“What is needed today is a Church which knows how to respond to the expectations of young people. Jesus wants to enter into dialogue with them and, through his body which is the Church, to propose the possibility of a choice which will require a commitment of their lives. As Jesus with the disciples of Emmaus, so the Church must become today the traveling companion of young people….”
Pope John Paul ~Youth: Sent to Proclaim True Liberation,
World Youth Day 1995
I love that sentence…”Jesus wants to enter into dialogue with them (our youth) and, through his body which is the Church, to propose the possibility of a choice which will require a commitment of their lives.” Basically what I hear in this statement is that Youth Ministry in not possible without the help of a Parish Community. Without setting the example for our young people, without advocating for their needs, without the help of family, it is not possible.
The home is Domestic Church, where from birth our children have their first experiences of faith and virtues. The family is the primary educator and it is where ministry actually begins. The Church then, needs to recognize this and provide resources, programs and events that enrich and promote family life and faith.
Here at Christ the King we try to do this by promoting family service, intergenerational programming, and events that will provide family-friendly spiritual opportunities. We also provide age appropriate scripture studies and social/service opportunities.
If you have any questions, or are in need of some resource ideas, please contact Sherry Rochford at 630-396-6078.
Peace!
Sherry Rochford ~Coordinator Young Family Life
Christ the King Parish, Lombard
630-396-6078 sherry@ctklombard.org
