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Why have an office for youth ministry?
In the encyclical Novo Millennio Inuente His Holiness, Pope John Paul II wrote:
§9. Sometimes when we look at the young, with the problems and weaknesses that characterize them in contemporary society, we tend to be pessimistic. The Jubilee of Young People however changed that, telling us that young people, whatever their possible ambiguities, have a profound longing for those genuine values which find their fullness in Christ. Is not Christ the secret of true freedom and profound joy of heart? Is not Christ the supreme friend and the teacher of all genuine friendship? If Christ is presented to young people as he really is, they experience him as an answer that is convincing and they can accept his message, even when it is demanding and bears the mark of the Cross. For this reason, in response to their enthusiasm, I did not hesitate to ask them to make a radical choice of faith and life and present them with a stupendous task: to become "morning watchmen" (cf. Is 21:11-12) at the dawn of the new millennium.
One of the greatest challenges facing the Catholic Church in the new millennium is to assist young people to experience and understand the richness of the Catholic faith. The world offers young people uncertainty and false hope, leading many to unhappiness and despair. Hence a major role of the Church must be to give young people hope, hope in Christ who is "The Way, the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6). All Catholics have a part to play in drawing young people to Christ and in building the Kingdom. The most effective means are through personal witness, friendship, sacramental celebrations, prayer and group activities.
The existence of youth groups/programs is vital to the life of the Church. Studies have found that there is a strong link between a young person's participation in church youth activities, their relationship with Jesus, understanding of the Catholic faith, and their involvement in parish life.
In the process of participating in Catholic youth and young adult programs and events, young people are drawn into a deeper, more faithful understanding of Christ and His Church. Catholic Youth Ministry assists and supports parishes, groups and schools in formulating youth programs and events in order to draw young people to a participation in the life, mission and work of the Church.
We want young people to know God better, and that's what we work towards. The Youth Ministry Coordinator is Peg Crook. For more information please contact the Parish office.
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