The challenge of discipleship—of following Jesus—is at the heart of the Church's mission. All ministry efforts with young people must be directed toward presenting them with the Good News of Jesus Christ and inviting and challenging them to become his disciples. For this reason, catechesis is an essential component of pastoral ministry with young people and one that needs renewed emphasis. If we are to succeed, we must offer young people a spiritually challenging and world-shaping vision that meets their hunger for the chance to participate in a worthy adventure. (Renewing the Vision)
This is what is needed: a Church for young people, which will know how to speak to their heart and enkindle, comfort, and inspire enthusiasm in it with the joy of the Gospel and the strength of the Eucharist; a Church which will know how to invite and to welcome the person who seeks a purpose for which to commit his whole existence; a Church which is not afraid to require much, after having given much; which does not fear asking from young people the effort of a noble and authentic adventure, such as that of the following of the Gospel, (John Paul II, 1995 World Day of Prayer for Vocations)
Effective and comprehensive pastoral ministry with young people empowers them to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Young people’s postmodern belief can be passive—discipleship is not.
A disciple strives to become learned in the teachings of the One, takes a certain amount of pride in his/her study of the teaching of the One, and allows those teachings to guide his/her decisions, craft a lifestyle, set priorities, shape ambitions, inform one’s conscience, clarify identity, and locate one’s role in the world. Finally, disciples work hard at trying to pay attention and stay awake to Spirit and grace in their everyday lives, interactions, and experiences. They keep trying to have “eyes to see” and “ears to hear”. Mike Carotta
Within the same calendar year as you attempt to address this concern, delegate individuals, both young and old, to ask:
