From this perspective, the act of personal faith appears both free and liberating:it will be the point of departure for a gradual appropriation of the contents of the faith. Often the young are sensitive to the dimension of diakonia. The Gospels follow the same line: Jesus insists on the importance of interiority and he locates the centre of the moral life in the heart (cf. The trials and frailties of young people help us to be better, their questions challenge us, and their doubts cause us to reflect on the quality of our faith.Their criticisms are also necessary for us, because often it is through them that we hear the voice of the Lord asking us for conversion of heart and renewal of structures. Part of this proclamation is the invitation to the young to recognize in their lives the signs of Gods love and to discover the community as a place of encounter with Christ. 3. This makes it easier to recognize the transcendent dimension that lies at the heart of freedom and that comes alive through contact with the most intense life experiences birth and death, friendship and love, guilt and forgiveness. Jn 6:8-11). 41. It is also seen in the welcome given to refugees and in the wide gamut of forms of social engagement. To reach the deepest dimension of conscience, according to the Christian vision, it is important to cultivate the interiority that thrives on periods of silence, on prayerful, attentive contemplation of the Word, on the sustenance gained from the sacraments and from Church teaching. The age group considered by the present Synod (16-29 years) does not represent a homogeneous category, but is composed of a number of distinct groups, each with its own life experience. Abuse exists in various forms: abuse of power, abuse of conscience, sexual or financial abuse. To speak of human life in vocational terms allows us to highlight some elements that are very important for the growth of young people: it means excluding the view that they are determined by destiny or are the product of chance, or else that they are a private good to be managed at will. 1. The Synod asks that the active participation of the young become effective and ordinary in places of co-responsibility in the particular Churches and in the organs of the Episcopal Conferences and the universal Church. This Final Document now collects the results of this process and directs it to the future: it expresses what the Synod Fathers recognized, interpreted and decided in the light of Gods word. The slate of delegates is emblematic of the at-times competing ideological poles of the U.S. churchand the continued effort by Francis to reorient U.S. bishops toward his vision for the church. Youth is an original and stimulating stage in life, which Jesus himself experienced, thereby sanctifying it. The Mission to Accompany The Church that accompanies, Faced with choices Breaking bread together Environments and roles Accompanying the entry into society, A fruitful tension Community accompaniment and group accompaniment Personal spiritual accompaniment Accompaniment and the sacrament of Reconciliation Integral accompaniment Accompaniment during formation for the ordained ministry and consecrated life, Called to accompany The profile of the accompanier The importance of formation, Chapter IV. For many young people these moments have been an experience of transformation, in which they have experienced the beauty of the Lords face and have made important life choices.The best fruits of these experiences are gathered in daily life. The Synod invites communities to make room for initiatives that recognize and permit them to be active participants, for example through the use of sign language for the deaf, suitably tailored catechetical programmes, social experiences and work experience. The Risen One makes himself known as he calls her by name and he asks her not to cling to him, because his risen body is not a treasure to be locked up, but a mystery to be shared. The Church, by her listening, enters into the movement of God who, in his Son, draws near to every human being. In committing themselves to this, very often the young deepen the roots of their own faith and experience a real opening towards what others can give. This has a bearing on proclamation, on celebration and on service, that is, on the fundamental spheres of normal pastoral activity. Special attention needs to be given to some criteria of formation, such as: overcoming tendencies towards clericalism, the ability to work in a team, sensitivity towards the poor, transparency of life-style, the willingness to allow themselves to be accompanied. 81. Being young today Aspects of todays youth culture, Originality and specificity Commitment and social engagement Art, music and sport, The different religious contexts The religious quest The encounter with Jesus The desire for living liturgy, The young want active involvement Reasons for a distance Young people in the Church Women in the Church The mission of the young towards their peers Desire for a more authentic and fraternal ecclesial community, The action of the Holy Spirit The Spirit rejuvenates the Church The Spirit in the life of the believer An authentic experience of God, Chapter I. The Synod also appreciates and encourages the sincere commitment of countless lay men and women, priests, consecrated men and women, and bishops who devote themselves every day with honesty and dedication to the service of the young. The synodal event that we experienced The process of preparation The Final Document of the Synodal Assembly, Chapter I. In the episode of the healing of the possessed epileptic (cf. In this area, the Synod devoutly hopes for a rediscovery of the immensely fruitful resource of consecrated life, especially its female form, and of well-formed laypersons, young and old. There are signs that the parish does not always succeed in meeting the spiritual needs of the people of our day, largely because of certain factors which have profoundly changed peoples lifestyles. The Church will thus be able to present herself to them as a welcoming home, characterized by a family atmosphere built on trust and confidence. 