Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Washington (Agenzia Fides) - 'Young disciples: stewards of God's gifts on mission' is the title of a Letter addressed to young Catholics by the Bishops of the United States at the end of a plenary assembly held last week. In the Letter the Bishops stress the importance of youth, a time of important decisions. They urge young people to be generous with God's gifts and to discover their unique mission in life. They recall that during the 1st National Meeting for Hispanic Youth Pastoral in 2006 (see Fides 7/6/2006 e 10/7/2006), many young people "expressed a desire to take a more active part in the Church's life and mission". The Bishops offer advice to live as Christians, aware that "it is not easy to follow Christ with fidelity and perseverance". They advise the young people to set aside every day time for prayer, reading the Scriptures and the Church Social Teaching, to share their time, talents and possession with those in need, make Sunday Mass an essential part of their life. "The Church wants every young person to be part of this spiritual journey as a faithful disciple ", the Bishops say.
During their plenary assembly the Bishops discussed a new programme to make "chastity the cornerstone of every Catholic campus". They presented a programme "Catechetical formation for a life of chastity" for secondary school pupils. The US Bishops say this programme aims to educate to “morals and virtue", concentrating on the formation of young people in faith and morals necessary for a life of chastity because "education to chastity is much more than a call to abstinence". The Bishops acknowledge "the primary role of parents in the sexual education of children" but also stress the important role of teachers. The Bishops approved a statement calling Catholics to take a more active part in public life and to make political decisions in keeping with the faith and morals. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 20/11/2007; righe 26, parole 366)
