By Sister Barbara Lee Walter, HM

"Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow?" Familiar as an old rhyme, the following modern interpretation is suggested. Mary or John as any youth of today, though thought of as contrary or different from the preceding generation, still has to consider the question "How does your garden grow?" Each young person, growing in self-understanding needs special care -- physical well-being, psychological satisfaction as a lovable, capable person and spiritual awareness as a believer who is faithfully committed to a Christian life.

Today's youth, however contrary they may appear, are truly growing. One very effective way is for youth to help other youth in what is called "peer ministry." As a form of heartfelt listening to one another, the great effects on both the listener and the speaker are evident. Though these young people may not be trained scholastically, many of them are inspired to take on these roles, just as they have experienced personal growth and the acceptance of others. As an expression of Christian hospitality described by Henri Nouwen, it affected "a central attitude of the minister who wants to make his own wounded condition available to others as a source of healing. The minister is the one who can make this search for authenticity possible, not by standing on the side as a neutral screen or an impartial observer, but as an articulate witness of Christ, who puts his own search at the disposal of others."

The Search Program serves as an instrument through which the Holy Spirit speaks to and directs young people through the words, actions and lives of their peers. It provides an opportunity for each young person to gain greater insight into the meaning of Christianity in his life and in the world, through the words and thoughts of those his own age who have begun already to find and to discover these insights and meanings.

It the mature guidance of priests, Father Terry Young, Father Joseph McLaughlin, SM, and Father Mike Redden, coordinator, Sister Barbara Walter, HM, extension host couples, and numerous other adults, the young Searchers are trained to become team members for the weekend experience and youth representatives for the weekly follow-up meetings, Extension. Since 1972, when St. Thomas the Apostle Parish became its first resource, the Search Of Atlanta has held thirteen weekends for more than two hundred seventy-five teens from more than thirty Catholic parishes and numerous Christian churches. As one of the more than ninety Search centers throughout the country, the Atlanta members of this national CYO program mail a newsletter, Directions, to keep all informed as to present activities and future plans.

In a recent edition of Directions, Searchers shared what their participation means to them: "Search has given me something to live for -- Jesus Christ. Also, the good, true friends I need to live a Christian life in this world." "Search is a door, opening the world to me." "Search is something that ignites a spark to get the soul glowing, so I want to pass it on."

Searchers wrote these reflections after attending the Search weekend: "I learned that Jesus can easily be seen in others." "I noticed that I was loved by everyone." "I discovered that getting together you can love God and people more." "I never knew that I am really an essential part of God's plan."

The opportunity for youth to grow in the presence of assuring adults and caring youth is fulfillment of Jesus' promise: "Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you." (Matt 7:7) The members of the Search Of Atlanta Community try to grow in Christ by offering themselves to others in His name. As responsible people who listen with their hearts, countless youth are growing and listening to Christ's call within them.