138. In other parts of the world, though, there is no actual generational conflict between young people and their elders, but rather a mutual estrangement. Over the centuries, theological understanding of the mystery of vocation has seen different emphases, according to the social and ecclesial context in which the theme has been developed. 59. He is at work from the beginning of the creation of the world so that the Fathers plan to recapitulate all things in Christ may reach fulfilment. From an educational perspective, it is important to help young people not to feel discouraged in the face of errors and failures, even humiliating ones, because these form an integral part of the journey towards a more mature freedom, aware of its greatness and its weakness. Pope Francis invites young people to view their lives within the horizon of mission: So often in life, we waste time asking ourselves: Who am I? You can keep asking, Who am I? for the rest of your lives. Specific places dedicated to the young by the Christian community, such as oratories, youth centres and other similar structures, manifest the Churchs passion for education. As mother and merciful teacher she continues to accompany the Church and to implore the Spirit who gives life to every vocation. In many countries, there are especially among the young increasing levels of psychological suffering, depression, mental illness and eating disorders, linked to experiences of profound unhappiness or to the inability to find a place within society; nor should one forget the tragic phenomenon of suicides. Since God calls us to be friends and not servants (cf. The family is the first faith community where, for all its limitations and incompleteness, the young person experiences Gods love and begins to discern a vocation. Frequently, though, sexual morality gives rise to incomprehension and distancing from the Church, inasmuch as she is perceived as a place of judgement and condemnation. Jn 8:31-32) and above all to charity (cf. It has been clear from the beginning of the synodal journey that the young form an essential part of the Church. This is the only way to arrive at an authentic and lasting happiness! In advance of a pivotal October assembly on synodality, a new Vatican document released Tuesday outlines key questions for what now promises to be a wide . Social inclusion of the poor makes the Church the house of charity. On Easter morning the young Beloved Disciple arrived first at the tomb, before Peter, who was weighed down by age and by betrayal (cf. Welcome, protect, promote and integrate, the four verbs with which Pope Francis synthesizes the action needed to support migrants, are synodal verbs. Joining organizations of this kind is particularly important once the journey of Christian initiation has been completed, because it offers the young an opportunity to bring their Christian vocation to maturity. This call necessarily implies an invitation to share in the Churchs mission, which has as its fundamental goal communion with God and communion among all people. 112. 56. The Church recognizes that this state, lived in a spirit of faith and gift, can be one of the many roads by which the grace of baptism is realized and a person advances towards the holiness to which are all called. Official Documents | Synod on Synodality Young migrants experience separation from their place of origin and often a cultural and religious uprooting as well. The charism of spiritual accompaniment is not necessarily linked to ordained ministry, nor was it in the past. PDF Synod 2023 The Main Question and 10 Themes Highlighting Significant In personal spiritual accompaniment one learns to recognize, interpret and choose from the perspective of faith, listening to the Spirits promptings within every day life (cf. 8. The priority that many give to the image as a communicative vehicle cannot fail to raise questions about ways of transmitting a faith that is based on hearing Gods Word and reading the Sacred Scripture. The responsible participation of young people in the life of the Church is not optional, but it is a demand of baptismal life and an essential element for the life of every community. Music is particularly important, representing as it does a real environment in which the young are constantly immersed, as well as a culture and a language capable of arousing emotion and shaping identity. Faces light up and the journey gains new energy: the light and strength of the vocational response becomes mission towards the community and the whole world. Of particular significance is the difference in demographics between countries with a high birthrate, where young people represent a significant and growing proportion of the population, and those in which the influence of the young is on the wane. As they listen to him speak, their hearts