Student Interviews of Churches that are Using
Peer Ministry
#15 Interview JAN, 2000
Church of St. Mary Catholic
Interview with Gina Mazdo, Youth Minister
By:Jennifer Lemke
Rural community
Size of congregation:600 Families
Staff size: 1 Pastor, and 3 youth staff
Peer Ministry Description
How many trained adult facilitators?
One
How many youth are trained?
Ten per year
How long has your church been involved?
Three years
How are Peer Ministers identified and encouraged to participate?
After they are trained there is a welcoming mass in honor of them,
they are encouraged to use and take these skills they have learned
and use them.
Where and at what time does training take place?
Sundays nights and on retreats. She prefers the retreat because
it has shown to be most beneficial. Both were at the church parish
center.
After training, when do they meet?
They don't really, she just checks on them periodically.
What is the overall goal for the Peer Ministers?
To bring them back into action and service.
Ministry Uses
What are some ways they have used the training?
Being mentors to other peers. Many of them go to SUMMERFEST and
become counselors. They also help minister at TEC (Teens encounter
Christ).
How has Peer Ministry effected the youth program?
It has giving the opportunity to train others for skill to use
for the rest of their lives.
What is the biggest thing gained?
Skill for life.
Future Hopes and Goals
What are some goals for this program?
To take the gifts to the next setting, be a good asset.
Any words of wisdom?
Make sure you have two adult trainers for each group. It really
helps to have another trainer to be there for you.
