Presence and Purpose: Your Spiritual Gifts at Work

Thousands gathered in Austin on January 26 for the annual Texas Rally for Life, including seventeen parishioners from St. Faustina. Naomi Beckman, our Coordinator of High School Ministry, organized parishioner attendance. This event gave parishioners of all ages an opportunity to advocate for a Culture of Life. 

She said the event was a valuable way for all people, but especially youth, to show their support of an important cause. “Young people who can’t vote can still show their presence,” she said. “The Texas for Rally for Life is an event where your presence speaks volumes. Without saying a word, your presence lets legislators know how important pro-life issues are to Texans. Your presence makes the difference.” 

Parishioners Larry and Rita Senegal were grateful for the opportunity to attend the event. “Participating in the march gave us a sense of purpose and solidarity in defense of the Unborn Child,” they said. 



Ms. Beckman said youth ministry involves lots of events, including ones like the Texas Rally for Life, but also many events closer to home. From Witness, the youth group that meets on Wednesday nights, to summer mission trips, getting involved in this youth ministry team is a valuable way to serve. “Sometimes people feel you have to teach in order to be involved with youth ministry, but simply being a greeter at an event or setting up tables is an easy way to show you care.” 

The goal for this ministry is to create a peaceful, fun, and caring environment for all youth at St. Faustina. Ms. Beckman added that hospitality is a key spiritual gift needed for this type of service saying, “Anything that we can do to make teens feel welcome at St. Faustina, to help them feel at home, that’s youth ministry.”

Parishioners who want to get involved in youth ministry, whether they feel called to teach or to simply assist with logistics and administration, go through Safe Environment training. Anyone wanting to get involved can contact Ms. Beckman at nbeckman@saintfaustinachurch.org. 

Photos courtesy of Texas Alliance for Life Facebook page.