Growing out of the old and into the new
By Steven Polley
Director, Offices of Youth Ministry and Adult Education
In the mid-90s, while the Church was preparing for the new millennium, Pope John Paul II used a phrase similar to the headline above. His point of emphasis was that as we prepared for the year 2000, focusing on Reconciliation, Eucharist and the coming of the Spirit through Confirmation, we must not lose track of the old. He wanted us to continue growing from the old -- in one sense, Vatican II -- and to use what we had learned from the past to help us move to the new millennium.
For some reason, these words stuck with me, and I have continued to reflect on them from time to time. As we celebrate this Father’s Day, I believe that we can take these same thoughts and relate them to this day and time.
I believe very strongly that much of who I am today I can contribute to my Grandfather. I remember the love and compassion this man had for other people. I remember countless times that he would buy extra candy at the store just to take it to a home near where we lived, to kids who did not have as much. Plus, he would bend over backwards to do things for other people if they needed help. I can remember one summer day, when somehow he found out that there was a show on television about the Green Bay Packers. He came to the field, told me that he would drive the tractor until my show was over, then I could come back out and take over. He continually was thinking of the good of others.
I hope and pray that I have acquired some of my grandfather’s traits. I believe to some extent I have. I hope that my children and stepchildren have seen this in me as I have attended their many activities and functions. I am sure that there have been times when it has appeared that my ministry was more important, but I believe they know in their hearts that it was not. Also, after one of my confirmation retreats this past year, I received one of the greatest compliments I have ever been given. One of our DRE’s told the confirmation class that I would give the shirt off my back for them. I hope that I would, and I hope that this is the message that I send as I work with our young people.
I learned so much from my grandfather. As he celebrates eternal life with God, I still turn to him for guidance, and yes, I am still learning. I see my grandfather continually sacrificing for me.
My point from all of this is that I believe our young people growing up in today’s society can learn a valuable lesson. During our past two high school youth rallies, I have seen the joy in the eyes of our youth who have visited the nursing homes. They have came back being touched by the wisdom of these elderly people. In a few brief moments they have learned from the old, and this has helped them grow into the new.
Yes, we are looking at different generations, but our youth can learn valuable lessons. My hope and prayer then would be that in some way, as our young people grow and someday become parents as well, that they will look back on lessons learned and be able to thank their parents for giving so much. For helping them grow into the person they have become.
Together then, we are called to help each of these young people grow in age, wisdom and grace, just as our parents and grandparents have done. We must help them grow out of the old and into the new.
On this Father’s Day, Grandpa, I say thank you.