AUTHORITY AND PARTICIPATION
YOUTH VOICES OF THE DIOCESAN SYNOD “ L E T N O O N E H AV E C O N T E M P T F O R YO U R YO U T H , B U T SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE, IN SPEECH, C O N D U C T, LOV E , FA I T H A N D P U R I T Y.”
F
rom December 1, 2021, to May 1, 2022, our diocese participated in the global Synod on Synodality, with groups hosting Listening &
Discernment sessions in which they discussed at least three of the 10 themes suggested by Pope Francis. The response from our diocesan youth was notable, with students from 28 schools and representatives of our Youth Office providing input. In total, more than 1,700 young people, ages 10-18, lent their voices to the conversation. These are just a few of their comments.
LISTENING
SPEAKING OUT
BISHOP LEBLOND HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR As children, we are not listened to, even though we are the future.
ST. THERESE SCHOOL 7TH OR 8TH GRADE STUDENT It seems like the only people who are heard are the ones with more power. We need to find a way to instill courage in people whose voices might get drowned out by the noisy ones.
ST. PETER’S SCHOOL 8TH GRADE STUDENT [It is] probably God is speaking when someone says, "You should..."
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CELEBRATION CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL 7TH OR 8TH GRADE STUDENT When not serving a particular role within the liturgy (e.g. altar server, lector), it is hard to feel engaged to actively participate within the Mass.
ST. GREGORY BARBARIGO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT Everyone should have a voice. It doesn't matter what your age, race, gender, etc., is. It is important to voice the Church teachings on sensitive subjects such as euthanasia, abortion, etc.
1 TM 4:12
COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY ROCKHURST UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT The Catholic Church does a good job of providing opportunities for people who attend Mass (inward focus), but does not do a good job of evangelizing (outward focus). ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL HIGH SCHOOL 10TH GRADER There is a distinction between people who walk together in church, participate in the Church, spread the word and act as a disciple, and those who attend Mass but don't participate fully.
SHARING A COMMON MISSION BISHOP LEBLOND HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN Not having proper guidance prevents us from being a part of the Church’s mission. CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT More clearly explaining the Church teaching on issues like homosexuality, and how gays are actually dignified and deserve to be loved, would help Catholics to not feel as superior.
ST. THERESE SCHOOL 7TH OR 8TH GRADE STUDENT People our age should be encouraged to contribute and talk about the things that make it hard to practice our Faith.
DISCERNING AND DECIDING ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR THEOLOGY STUDENT Discernment is a personal journey, rather than a “one-and-done moment.” Instead of waiting on a miracle or God to speak in an immaculate way, look for the smaller things in your life.
ECUMENISM ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT We need to promote the type of communication that is not condemning, but one that promotes listening and understanding of each person’s beliefs. KCSJ YOUTH LEADER You shouldn’t be trying to find conflict — you should be trying to find similarities. Respect other people’s beliefs. UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI NEWMAN CENTER STUDENT Is the point of ecumenism to coexist or convert? It’s hard to find common ground when what is wrong to them is meaningful to us.
FORMING OURSELVES IN SYNODALITY ST. GREGORY BARBARIGO 7TH GRADE STUDENT We form ourselves off of others. Be open to others' ideas. It is important to help form others so we can all get to heaven.
Read more comments at catholickey.org
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