A wise mentor once told me the root of evangelization is letting your faith shine through as friendship and hospitality. As I work with young people in my parish and throughout the diocese, I find this to be true.

We as youth ministry professionals speak about youth-friendly and intergenerational friendly parishes, but too often we think the effort needs to come from the adults. I have found, though that young people have a tremendous ability to lead their friends, their families, and other adults into discipleship.

We just had our annual diocesan youth convention. Many of the teens I spoke with were there because a friend or sibling had gone to a previous convention and talked about how much fun it was. They were excited because someone else was excited. Some were there because they were looking for new friends or to find someone who believes the same things they believe. There is great merit to large gatherings like conferences, rallies, and retreats for helping young people to show each other that they are not alone in the Church.

My confirmation class at the parish is looking forward to getting involved in parish ministries. They see other teenagers serving as lectors, musicians, greeters, and extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, and they want to do the same. I believe some of the best and most dedicated liturgical ministers in our parish are young people.

Young people are models for the entire community. When they come to mass prepared, confident, and eager to serve, the entire community is evangelized by their efforts. Many of them bring their parents back to the church and get them involved as well.

Each year as I prepare for our diocesan awards liturgy and banquet for outstanding high school juniors and seniors, I am humbled by the stories of the young people we honor. Quite often, there are so many stories of how young people influence their siblings or classmates to become more involved in their faith. Some are charismatic leaders, who draw others to follow their example. Many, though, show their discipleship in small ways through service, prayer, and personal integrity.

As adult leaders, our job is to recognize the many gifts for evangelization that exist in our young people. We should highlight, encourage, and work with them to be the young leaders that they are called to be.