The Catholic Church in Trinidad and Tobago initiated a process of listening to the cries of its flock both young and old in 1993. Official name for this exercise is a Synod in the Catholic world. At the end of our Synod, that period of listening to representatives from all stakeholders including all 63 parishes throughout the Archdiocese, the Church articulated three powerful pastoral priorities which emerged and began to shape the face of a new Church and eventually lead to a fresh mission statement.
Archbishop Edward Gilbert, recognising the opportunity of the moment in history, asked for deeper conversation with youth and young adults of our archdiocese. The Catholic Youth Commission was given the mandate to conduct these conversations, fully aware that the future of the Church depended on the success of the exercise.
Designing the conversation
It was very obvious from the very beginning that the conversation would take place at three levels: firstly in all parishes, then in the vicariates (the five pastoral regions of the archdiocese) and finally at the level of the archdiocese.
The 'Parish Conversation' exposed the subtle nuances in youth/young adult challenges and dreams resulting from their geographic and socio-economic realities. The 'Vicariate Conversation' provided an understanding of regional trends, mentalities, difficulties and hopes as perceived through our youth.
The 'Archdiocesan Conversation', which will take place on January 15, 2011, would put on the front burner the needs of our youth and young adults. Three age groups are targeted: 13-17yrs, 18-25yrs and 26-35yrs. The method being used has four stages: Discover; Dream; Design and Deliver.Thus far, the process is helping the Church to discover and enter the world of youth, young adults and their families and to connect with their dreams and aspirations. The Archdiocesan conversation is expected to set the tone for the third stage which is Design.
Understanding Catholic Youth Ministry
According to the US Conference of Bishops and the Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) -the pastoral region in which the Caribbean Church and Latin America is grouped-Youth Ministry is the Church's response to the needs of youth, young adults and their families. Having the will, conviction and imagination to creatively and lovingly respond to these needs is the present challenge of our Church. This conversation it is hoped will be a springboard from which the highest standard of youth ministry referred to as "Comprehensive Youth Ministry" will be established in this Archdiocese.
Touching the whole person
The Church's dream for all her children is "authentic, integral, human development". This means that the Church is aspiring towards helping people remain in touch with God, neighbour, self and the environment. The Youth Conversation is a part of the process towards fulfilling the dream of touching the whole person.
The Youth Commission needs partners in all parishes so get involved by praying for the success of the Archdiocesan conversation; promoting the event which is carded for the Centre of Excellence (tickets are available from parish youth coordinators or the Youth Commission phone 624-0454; by sponsoring tickets or transportation cost for rural parishes and by being present at the Centre of Excellence. The conversation will be staged in the context of the Catholic Youth Expo, details of which will be given next week.
Winston Garcia - Episcopal Delegate Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Commission
BIBLE SAYS
"...all are assembling and coming towards you, your sons from far away and your daughters being tenderly carried." Isaiah 60: 4
Youth In Focus
The vision of the Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Commission is for young persons to develop a healthy sense of self-esteem, respect for their elders, family, peers, environment, become disciplined and committed to making Christ's mission their mission and to develop a genuine love for God and their brothers and sisters. For more info call 624-0454; email: rcyctt@gmail.com or visit the Web site: http://www.rcpos.org/youth.html A Catholic Media Services Ltd feature article.