Sarah McGeehan, Youth Ministry Coordinator

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A recurring question in our Church is “what is happening for the young people?”

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Judging by the Synodal voice, it was - and still is - one of the greatest concerns that we have as a community. This is understandable, as what happens with our youth will ultimately shape the future of our Church.

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But maybe the question we should be asking is “What are we doing for the young people?” – a less passive question, one that encourages us to take responsibility and looks for us to take action.

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Pope Francis said that we must believe “wholeheartedly in young people’s ability to participate in the life of the Church.” But how are we inviting teenagers in?

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It’s a challenge for us as older people to say “you belong!” because this requires young people to feel at home in our places of worship, and many of them don’t, as they are unfamiliar with regular worship and may see some of us as strangers. It’s going to take work on both sides to bridge this gap.

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A recent survey of youth suggested they don’t trust institutions, and what they are really looking for is safety. In order to provide this for them, we need to develop relationships and build trust. We need to invite them in and make them feel a valued part of the community. But how?

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On Youth Sunday, I witnessed two Masses where young people were welcomed, valued, and participated fully.

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In the morning, I visited Our Lady Queen of Martyrs & St Swithin’s and St Teresa’s Family of Parishes youth Mass. Pupils from St John Bosco dramatised the Gospel of the thieves next to Jesus on the cross, and pupils from Archbishop Beck delivered the readings and the bidding prayers. There were young people in the music group and a number of altar servers.

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Young people are not all the same! They have different personalities and abilities, and it was lovely to see these young people had found their comfortable places to express themselves and their gifts.

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After Mass, there was a quiz and an amazing feast. Parishioners had brought plenty of food and the atmosphere was one of real celebration.

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In the evening, I attended the Youth Alive Mass at St Mary’s Lowe House. Again, there was fantastic music from them, and lots of young people in the congregation. Harriet (18 years old) and Conor (16 years old) spoke openly and with passion about what their faith meant to them. It was particularly moving.

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Afterwards, there were refreshments and a Christmas quiz put on by the team which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

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Food, fun, faith, and fellowship.

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Sounds like an excellent invitation to me!