burn within them and their minds open; they then recognize him in the breaking of bread. (PDF) 2023 - Synodality and the Roman-Catholic Church. An Academic The practice of dialogue and the search for shared solutions represent a clear priority at a time when democratic systems are challenged by low levels of participation and by a disproportionate influence of small interest groups who do not enjoy wide support in the population, with the danger of reductionistic, technocratic and authoritarian consequences. Mk 5:41; Lk 7:14). Preparatory Document published for 2023 Synod on Synodality Equally he will be capable of placing himself at their service, not taking centre stage or adopting possessive and manipulative attitudes that create dependence rather than freedom in others. In the face of societys contradictions, many young people wish to offer the fruits of their talents, skills and creativity and they are ready to assume responsibility. There is much evidence from many parts of the world that the young know how to be pioneers of intercultural and interreligious encounter and dialogue, in the context of peaceful coexistence. 150. 130. 21. Every vocational journey has the Holy Spirit as protagonist: He is the interior teacher by whom we should allow oursleves to be led. PDF Unpacking Synodality: Understanding and Engaging the Synodal Path As Pope Francis stated on the occasion of his visit to Patriarch Bartholomew in 2014, it is the young who urge us today to take steps forward towards full communion. We are aware that it is not just a question of starting up new activities, nor do we want to write vast apostolic projects, meticulously planned, just like defeated generals (Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 96). They often reject attractive work proposals that are not in line with Christian values and they make their choice of career by asking how best to offer their personal talents in bearing fruit in the service of the Kingdom of God. The young, like everyone else, also carry wounds. 145. The account of the call of Samuel (cf. Social commitment and direct contact with the poor remain a fundamental opportunity for discovery or deepening of faith and discernment of vocation. Youth is a time of life which has to come to an end, to make way for adult life. These are the experiences that help us to see that the nature of freedom is radically responsorial. Many of the interventions touched us deeply and awakened in us evangelical compassion: we felt as one body, suffering and rejoicing together. Their work is like a forest that grows silently. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying Stay with us, for it is towards evening and the day is now far spent. So he went in to stay with them. In order to grasp profoundly the mystery of a vocation whose ultimate origin lies in God, we are therefore called to purify our imagination and our religious language, and to rediscover the richness and balance of the biblical narrative. But the real question is: For whomam I? (Address during the Prayer Vigil in preparation for World Youth Day, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, 8 April 2017). The relation between man and woman is understood in terms of a vocation to live together in reciprocity and dialogue, in communion and fruitfulness (cf. And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Thus people speak of synodality as a "constitutive dimension" of the Church or tout court of the "synodal Church". The single state can have many causes, voluntary or involuntary, and can depend on cultural, religious and social factors. They are thus pioneers of a new form of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, which helps to liberate our societies from exclusion, extremism, fundamentalism and also from the manipulation of religion for sectarian or populist ends. Many women play an essential part in Christian communities, but often it is hard to involve them in decision-making processes, even when these do not require specific ministerial responsibilities. 76. 102. No vocation within the Church can place itself outside this communitarian dynamism of going out and dialoguing; hence every effort of accompaniment is called to measure itself against this horizon, giving privileged attention to the poorest and most vulnerable. Episcopalis Communio, 19-21), this Final Document will serve as a roadmap for the next steps the Church is called to take. In todays world, though, they encounter phenomena in rapid evolution in this regard. Yet it also remains important in daily life as a way of deepening ones relationship with the Lord. The digital environment is also one of loneliness, manipulation, exploitation and violence, up to the extreme case of the dark web. Synod's working document encourages cautious optimism This requires not only entering into it and promoting its communicative potential with a view to the Christian proclamation, but also giving a Gospel flavour to its culture and its dynamics. 