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Advocacy #7

We respond to the pastoral needs of young people.

Context

I prefer a Church that is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church that is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security…. More than by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be moved by the fear of remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe, while at our door people are starving and Jesus does not tire of saying to us: “Give them something to eat” (Mk6: 37). (Pope Francis, Evangeli Gaudium, 49)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people includes the ministry of pastoral care, a compassionate presence in imitation of Jesus' care of people, especially those who were hurting and in need. (Renewing the Vision). It has been noted that this should include building a capacity to address the challenges of suicide, death of a family member, struggling with addiction (i.e., drug addiction, cutting, eating disorders, etc.), as well as addressing the needs of incarcerated or institutionalized young people

Suggested Implementation

Methods for Evaluation

Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask: