Student Interviews of Churches that are Using
Peer Ministry
#16 Interview JAN, 2000
St. John Newman Catholic Church, Eagan, MN
Interview with Steve Plasch, Director of Youth Ministry for Middle
School
By: Karen Tweeten and Shanna VerHey
Suburban
Size of Congregation: 11,000 members
Total staff size is about 40
Number of Pastors: 1 and an Associate Priest
Number of Youth Staff: 2
Approximate number of youth per grade level: 300
Peer Ministry Description
2 trained adult facilitators work with Peer Ministry 12 youth
are being trained. Their church just began the Peer Ministry program
less than a year ago.
How are Peer Ministers identified and encouraged to participate?
The youth ministers hand pick kids who they feel would grow from
the experience.
Where and at what time of day are you training?
Their training is held on a weekly basis taking a little bit at
a time. After the initial training they will meet weekly as a
youth group at the Church.
What is the goal of the Peer Minisry program?
To give youth the tools to minister to their peers, to become
equipped to reach out to others and continue involvement in the
parish..
Ministry Uses
What are some of the ways that Peer Ministers have used their
training?
So far there are no specific ways since they are just getting
started.
How has Peer Ministry effected the youth program?
It has had a strong impact, not only with the youth.They use it
with other training as well. The impact has been very positive.It
is a tool for teaching volunteers how to minister to kids.
What do you think is one of the biggest things the Peer Ministers
have gained?
The Peer Ministers have gained a new insight and a new way to
relate to others including perspectives on what it means to actually
minister.
What stories illustrate what Peer Ministry can do?
At Catechist training last fall they did peer ministry training
and the people told Steve that it was the best training they have
ever had at the church.
What challenges or frustrations have you experienced?
A challenge is to get them to continue to apply the skills to
their everyday life.
Future Hopes and Goals
What are some of the hopes and goals you hope to see for your
group?
Steve hopes they take this and actually use it in their everyday
setting, whether it be school, church, work, wherever. so that
it goes further than the church. He wants them to bond as a group.
Words of Wisdom?
Make sure that before you get started, you set goals and expectations
on what you want to accomplish as a group and as an individual.
