Local response to the Synod – Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment
Many of you will have heard about the 2018 Synod taking place in Rome and will have responded to the survey or encouraged young people to respond.
One of the key aspects of the Synod is listening to young people, it is important that we look at this on a local level in our parishes and schools.
“The Church has decided to examine herself on how she can lead young people to recognise and accept the call to the fullness of life and love, and to ask young people to help her in identifying the most effective ways to announce the Good News today. By listening to young people, the Church will once again hear the Lord speaking in today’s world.” Pope Francis
Final Document of the Pre-Synodal Meeting
Events - 2018
23rd June - Summer Youth Day
>> Saturday 23rd June 2018 – Summer Youth Day, for young people aged school years 7-11.
Resources
‘Life to the Full: A guide to making good decisions’ is a small pamphlet created using the themes found in the Preparatory Document for the 2018 Synod.
To develop these theme further and encourage reflection and thought into each area we are also providing a Leader’s Guide which will be available soon.
Link to the Preparatory Document
Link to the Pope’s Letter to Young People
Synod preparation and reflection for parishes
Over this next year I would encourage all our parishes to make time to gather young people, to facilitate conversations, provide an opportunity to listen to young people and ask them to share their life experience, joys and struggles, their hopes and fears. Then we can reflect and pray along with the Church on how we respond. This may require us to explore different ways of engagement to share and pass on our faith and the message of the Gospel.
Archbishop Peter Smith
The files below will provide a simple guide to hosting a group discussion, as well as suggested text for your parish newsletter and a copy of Pope Francis’ letter to young people ahead of the Synod in October 2018.