Shepherding

What does this gift mean?

Shepherding is a charism for guiding people on a shared journey of faith through real relationships. The Diocese of Cleveland inventory describes prayer, personal encounter with Christ, and the patience to form people so they can share the Gospel themselves. It is different from running an event. A shepherd knows names, notices who is drifting, and stays. Teenagers can live this gift by caring for younger students or friends without acting like a parent or a boss.

What might it look like in everyday life?

• Check in with a friend over several weeks, not only once.
• Pray for someone you are responsible for and ask how their faith is going.
• Help a younger sibling or student take one next step in prayer.

How can I use this gift to serve others?

Choose one younger student or friend and ask how you can walk with them this month.

How might I explore this gift in VEYM?

These ideas are for the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement. Any parish youth group can use them too.

• Mentor a younger member through a season of meetings.
• Lead a small group and learn each person's story.
• Notice who has stopped coming and reach out with a leader's help.