an initiator or a motivator who can bring liveliness into the group is important. If we are just waiting and wasting time in silence, there will be no change. By this I mean let us be the ones who take the first step, open to all possibilities that help us in our apostolate, and adjust ourselves to the condition of the present moment that we live in. For instance, we know that our Group Chat has been inactive for a long time. In this case, a “HELLO” or “HOW ARE YOU DOING” can be meaningful and it can start the communication again among the members. We can find another example according to our experiences. I just want to highlight that “If no one starts, who else?”
To close this article, I would like once again to remind us about a beautiful sentence from the Gospel which inspires me to continue this journey with the youth during this new normal life. Here it is, “The disciples went and preach everywhere, and the Lord worked with them…” (Mark 16:20). This sentence was the last part of the Gospel of Mark right after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. And now, as Jesus’ disciples who continue his mission in this world, we have to believe in this sentence and recognize the presence of God in our ministry even during this difficult time. Knowing that the Lord is working with us, we should be very joyful because our ministries will bear fruit with the help of his grace. For me, adjusting to the situation of today is also adjusting ourselves to the will of God so that we become alter Christi who bring joy to the youth in our apostolate.
