\Where: St. Anselem, 6045 S. Michigan

Why: Coordinator of Religious Education, St. Anselem

BARBARA ANDERSON is a teacher, volunteer, mentor, and youth coordinator. For years, she has worked with adults and young people in different parishes throughout Chicago. However, her work with the youth has been the most fulfilling. An Augustus Tolton Award recipient, Ms. Anderson is a model for social service, dedication, and spiritual commitment.

BLACK CATHOLIC CHICAGO: Thanks for meeting. Tell me a little about yourself.

BARBARA ANDERSON: I am a 57-year old mother of two. I have two wonderful grandchildren. I work for the federal government as a program assistant. My job consists of helping doctors who have agreed to work in medically underserved areas. Also, I wok part-time at St. Anselem as a coordinator for the Deanery Youth Council. I really enjoy working with the young people.

What's involved in your work with the Deanery Youth Council?

ANDERSON: The Youth Deanery is a group made up of many different parishes. The young people from each of the parishes come together at different times during the year to plan activities. They do projects in three different areas: spiritual, social, and service.

Have you always worked with the youth?

ANDERSON: I've been working with them in this capacity since 1988. I started off at St. Helena of the Cross (my home parish). For years I volunteered over there. During that time, my pastor suggested that I enter the Tolton program (1991). I was fortunate enough to get the scholarship in 1996. I received my Master's in Theological Studies. I attended North Park and Chicago Theological Seminary and worked with the Youth Ministry there.

Where else have you studied/worked/volunteered?

ANDERSON: Let's see. I completed the Black Catholic Studies program at St. Xavier in New Orleans. I helped implement the Emasus Youth Program at St. Xavier. I was also the Assistant Director of the Urban Youth Ministry Program. I was baptized on the West Side at Our Lady of Lourdes. And I've attended Blessed Sacrament (Central Park and 22nd). In 1991, I took the children in my St. Helena youth group to see the Pope in Denver, Colorado.

Currently, what you are you doing in way of youth service?

ANDERSON: Right now I am coordinating the Youth Track for the National Black Catholic Congress in 2002. We're organizing different youth-oriented programs for the many Archdiocese workshops, programs, and seminars.

What's been the result of your work?

ANDERSON: Many of my former students [from St. Helena] have gone on to graduate college. For me, it's really gratifying when you can help young people see the good they can achieve.

That brings up an interesting question. Why has your focus been on the youth?

ANDERSON: I guess because so many of them get lost. I was an only child. I had such a pleasant childhood. People cared for me and took time with me. So I want to give some of that back. In raising my children by myself, I realized that nothing had been more important to me than their success, their happiness. You know, I coached my son's little league [baseball] team. Simply because there were no fathers who would take the time to get involved. We can't allow our children to just grow like weeds. We have to nurture them today so they can become what they need to be tomorrow.

You seem to have it down to a science?

ANDERSON: Well, I'm just one person. Our children need all of us. We need to teach them. And you know, children want direction. They really do. They need to be exposed to different places and to experience different environments.

You lead a busy life?

ANDERSON: I do. But I love it. I love my volunteer work. I'm one of 12 teachers of religious education on Saturdays. We work with 20-40 children every week. We do a Black History Quiz Bowl and Breakfast every year. It's important to know your heritage. We sponsor a Q&A in our Sunday bulletins during January. In November we do Black Catholic History programming. I do Kwanzaa every year during December.

What's been the most important lesson you've passed on?

ANDERSON: I don't believe you can teach children about God unless they experience God. Adults have a tendency to silence children. I think they need to be heard.

Outside of work what are some of your interests?

ANDERSON: I love to write. I attend plays and bowl. I love to play cards. Bid whist and bridge mostly.

Tell us about your recent nomination.

ANDERSON: I am the Archdiocesan recipient of the Augustus Tolton Award. It's a tremendous honor and it means that God is working.

Any upcoming activities?

ANDERSON: We'll be doing Kugenga November 9-11. That's an African American Youth Retreat Cedar Lake in Indiana. We'll focus on leadership skills, discussion, and heritage.

What's been your biggest reward?

ANDERSON: I love all of the work that I do - both with adults and children. I appreciate the people I've been able to help and the service that God has blessed me to be able to perform. Twenty-three years ago I battled lung cancer and won. But through it all, my greatest joy is to see the smile on a child's face.

CREDITS: Written by Lasana Kazembe