Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Sydney (Agenzia Fides) - Australia's network of Catholic diocesan youth pastoral co-ordinators is working intensely in view of the 23rd World Youth Day in Sydney in July next year. The event is expected to have a major impact on young Australians and pastoral workers are already thinking about post-WYD pastoral care, planning an itinerary of meetings and events to involve young people on the wave of WYD enthusiasm. The co-ordinators intend to increase the number of young community leaders to encourage their peers to become active participants in parish and diocesan pastoral activity.
The national youth pastoral service will work along the following lines: teach young people how to live as disciples of Christ in the world today; help young people take an active part in the life, mission and services of the Church; encourage and promote spiritual growth and vocation discernment.
According to Jesuit Fr . Des Dwyer, researcher and expert on youth, World Youth Day will foster new interest in young people for the Catholic faith and for Catholic Church initiatives after WYD. Although surveys show that a low percentage of young people aged 15-30 take an active part in Church life, the Jesuit is convinced that WYD could mark a turning point, and reverse this tendency. “It is up to us to be creative and promote initiatives to meet the different needs of youth”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/11/2007 righe 24 parole 249)
