The transition of a pastor can have far-reaching impacts on young adults who are, themselves, going through constant cycles of life transitions. A change in faith leadership can also affect a community’s ministerial outreach with young adults. Navigating this particular situation needs to be intentional, pastoral, and strategic.
Transition experiences are filled with a variety of thoughts and emotions. Individual young adults will each feel differently about the outgoing pastor, and there may be many expectations on the incoming one. Grief, loss, and uncertainty are real. Recognize that this is, above all, a spiritual moment on our mutual journeys of faith.
The Departure Experience
Consider gathering young adults within the parish to discuss the experience of losing a pastor and how to honor him as a church leader, priest, and an individual. While each person’s experiences with or thoughts about the pastor will vary, a ministry leader should highlight his vocation and humanity. This gathering could be a chance to address these issuesand pastorally listen to their joys and hurts.
Ideas to honor the pastor could include: a prayer service of thanksgiving hosted and led by young adults; a social gathering with the pastor; or the active participation of young adults in the wider parish’s farewell activities. It is key to remember that a gratitude-filled departure experience with young adults could affect, in a positive way, how an outgoing pastor may approach people in their 20s and 30s in whatever work or ministry he will do in his next assignment.
The Arrival Experience
Similarly, it would be helpful to gather young adults to talk through their thoughts about a new pastor before he arrives. Some young adults may be overly fearful of what a new leader could bring, while others might place outsized expectations upon him; both extremes will need to be carefully managed.
Upon the new pastor’s arrival, the young adult community may want to be active and present for (and may wish to help the wider community plan) welcome receptions, the liturgical installation, and other parish events. Consider coordinating one or more activities where the new pastor can meet the young adults who engage with the parish: a special prayer service, a roundtable conversation between young people and the pastor, a social gathering, or inviting the new pastor to take an active role in one of the already-scheduled parish activities for young adults.
Spiritual Mindfulness
When young adults actively take part in the transition process, it can be a strategic way to position the ministry as an invaluable part of the community. In so doing, it may serve as a reminder of how critical young adults are to the parish.
But even more, this is a spiritual moment that young adults will remember as a time when they understood the constancy of Christ and their rootedness in the Church. No matter who leads a parish, Jesus always remains a constant companion to young adults. It may be helpful to offer catechesis and spiritual reflection on these points throughout the transition experience.
Finally, allow yourself a moment to reflect on your emotions (which may range depending on your situation). Ask God to give you wisdom and strength to not only navigate your own feelings but to be there for the young adults in your care.
