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Engagement #4

We invite young people to be connected to the diocesan church

Context

The whole emphasis today is to share the faith. We are to let people know how blessed we are, how happy we are. Pope Francis keeps talking about that. We have to smile and be joyful, otherwise no one will pay attention to us. (Bishop W. Francis Malooly, Pilgrimage 2014)

Goal

Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people calls for young people to be connected to the wider community and universal church

Suggested Implementation

• Gatekeeping vs. Channeling: Who is the primary contact for receiving information regarding diocesan events? Who sees that this information is passed on? Has the parish developed a budget in order to support participation in such programming? Are we gatekeepers of ministry, or channels of ministry opportunities to our young people?
• Diocesan Ministry: Do we encourage young people to participate in such diocesan opportunities as:
  • Chrism Mass
  • CHAOS
  • CYM Sports
  • Catholics on Campus
  • Marian Pilgrimage
  • Leaders Today / Leaders Tomorrow
  • Pitcher and Basin
  • Annual Recognition Dinner
  • Pilgrimage
  • Youth Leadership Team

Methods for Evaluation

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

• Can young people of the parish identify who the diocesan Bishop is?
• Where has the parish participated in diocesan programming in the past year?