Category Archives: focus on millennials

So, what now? The synod on young people has finished in Rome, the final document is being translated, the bishops, auditors, experts, observers and reporters have all returned home and gone back to their usual routines, the hashtag Synod2018 has fallen out of daily use on Twitter, so let’s just call this synod over and done. What a nice little month where the church showed she cares about youth and young adults, now let’s get back to business as normal. Continue reading →

Just over one year ago, we launched the “In Light of Faith” series with hope of providing a platform for young voices ahead of October’s synod on “Young people, faith and vocational discernment” convened by Pope Francis.

      We wrote at the time that we hoped the column would highlight the specific contributions young people have to offer the church, but also that it would showcase “what the church can offer to young people at a time and in a culture characterized by skepticism of institutional religion, saturation with identity politics, and changes in communication and commitment.” Continue reading →

With less than one month to go before the opening of the synod on “Young people, faith and vocational discernment,” it is now clear that whatever was on the agenda has been rendered null and void in light of the global crisis in which the church is now enmeshed — a crisis that includes new revelations about the cover-up of sexual abuse of minors, the promotion of predatory priests, the abuse of power within seminaries and infidelity to priestly vows that was known but not disciplined. Continue reading →

The approaching synod on “Young people, faith and vocational discernment” next month in Rome is of huge importance to the church. If you had told me the role I would be playing in this task a year ago, I would not have believed you.

      In December 2017, I was notified that I would be selected to be one of three U.S. delegates for the March presynod gathering in Rome. Continue reading →

This fall, bishops from every corner of the globe will gather in Rome to discuss the church’s ministry to youth and young adults. Pope Francis has called on the leadership of the church not simply to talk about young people but to listen directly to them. From my own ministerial experience, I would highlight three traits that young people desperately crave from the church. Continue reading →

This fall, bishops from every corner of the globe will gather in Rome to discuss the church’s ministry to youth and young adults. Pope Francis has called on the leadership of the church not simply to talk about young people but to listen directly to them. From my own ministerial experience, I would highlight three traits that young people desperately crave from the church. Continue reading →

Speaking at a recent ordination of new priests in Ireland, Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said changes in the today’s culture must lead to changes in the church — particularly as it pertains to young people.

      “Change is painful. There is however no alternative,” he said. “Catholics must learn new ways in which they can win young hearts for what the teaching of Jesus involves.” Continue reading →

Every so often, a new catchphrase will take hold in church circles, signaling a change of course in catechetical method or missionary outreach. Phrases like “forming intentional disciples” and “ministry of presence” come to mind as examples. 

      In recent weeks, the call for “mentoring” has begun to circulate with greater frequency, particularly as the church considers how it is going to attract and retain young adults moving forward and how it is going to meet the needs of its millennial members. Continue reading →

Connection vs. isolation? Perfection vs. authenticity? Addiction vs. balanced use? Mention use of digital media, and I’m sure you will find people on either side of the spectrum. Regardless of where you stand, I know one things is certain — the power of digital networks cannot be underestimated in the lives of today’s young people. Continue reading →