Editor’s Note

Today, many of our young people are struggling to get their voice heard, struggling to find a purpose, struggling to be accepted, struggling to make a difference and struggling to find a place under the sun.

Aug 05, 2022

By Patricia Pereira
Today, many of our young people are struggling to get their voice heard, struggling to find a purpose, struggling to be accepted, struggling to make a difference and struggling to find a place under the sun. They are faced with ‘wars’ and internal battles of their own. ‘Wars’ that come in the form of consumerism, peer pressure, identity crisis, religious individualism, sexual orientation.

Oftentimes, they find themselves in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. They are often misunderstood, misjudged and regarded with suspicion by adults and figures in authority.

A common complaint by our young people is how alienated they feel from the Church and how they are still struggling to find a niche for themselves here. Their opinions are not sought, their curious minds not satisfied, their questions on faith not answered.

But before we raise our hands in despair or start pointing fingers or find a scapegoat for the prevailing situation, we can take comfort from the fact that the Church has not lost its young. Fed up as they seem, our youth still very much want to be a part of the Church. They remain steadfast to their faith. They are still proud to call themselves followers of Christ. But after a forced two year absence due to the pandemic, those who have returned remain in the shadows, awaiting affirmation, validation, recognition.

What our young people need is a post-pandemic ‘buzz’ to get them going again. They need to have their beliefs and faith practices made more plausible through social validation, strong effective association and more direct engagement. They need to experience a new and greater awareness of the Catholic faith. They need to experience a renewal of their commitment and stewardship in being disciples of Christ.

Being in the company of other young people who share the same religious conviction, similar ideals, core values and practices will enable them to experience joy and fulfilment and give them a reason to take their spirituality to a deeper level of commitment. (see pages 16 & 17 – Youth Section)

Recently, I came across a pamphlet with an eye-catching header, What makes a healthy and vibrant parish? The pamphlet went on to explain that a healthy and vibrant parish is one where there is a consistent inclusion of the youth in parish life; where the youth are provided opportunities to have personal and meaningful experiences of the faith which the Church imparts.

Young people have the energy and the potential to motivate, build and inspire all those around them. What they need are avenues through which they can channel their contribution.

The youth of today will be the leaders of tomorrow. Their fate is in our hands.

So let’s create an atmosphere of openness and trust for them in the families, BECs and parishes, especially in our synodal journey as one Church.