161. Good discernment also requires attention to the movements of the heart, as we grow in the capacity to recognize and name them. 9. The fruits of such reflection need to be implemented through a courageous change of culture and through change in daily pastoral practice. The first assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality is almost upon us. 65. The Synod recognizes the need to help families arrive at a clearer understanding of life as a vocation. The Bible presents man and woman as partners equal in Gods sight (cf. In some countries the Christian faith is a strong and lively community experience, in which the young participate with joy. Migration considered globally is a structural phenomenon, not a passing emergency. Digital media can expose people to the risk of dependency, isolation and gradual loss of contact with concrete reality, blocking the development of authentic interpersonal relationships. Frequently in the Synod Hall there were heartfelt pleas to invest generously, for the young, in educational passion, extended periods of time and also economic resources. Albeit in a different way from earlier generations, social commitment is a specific feature of todays young people. In this Synod, we have experienced how the collegiality that unites the bishops cum Petro et sub Petro in care for the people of God is called to express itself and enrich itself through the practice of synodality at all levels. It is worth noting, finally, that among the characteristics of our being Church that the young particularly appreciate are a readiness and a capacity for working collaboratively: in this way the formation of the young can be more significant, effective and incisive. 117. Young people who take part in politics should be supported and encouraged to work for a real change of unjust social structures. In some host countries, migration causes fear and alarm, often fomented and exploited for political ends. The ecclesial context favours a climate of trust and freedom as individuals search for their vocation in an environment of recollection and prayer; it offers concrete opportunities for rereading ones history and for the discovery of ones gifts and vulnerabilities in the light of Gods Word; it permits engagement with witnesses who embody a variety of life choices. Grow! And his word brought about what he was saying (cf. This proclamation, ever new, is the very foundation of the catechesis of young people and gives it a kerygmatic quality (cf. In some parts of the world liturgical experience is the principal resource for Christian identity and there is a good level of participation, with conviction. 20. The Churchs concern is focused especially on those fleeing from war, violence, political or religious persecution, from natural disasters including those caused by climate change, and from extreme poverty: many of them are young. Decision-making is followed by an equally fundamental phase of implementation and verification in daily life. 109. From the beginning of the synodal process, it became very clear that youth ministry needs a vocational slant. Sometimes they must shoulder responsibilities disproportionate to their age which force them to become adults ahead of time. In some regions, the role of the elderly and reverence for ancestors are key elements for education and contribute strongly to the formation of personal identity. 79. In the context of a Church that looks outwards, though, a creative and flexible renewal of these realities is needed, moving away from the idea of static centres, to which the young can come, towards the idea of pastoral subjects moving with and towards the young, capable, that is, of meeting them in their ordinary places of life school and the digital environment, existential peripheries, the rural world, the world of work, musical and artistic expression, etc. Listening on the part of pastors and qualified laypeople. 1. The concern of many churches for their numerical decline demands a renewed reflection on the vocation to the ordained ministry and on the pastoral care of vocations so as to convey the fascination of the person of Jesus and of his call to become pastors of his flock. The last two Synods and the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia which came out of them, repeatedly emphasized that the task of the family, as a domestic Church, is to live the joy of the Gospel in daily life and to bring all its members to do so, according to their circumstances, remaining open to the dimension of vocation and mission. In many ways, the young people of today are saying to us: We wish to see Jesus (Jn 12:21), thus manifesting the healthy restlessness that characterizes the heart of every human being: the restlessness of spiritual seeking, the restlessness of the encounter with God, the restlessness of love (Francis, Mass for the Beginning of the General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine, 28 August 2013). The style of these ecclesial processes should include fraternal listening and intergenerational dialogue, with a view to drawing up pastoral programmes that are particularly attentive to marginalized young people and those who have few or no contacts with ecclesial comunities. 118. Synod on Synodality document outlines discussion questions for October Passion for seeking truth, amazement at the Lords beauty, the capacity to share and the joy of proclamation are still alive today in the hearts of many young people who are living members of the Church. For the sake of mission, too, the Church is called to adopt a relational manner that places emphasis on listening, welcoming, dialogue and common discernment in a process that transforms the lives of those taking part. The Church must truly allow herself to take on the form of the Eucharist, which she celebrates as the source and summit of her life the form of a loaf made up of many grains and broken for the life of the world.
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