This past summer, I didn’t spend much time at the beach or the mall. Instead, I served as a summer intern for the Orthodox Church in America’s Department of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministries.
I chose this instead of a multitude of other options because I knew it would be totally different than anything I had previously experienced and also an opportunity to take on a challenge while contributing my time for the benefit of the Church.
Upon my arrival in Minneapolis, I began a two month internship which included work on projects and resources for the department, assisting with Vacation Bible School at St. Mary’s Cathedral, being on staff for the pan-Orthodox St. Mary’s Summer Camp and being a counselor for the 4th annual IOCC Serv-X-treme Conference. Each of these different aspects of my internship illustrate the vast range of youth ministry. Each provided me with opportunities to respond to God’s call to serve those around me – regardless of age – and to see the image of God in each person.
The biggest lesson I learned this summer was that on whatever avenue young people find themselves, there are opportunities for them to draw closer to God through His Church. This happens through their shared experiences and the relationships they forge with others. I believe this is important for everyone to remember that we as a Church can learn to love God and our neighbor.
When I heard about the internship with the department, I knew it was how I wanted to spend my summer - even though it meant being away from home, not being with friends and family, and not doing what I had taken for granted during previous summer breaks.
I knew t
hat working for the church can be challenging in unexpected ways, but I persisted because the work of this department is so vital and because of the experiences I would have during the internship.
Throughout my summer in Minneapolis, I had a passion to share my knowledge and experiences from the first year I had just completed at St. Tikhon’s Seminary. I also enjoyed connecting with young people and sharing our faith experiences as Orthodox Christians.
Youth ministry can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding, because it provided me with opportunities to listen to young people, hear their questions and learn about their interests, and share answers and my experiences.
Young people are asking all sorts of questions about life and society, and the role of our Orthodox Faith in today’s world. What is our mission? How do we witness to Christ, His Church and the saints?
My commitment to making this work a priority convinced me that any reservations I might have had needed to be resolved quickly, so I could immerse myself fully in working for the Department.
My summer was unique and memorable in many ways, but most importantly, I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to serve as an intern, because it helped me grow as an individual and as an Orthodox Christian.
Alex Norton is a second year student at St. Tikhon’s Seminary, South Canaan, PA. Having explored both the east and west coasts of the United States, Alex currently makes his home in the Washington, D.C. area, but dreams of someday being back in California.