A Word From Fr. Martin

Your Church needs you

One of the riches that God has endowed the Church is the gift of many young people who are filled with energy, joy, compassion, and charity. The church in every age is revitalized by many of her young people who are actively living their Christian mission received at their Baptism and Confirmation. The biggest confusion among Catholic youth and young adults is the misnomer that they are "the future church". This is very untrue as there is nothing like a future Church in the Church. We understand our youth to be the future leaders of the church but not the future church.
The first letter of Saint Paul to Timothy 4:12 reminds young people, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and purity". This scripture verse is a reminder that God has trusted you to build his church and the world through your daily lives so that you may grow in wisdom and love of God. One of the ways to grow is spending time educating yourself in spiritual life through Prayer, both private and communal, personal meditation, joining your fellow youth by journeying together in spiritual and social programs such as Life Teen, mission trips and above all, sharing your talents in service to your Church as Proclaimers, Ushers, Greeters, Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers, or members of Teen Choir.  These ministries are intended to build the Church which is the Body of Christ.
In this age when our world is troubled and the Church is partially wounded, Jesus is calling upon young people like you to be the light in a time of darkness. Do not be afraid because of your age to actively take your rightful place in your Church. The words of Prophet Jeremiah are now directed to you "Do not be afraid, because I am with you to deliver you" (Jer 1:8).  Age does not establish privileges, and being young does not imply you are of lesser dignity or importance as Pope Francis reminds you. Your Church needs you more than ever; it is you that Jesus is calling upon to rebuild his Church and change and restore the world as God desires it to be.
As you prepare for the approaching season of Advent, I invite you to not be afraid to listen to the Holy Spirit who will set you on a bold mission of love. I conclude by reminding you that God in his Love has planted you and built you up in Jesus Christ, and firm in the faith (Col 2:7), let yourself be influenced by your closeness to God and service to his people.
Fr. Martin