Taking a seat at the table, finding my voice

As a 20-year-old science major student, I never thought I would enjoy politics and social issues as much as I do right now. If you asked me about the basis of a church in 2020, I would’ve said it’s love, community, kindness, and most importantly, God. That’s all true, but if you ask me the same question now, in 2021, I would add that the church needs an administrative team, an active parish council, financial stability, and to be in communication with the Diocese and the Bishop.

This past year as a YIP intern in St. John the Baptist has been one of the greatest learning experiences for me. I met new people who bring different opinions and experiences to the table, I learned about church politics, and I had a front-row seat to one of the biggest transitions in my church. As a young intern taking a seat at the table with the adults, this past year has also taught me a lot about human behaviour and how our church views change and modern society. I spent most of the first three months only listening and observing while the adults talked their talk. It was really hard to fit in, but with the help of Donna and my supervisor Don, I was able to finally be able to fit in, be heard and get my ideas on the table. 

Our society’s values have changed, and we are at a time where young adults don’t just follow the rules and do what they are told without questioning the basis of the rules, and the church is trying to adapt to these modern changes and keep up with the youth. Because of the COVID-19 situation, the Diocesan Synod meeting was held virtually, which was really sad because it was one of the weekends I was really excited to attend. (I heard the food was always good!) My parish did their best to adapt to the changes that the pandemic caused, and we started sanitizing everything and promoting social distancing, but it became really difficult to connect with the other people in the parish. After all humans are social beings!!

 I had different expectations for my placement, but if I had to do it all over, I wouldn’t change a thing. I learned more than I expected and saw true leaders in real life difficult situations. 

I really want to thank the whole parish council and especially my supervisor Donald Veilleux for being so patient and guiding me through everything. A special thank you to Donna, our YIP program director, for supporting me and teaching me how to be heard and seen as a young person in the adults’ table.

Maritsa was an Intern for St John the Baptist in Ottawa in last year’s program.