Year of Youth

WHAT IS THE YEAR OF YOUTH?

The Australian Bishops have identified the liturgical year of 2018, beginning on the first Sunday of Advent (3rd December 2017), as a national Year of Youth.

The Year of Youth invites the Church into prayerful discernment about the importance and life-giving presence of young people in the local Church and society. It calls for dialogue and active engagement focused on the reconnection and renewal of a new generation of young people in the life of the Church.

Year of Youth Aims

• prayerfully discern the Australian Bishops vision for ministry with young people, Anointed and Sent
• authentic and personal engagement by Church leaders in the challenges and success in young people’s lives
• acknowledging the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of young people, and young people acting upon the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church;
• upholding the dignity of young people, ensuring a safe environment from physical, emotional and spiritual harmThe aims for the Year of Youth dovetail together with the goals of Anointed and Sent: an Australian vision for catholic youth ministry provide a rich framework and challenges local faith communities to explore new horizons as they accompany young people into maturity.

PRAYER FOR THE YEAR OF YOUTH

Come Holy Spirit of this Great Southland
Inspire our entire faith community,
as we prayerfully discern new horizons for spreading joy
in the lives and communities of the People of God.
 
Come Holy Spirit of Youth
Fill the hearts of young people with the hope and love of Jesus Christ;
enliven our community with the creativity, energy and joy of youth;
guide us together, as we strive to offer God’s mercy
to those who feel abandoned or outcast.

Come Holy Spirit of Faith
Empower our community to be courageous;
unite your people as witnesses of love.
Walk with us, as we blaze new trails of discipleship;
accompanying young people as we renew the Church together.

Come Holy Spirit of Vocation
Stir within young people an awareness of God’s call;
reveal to us the graces of young people;
guide us all, in finding our place and raising our voices
To build a civilisation of love.

Amen

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, pray for us.
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, friend of the young, pray for us.