Youth take their faith to the next level

The Catholic Community of Christ Our Light in Cherry Hill, Saint Charles Borromeo in Sicklerville and Saint Katharine Drexel in Egg Harbor Township  are all currently partnered with the national Center for FaithJustice’s “NeXt Level: The WorX Continues,” which helps train the young church to take ownership of their faith and focus on Catholic social teaching in their own communities.

In place of weekly physical meetings, and in-person retreats among New Jersey’s NeXt Level participants, the three youth ministries and their leaders interact virtually, and at times have come together to aid their community, practicing mask and social distance regulations.

“They are missing that special bond” of being present together, says Millet LoCosale, youth minister at Saint Katharine Drexel, who has five youth involved in NeXt Level. At the same time, “they’ve gotten to know each other more deeply” through weekly virtual meet-ups.

Earlier this week, the parish youth participated in a “Level Up” immersion experience, which included serving at a local community farm that provides produce for the Food Bank and local pantries.

As a cohort, each youth team concentrates on issues affecting their own parishes. After the pandemic hit, “a lot of casino workers were out of work, (and) food insecurity became even more prominent in this area, so that is the issue that our teens want to focus on.”

In Sicklerville, Mary Ann Exler, pastoral associate and director of religious education at Saint Charles Borromeo, describes her three high schoolers in their first year of NeXt Level as “active go-getters.” Case in point: the youth took charge of a recent curbside book pick-up for religious educators, as well as a communion retreat, both held in the church parking lot.

“They took ownership; they’re proud of what they’re doing,” Exler said. Future meetings in the parish’s prayer garden are scheduled.

Even though their face-to-face interactions are sparse, the five youth from Christ Our Light see virtual events as an “opportunity; they can tune in no matter where they are, communicate, and lift each other up in prayer,” says Sherine Green, parish youth minister.

Like their fellow NeXt Level parishes, her cohort has discussed focusing on issues related to the pandemic, such as food insecurity, or mental health. Currently, her youth are organizing a collection for books, school supplies and toys for their peers in Camden.

“My youth are always asking, ‘What can we do in our corner’” of the world, Green says.