Five tips for helping youths move closer to God during the school year

By John Shaughnessy

As the director of youth ministry for the archdiocese, Rachel Gilman strives to bring young people into a deeper relationship with Jesus. When she was asked to share her ideas toward that goal for high school students during this school year, she approached that request from the perspective of her talking directly to a teenager.

1. Schedule time with God.

“After the first couple of weeks of school, as your schedule is settling down between classes, sports and clubs, reserve space in your schedule for prayer that works best for you—for example, right when you wake up, directly after school, before bed,” Gilman says. “Schedule it in your phone and set a reminder each day so you don’t forget.”

2. Connect to your parish.

“If school is starting up, that usually means youth ministry and other ministry programs are starting at your parish. Check out your parish’s website for upcoming youth or parish-wide events and gatherings you can join throughout the year. Make a commitment to attend a ministry at your parish regularly or become a liturgical minister at Mass.”

3. Use time in your car to talk to God.

“Whether you’re driving yourself or your parents are driving you, turn off the music and spend some time in quiet prayer and reflection during your short commute. On the way to school, you could talk to God about anything you might need help with for the day. On the way home, talk to God about the things you are grateful for from the day.”

4. Grow in your faith at school.

“Take advantage of what is offered at your Catholic school. Check out the campus ministry schedule or the schedule for prayer and Mass in your chapel. Commit to participating in something regularly while you are at school.”

5. Ask God for help.

“When you are nervous about a test, a project, a big game or a competition, spend a few moments beforehand to ask God for his help, for peace and for anything else you might need in the moment.” †

The Criterion

August 22, 2025