Youth Are a Blessing
Having youth serve in liturgical ministries is a blessing. The adults in your community visually see youth in service and the youth see their peers actively engaging their faith. Preparing and training to allow this blessing is critical.

Our parish encourages youth to serve and ensures they are prepared and ready to take on the specific role. Youth are invited to participate in the same training being offered to adults. That is a benefit for both the youth and the adults participating. The youth realize it is a serious commitment in that they are treated like adults, and the adults are able to see the seriousness with which the teens make their commitment.

During the training, the adults and teens work together in their learning. This interaction builds respect across the age groups as well as familiarizes volunteers with each other prior to meeting in the sacristy the day they are to serve.

Follow-up
A last effort which I like to make is a follow-up call or conversation with the youth after their initial training. Youth are often so busy processing everything they have learned they are not ready to ask questions at the training. But given a few days to take in the information, they may see where they need clarification or have questions. So if an adult they know and trust follows up, they are often able to seek the assistance to ensure they are ready to serve the best that they can.