In Luke 19:1-10 we read the story of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector from Jericho. Zacchaeus, being short in stature, climbs a sycamore tree so he can get a glimpse of Jesus coming down the road. Jesus sees this man in the tree and ends up being a guest at Zacchaeus’ house. When reading this story, we often relate to the various characters mentioned. However, one character in the story that may not get much attention is the sycamore tree.

As a diocesan director for youth ministry, one of my most important roles is to help those who work and minister in parishes connect with the resources that will help them succeed in their ministry efforts. I find the metaphor of the sycamore tree in the Scripture passage above most appropriate for some of the things I do to support others. This simple tree became an important tool for Zacchaeus to see Jesus.

One of the ways I am the sycamore tree for youth ministers is by hosting networking meetings. My goal is to give youth ministers a forum for talking among themselves about the joys and frustrations they are feeling in their ministry settings. I do not bring an agenda, just an open mind so I can listen to others.

These networking meetings are only one of many ways a diocese can help youth ministers recharge and receive nourishment to press on as workers in the Lord’s vineyard. Consider some of these sycamore trees (okay, enough with the tree metaphor, right?) that are available nationally:

• OnCourse from Ministry Training Source
• Workshops and certificate programs from the Center for Ministry Development
• The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry has links to printed materials, colleges that offer education programs, and other organizations that offer enrichment programs for youth ministers
• Notre Dame’s Vision CYM program offers adult tracks that help us reenergize and renew ourselves during their summer program. Check your local monastery or retreat center to see what options might be available in your area.

I hope some of these resources can help you find ways to step back from the busy day to day noise of your life to find the time and space you need to recharge yourself spiritually and physically.