TAKE TIME TO UNDERSTAND YOUNG PEOPLE
The resource pack Complex Catholicism describes 12 ‘types’ or characters who symbolise major groups of young people and young adults (developed through a major piece of research). Picturing these young people - their preferences, hopes, aspirations, beliefs and behaviours - can be a really powerful way of extending your knowledge about the young people you’re already in contact with, and expanding your horizons to encompass those you’re not in touch with yet!
Download the full Complex Catholicism Typology resource here. Here are three ways to engage with the research:
Look and talk about the typologies over a cup of tea with someone you work alongside, and/or your parish priest. Make use of the suggestions found in the centre pages. There are also more detailed suggestions of how to reflect on the typologies and work with a group in your parish here.
Next time you’re planning a Confirmation class, a retreat day or a Lourdes preparation meeting, have the typology diagram in front of you. Think about what styles will help engage and challenge different ‘types’ within your group.
Finally, go out to the peripheries. Be brave. Go out and talk to your young people, learn from one another, challenge and be challenged by them. Journey together and will both grow, and hopefully continue to become the person God calls you to be.
PLEDGE YOUR TIME: Tell us about the time you take to understanding young people - pledge your time here.
TAKE TIME TO LISTEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE
A listening survey is a way for yourself and members of your parish to create opportunities to engage with the young people in your local community. It’s an opportunity to learn from one another, to listen to their realities and challenges, and for you all to work together to make a lasting change in your local community. It means taking up Pope Francis`s challenge to go out to the peripheries - to be brave and to journey together.
Find our listening survey here. Delve deeper with young people in your parish today.
PLEDGE YOUR TIME: Commit to making real change today by listening to young people in your community. Pledge your time here.
Now explore how you can accompany young people to make a change - Click here.
Other helpful ideas/resources:
Already know what action you will take, pledge your time here.
You could join us in siLENT, as we create a deafening silence for voiceless young people. Find out more here.
Read our Grant Stories here
Video and summary of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
You could create a young peoples letterbox. Encourage your youngsters to write to the Parish Priest/Parishioners. Every two weeks you as a Parish can explore, listen and respond to what your young people have to say. Pledge your time here.
