Do our young people find Christianity relevant?

Deli, John Peter, Roshan, Prakash

TA2160 English-speaking group: 

Deli Kapani, Prakash Vijaya Maramreddy, Roshan Miranda, John Peter Savarimuthu

Questions for group discussion - 30/11/2016

A. Questions for youth

Do you find Christian spirituality still relevant today? Mention some of the challenges in your quest for spirituality.

Christian spirituality which has its basis in the sacred scripture and tradition of the church is still very much relevant for all times and places. The fact the some people seek spiritual path outside the church does not make Christian spirituality become less relevant. Jesus has said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mt 24:35).  What needs to be examined is the approach to Christian spirituality and the way in which it is being lived out today.

The Gospel lived day-by-day is a powerful example for young people (School girls, Hyderabad) 

Some of the challenges faced by the youth in their quest for Christian spirituality are:

• Lack of a systematic and proper catechesis.
• Lack of accompaniment and follow up in the growth towards interior life.
• A more institutionalised church where priests and religious do not go out to the periphery.
• Decline in the credibility among church leaders due to scandals.
• Stereotype styles of functioning in the church.
• Often the youth are marginalised and neglected by the society.
• There is fear of uncertainty and inadequacy among the youth.
• The challenge of cultural crisis leading to identity crisis.
• The influence of mass media in the field of morality.
• Violence and war leading to frustration and despair.
• A relative culture where the concept of something absolute or permanent is driven out.
• An individualistic and consumeristic society where good is measured in terms of wealth and power.

Youngsters from Sri-Lanka begin a football match

B. Questions for parents and elders

What models of spirituality do you find among the youth of today? As parents and elders propose some concrete measures to help the young grow in spirituality. 

The youth of today express their thirst for spirituality in various ways. They are open to discussions and reflections. The so called deviations can even be seen as manifestations of the quest for a deeper meaning of themselves. Beyond the realm of religiosity, many young people express their spiritual thirst knowingly or unknowingly through music, poetry, hero-worship and so on.

Tonj Villagers discuss their problems with Fr John Peter, South Sudan

The following activities are proposed to help the youth grow in their spiritual journey:

• A more systematic catechesis for the young is the need of the hour. 
• Being available to the young and listening to their plight.
• An empathetic and a non-judgemental approach towards the young.
• Spirituality should not be presented as stereotype but in a way that would appeal to the young.
• Help the young develop a taste for meditation and contemplation. 
• Participation in liturgical celebration should not be seen as fulfilling an obligation but a loving encounter with the Lord.
• Involved the youth in the parish youth ministry.
• Present Jesus as a friend and a Saviour who forgives and heals.
• “Priests should be shepherds ‘living with the smell of the sheep”, Pope Francis.
• Exhort and encourage the young to frequent the sacraments, especially “Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist”.
• Encourage the formation of youth groups such as “Jesus Youth” in the parish and provide proper animation for them.
• Organise seminars and retreats for the youth and invite missionaries to share their mission stories.

Role-playing and pageants are helpful in youth formation (Nagaland 2015)

Summary by Deli Kapani

Deli gestures to make his point clear