“Nothing is more solid, profound, secure, meaningful and wisdom-filled than this initial proclamation ... Yet this joyful experience of encounter with the Lord should never be replaced by a kind of ‘indoctrination’”
Pope Francis reminds us of the importance to take real time to accompany young people. He says that all young people are in God’s heart, and that therefore they must be in the heart of the Church. Taking time to accompany involves gently proclaiming the kerygma.
Pope Francis explains that once mercy has been properly experienced “it grows constantly and it changes our lives”. When we show God’s mercy we proclaim the kerygma to young people: Christ loves them, and he is alive! We proclaim this truth in our words, too, and seek to help young people embed the joy of Christ in their lives.
What this might looks like in practice:
Being ready to share the reasons for the ‘fire which burns within’, rather than rushing to catechise, teach or indoctrinate
Showing young people how valuable they are through your actions
Recognising and naming the presence of Christ in the young people
Listening and watching our for the graced moments in our encounters with young people and discovering ways to highlight them
Inviting young people to be the means of proclamation to their peers
Confidently sharing our faith, focusing on our own relationship with Christ and inviting others to do the same
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