By Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, OFM
In his pastoral letter for the first Sunday of Advent, Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan, SJ, made it clear that over the next few years, the focus for the diocese would be formation. The targets of formation would be laypeople, youth and the clergy. Some may ask, “Aren’t young people also laypeople? Why should they be singled out?” In response to this, Bishop Chow writes: “Young people are being highlighted due to their apparent decreased presence and the need for special attention for both their own growth and the future of our Church.”
Since the publication of the pastoral letter, topics discussed at the meetings of the eight deaneries, the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Council of Priests have been centred on youth formation, and attempts have been made to translate the directions indicated in the pastoral letter into concrete pastoral strategies so that the parishes can further implement them into their pastoral plans.
Having listened to the views of brothers and sisters from different groups, I have boldly summarised what I have heard into the following three points in the hope that they will stimulate more discussions on youth formation strategies.
- Create space for young people. It will certainly be helpful if there is a space like a youth corner in the parish for young people to use. However, more importantly, it will give them room to grow, discuss, question, try, make mistakes and express frustrations. Of course, appropriate companionship and counselling are essential.
- Give young people a sense of belonging. One of the characteristics of young people is that they value relationships and like to form social circles. To develop a sense of belonging and a relationship with the Lord, the parish must help the children build friendships with one another as they learn catechesis in Sunday school.
- Undertake a mission with young people. While youth formation is for the growth of young people, true growth inevitably leads one to look beyond oneself and care for others. As evangelisation is the mission of every Christian, it is also the mission of Christian youth to step out of themselves, face challenges, share their faith and bear witness to the Lord. As they take up their mission of evangelisation, young people are able to live their lives to the full.
Indeed, all these are just the combined opinion of an adult who has listened to many adults. In fact, what are you thinking, young man?
