Teenagers are flooding out of our churches.They used to come back later in life, but now they often do not. Dialogue in the style of the Second Vatican Council, rather than laying down the law, is the way to evangelize them. The church is on their side, seeking to teach all men and women of Read more
My Facebook newsfeed in recent days has been filled with exciting stories and photos about World Youth Day (WYD)—which ended today with a Mass in Rio. Yet again, we have had some amazing quotes from Pope Francis on his visit to Brazil reminding us about the church’s social and ethical obligations towards the poor. However, Read more
Paris Jackson, the 15-year-old daughter of the late singer Michael Jackson, cut her wrists and swallowed a bottle of pills June 6. As she recovers, one in six high school students will seriously consider ending their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death for Read more
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Clifton in Bristol, UK, says a new mural depicting Jesus break dancing should “get people talking about religion”. Clifton Youth Ministry coordinator Dave Wheat said the mural was “a very interesting piece of artwork that will obviously grab people’s attention”, adding: “It may especially have an appeal to the younger members Read more
An Invercargill youth worker says children as young as 11 are having sex in Invercargill, which has one of the highest teenage pregnancy rates in New Zealand. She wanted to get the message out that children in the city were having sex and many parents did not know it was happening. “I want to stimulate Read more
The new deputy principal of Nga Tawa Diocesan School for Girls thinks New Zealand children are very spiritual beings. He said, for instance, New Zealand children were very in tune with their environment. “And this is not to be confused with religion, this is not about religion.” After studying in India Kannan came to Rotorua Read more
Some of the staff of Challenge 2000, a youth development agency, are excited by the election of Pope Francis because he is a man who has a proven track record of serving the poor and working for social transformation. “At a time where the world is struggling with many issues it is heartening to hear of the example Read more
The Pontifical Council for Culture has been tackling the problem of “emotional illiteracy” — also known as “analphabetismo” — among younger generations. Pia De Solenni, an American consultant who has theology degrees from two Vatican-chartered universities, was asked to speak to the council about the “emotive alphabet of youth”. “If people learn how to experience Read more
On Monday eight gap year students began their course with a powhiri at Challenge 2000 in Johnsonville, Wellington. Challenge 2000 says the Gap Year programme helps prepare people for future employment, or tertiary study. All the participants will have an opportunity to develop all the elements that are required for a positive, successful and balanced Read more