I'll pass, thanks

I just got back from the Youth Ministry thing. While it wasn't the worst two and half hours of my life, I'm not going back. I don't think it's the right ministry for me.

The priest wanted me and another volunteer to greet the kids as they came in, ask their grade, and seat them accordingly. I have a problem greeting people. Goofy, I know. But if a person doesn't make eye contact with me, it's very hard for me to call out a hello and stop them to ask questions. Most of the kids just ran in and it was clear they didn't want to talk to us. We just took turns saying hello, then following them in to make sure they didn't sit in the back.

After the Mass, the kids had free play for about 20 minutes, then we broke into small groups. I was assigned to the 7th/8th grade group with 3 other volunteers. I said maybe two words the whole time. Again, not my thing. Our topic was patron saints. I had ideas of things to say, but in group settings, I don't usually talk unless someone calls on me or there's an extended silence and I know it'll be okay to talk. Well, if I'm one of the leaders, who's going to call on me? Exactly. So I just smiled and nodded through the whole thing.

Following small groups was snack time, free play, and then some hopping game. The priest asked the adults to stay after and give some suggestions. At the end he asked who would be coming back. There were some yeses, a couple of maybes, and I didn't say anything. Thankfully, he didn't ask me straight out. If he happens to call and ask me, I'll just say that I don't think it's the right ministry for me. I didn't like teaching before and I still don't. The kids were good and the other volunteers were nice. It's just not something I want to do.

I know the discomfort with greeting people is a symptom of my shyness, however, I don't want to try and conquer that just yet. I was proud of myself for making small talk with the other volunteers while the kids were in the Mass. I can continue improving on that in some other venue, like at the singles' prayer group.