My Dear Young People,
I am pleased to announce that in October 2018 a Synod of Bishops will take place to treat the topic: “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.” I wanted you to be the centre of attention, because you are in my heart. Today, the Preparatory Document is being presented, a document which I am also entrusting to you as your “compass” on this synodal journey. "I WANTED YOU TO BE THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION, BECAUSE YOU ARE IN MY HEART" I am reminded of the words which God spoke to Abraham: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Gen 12.1). These words are now also addressed to you. They are words of a Father who invites you to “go”, to set out towards a future which is unknown but one which will surely lead to fulfilment, a future towards which He Himself accompanies you. I invite you to hear God’s voice resounding in your heart through the breath of the Holy Spirit. When God said to Abram, “Go!”, what did he want to say? He certainly did not say to distance himself from his family or withdraw from the world. Abram received a compelling invitation, a challenge, to leave everything and go to a new land. What is this “new land” for us today, if not a more just and friendly society which you, young people, deeply desire and wish to build to the very ends of the earth? But unfortunately, today, “Go!” also has a different meaning, namely, that of abuse of power, injustice and war. Many among you are subjected to the real threat of violence and forced to flee their native land. Their cry goes up to God, like that of Israel, when the people were enslaved and oppressed by Pharaoh (cf. Ex 2:23). I would also remind you of the words that Jesus once said to the disciples who asked him: “Teacher […] where are you staying?” He replied, “Come and see” (Jn 1:38). Jesus looks at you and invites you to go with him. Dear young people, have you noticed this look towards you? Have you heard this voice? Have you felt this urge to undertake this journey? I am sure that, despite the noise and confusion seemingly prevalent in the world, this call continues to resonate in the depths of your heart so as to open it to joy in its fullness. This will be possible to the extent that, even with professional guides, you will learn how to undertake a journey of discernment to discover God’s plan in your life. Even when the journey is uncertain and you fall, God, rich in mercy, will extend his hand to pick you up. In Krakow, at the opening of the last World Youth Day, I asked you several times: “Can we change things?” And you shouted: “yes!”. That shout came from your young and youthful hearts, which do not tolerate injustice and cannot bow to a “throw-away culture” nor give in to the globalization of indifference. Listen to the cry arising from your inner selves! Even when you feel, like the prophet Jeremiah, the inexperience of youth, God encourages you to go where He sends you: “Do not be afraid, […], because I am with you to deliver you” (Jer1:8). "EVEN WHEN THE JOURNEY IS UNCERTAIN AND YOU FALL, GOD, RICH IN MERCY, WILL EXTEND HIS HAND TO PICK YOU UP" A better world can be built also as a result of your efforts, your desire to change and your generosity. Do not be afraid to listen to the Spirit who proposes bold choices; do not delay when your conscience asks you to take risks in following the Master. The Church also wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith; even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities and let it be heard by your shepherds of souls. St. Benedict urged the abbots to consult, even the young, before any important decision, because “the Lord often reveals to the younger what is best.” (Rule of St. Benedict, III, 3). Such is the case, even in the journey of this Synod. My brother bishops and I want even more to “work with you for your joy” (2 Cor 1:24). I entrust you to Mary of Nazareth, a young person like yourselves, whom God beheld lovingly, so she might take your hand and guide you to the joy of fully and generously responding to God’s call with the words: “Here I am” (cf. Lk 1:38). With paternal affection, FRANCIS Given at the Vatican, 13 January 2017
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Over the last year Firepit youth have been gently journeying with a great Saint, Saint John Paul II. A Saint who loves the youth, the Eucharist, hiking, canoeing, skiing, food, Mother Mary, human love and much much more. We look to him for guidance and wisdom as our team lead these young people. John Paul II says to young people "do not be afraid to be saints."
Last Tuesday our youth wrote a consecration to JPII. This consecration will be something we look to in the future years to remind ourselves where we have come from and where we are going. St John Paul II, I know we are never alone, Christ is always with us on our journey. Please have a deep love for our FirePit youth, that they may be energised by you in all they do. We entrust ourselves to you John Paul II thank you for your fatherly love and care for these young people. I ask that you help me lead these youth, I give Firepit youth to you and ask that you pray for them and lead them to holiness that they may become Saints. Dear Saint John Paul II, I ask that you take this youth group and make it as loving as you are, I ask that you teach us the ways of Christ, and inspire us with your undying love for the Lord. Saint John Paul II, thank you for the love you pour into our youth group and each of our hearts. I ask that you make us as happy as you always are and that we care for each other like you care for us. Inspire us to always see the good. To Saint John Paul 11 I thankyou for the love, desire and passion you put into the Youth of SMCC so that they would create a youth group. With this I ask that you look over each and everyone of the members of fire pit youth protecting them and giving them the desire to follow god. Dear John Paul II, Please take Firepit Youth into the palm of your hand and hold it close to your heart. I pray that everyone in Firepit will be great like you were and that we will all be able to see and feel the love of God. Hi John Paul II , thank you for your love and faith that you gives us at firepit . help us to make us strong in faith and make us know more of Christ and god of what they both did for us. Hope our fauth will grow and have more kids to know ,ore god and John paul II. Thank you Dear John paul II, may you invite our Firepit youth group into your heart, protect us and pray for us as we journey through our faith and help us all come to Jesus. Dear John Paul II, can you watch over our firepit youth group. May you pray for us and give us strength. We thank you for your love. AMEN Thursday 21st September, thirteen of us will be heading from Saint Mary's Catholic College Kingaroy to Redcliffe to join 2,000 other young people in this years Ignite Conference. We are very excited. |
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