MANILA (LiCAS News): Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon of Caceres, chairperson of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines [CBCP] Episcopal Commission on Youth, said the local Church has recognised the importance of addressing a distinct ministry for young adults in the Philippines, saying their needs differ significantly from those of teenagers.
“In the Philippines, we tend to stretch the definition of youth up to age 39, but the distinction between youth and young adult is important because their concerns are different,” Archbishop Alarcon said.
The archbishop pointed out that young adults often face major life transitions such as employment, career development and the pursuit of stability—issues that require a different kind of pastoral care.
“There are also emerging realities among them, like single parenthood,” he said. “I think that’s a very important area we have to push forward. Even our programmes must be directed specifically to them.”
While efforts to minister to this age group already exist within the Church, Archbishop Alarcon stressed the need for more intentional and structured initiatives.
In the Philippines, we tend to stretch the definition of youth up to age 39, but the distinction between youth and young adult is important because their concerns are different
Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon
“There must be more determined action. We have to do a lot more,” he said.
The archbishop was recently in Rome with the Philippine delegation for the Jubilee of Youth, held from July 28 to August 3.
He also emphasised the need to integrate youth ministry into the formation of seminarians and future priests, calling it a “special ministry” that requires structured preparation and pastoral training.
“Right now, it’s often offered only to those who express interest or take it on later,” the archbishop said.
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Although seminarians often interact with young people during apostolic work, he called for a more systematic and consistent approach.
“Formation in youth ministry should be present in the seminary. It needs to be given to future priests in a more structured way,” Archbishop Alarcon said.
Youth directors are typically priests, while youth coordinators are lay leaders working alongside them. Both, according to the archbishop, need ongoing training and opportunities for collaboration, especially in the spirit of a more “synodal Church.”
When asked whether bishops are generally supportive of youth ministry, he said many are, but more formal structures are needed to sustain and expand these efforts across dioceses.
He called for continued investment in youth ministry, not only as a pastoral priority but as a vital part of the Church’s mission of accompaniment and evangelisation.
