Toolkit

More
Home » Toolkit » Advocacy

Advocacy #8

We understand that young people are our partners in faith because they are baptized, not because they register or show up

Context

From the very day of Pentecost the Church has celebrated and administered holy Baptism. Indeed, St. Peter declares to the crowd astounded by his preaching: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." The apostles and their collaborators offer Baptism to anyone who believed in Jesus: Jews, the God-fearing, pagans. Always, Baptism is seen as connected with faith: … The baptized have "put on Christ." Through the Holy Spirit, Baptism is a bath that purifies, justifies, and sanctifies. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1226 -1227)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people calls for us to recognize that As a baptized member of the Church, Jesus Christ calls you (all) to follow in his footsteps and make a difference in the world today. You can make a difference! . . . In the words of the Holy Father: ‘Offer your youthful energies and your talents to building a civilization of Christian love . . . commit yourself to the struggle for justice, solidarity, and peace (Homily at World Youth Day, Denver, 1993)

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: