One of the most disruptive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the cancelation of religious services and faith-formation gatherings. Across the country religious administrators have been exploring live streams of Holy Mass and moving ministry online in order to continue to serve those in need. As the Director of Youth Ministry for St. Francis Assisi Parish in Cleveland, the pandemic has provided an opportunity to launch new virtual communities and meet young Catholics where they are through social media. Through global networks such as Life Teen’s Global Life Night, Shell has even been able to expand her youth ministry offerings.
“The COVID-19 crisis has not changed a lot of what we do, but how we do it. When all of the shutdowns began and in-person ministry was cancelled, it was an opportunity to get creative on how to minister to the teens. So, we went digital, hosting Bible Study on Instagram live, and adding other opportunities like live Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and Divine Mercy Chaplet,” said Shell. “I think especially in this time, listening has been such an important lesson. Listening to the struggles that people are facing, praying with them, and asking how we can help them. There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, but there is also a lot Good News to share.”
