Jeannie Gaffigan, a mother of five, comedy writer and wife of comedian Jim Gaffigan, said she has a charism and a vocation to work with post-confirmation teens because she has seen a gap where the church is not doing much for its young people once they have received the sacrament of confirmation.
The Church is to “read the signs of the times.” Pope Francis has made it clear for six years that the promotion of an integral ecology is what is most needed now.
With more than 20 years of professional ministry experience, Doug Tooke has traveled to over 100 dioceses — teaching, keynoting conventions and training youth ministers. The vice president of ministry advancement for ODB Films and an adjunct staff member with Life Teen International, he will present four October events for the St. Cloud Diocese.
The president and founder of FOCUS says young people who stick to the Church are the ones who have discovered their first love: Jesus. The reason so many young people are drifting away is because the Church has “lost its voice,” he said.
“Christus Vivit” (“Christ Lives”), the pope’s reflections on the 2018 Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment, is a combination letter to young people about their place in the church and a plea to older members of the church not to stifle the enthusiasm of the young, but to offer gentle guidance when needed.
The concerns from youth and young adults discussed at the synod suggested providing assemblies or synods and on a parish level, priests and other leaders identifying mentors for young people, bringing youth into church leadership roles and help them to embrace their vocation.
The Catholic Church and all its members must get better at listening to young people, taking their questions seriously, recognizing them as full members of the church, patiently walking with them and offering guidance as they discern the best way to live their faith, the Synod of Bishops said.
Young people from around the diocese reflect on how mission has impacted their lives.
