By Charles Igwe
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has approved a new pastoral framework for youth and young adult outreach, titled “Listen, Teach, Send.” The framework was passed with a vote of 188 in favor, four against, and four abstentions during their spring meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, as announced in a Tuesday press release.
The initial vote took place at the bishops’ spring plenary assembly but required additional votes from absent eligible bishops. Bishop Robert Barron, chair of the USCCB’s Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, highlighted the significance of this new initiative, noting that it has been 30 years since the last major focus on youth outreach, referencing the World Youth Day gathering in Denver.
“Since then, frankly, enthusiasm has waned while disaffiliation has risen,” Bishop Barron stated. He expressed hope that the “Listen, Teach, Send” framework, along with encouragement from the Holy Father in the Synod and Christus Vivit, would reignite the Church’s engagement with young people.
Five years ago, Pope Francis published Christus Vivit (“Christ Is Alive!”), an apostolic exhortation addressed to young people and the entire Church following the Youth Synod. In response, the U.S. bishops initiated this new framework in 2021.
The “Listen, Teach, Send: National Pastoral Framework for Ministries with Youth and with Young Adults” is inspired by Jesus’ encounter with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, emphasizing listening, teaching, and sending forth. “It is a summons to the Church to renew her engagement with youth and young adults in imitation of Jesus Christ on the journey to Emmaus,” Bishop Barron explained.
The framework calls for a compassionate and attentive approach to youth, sharing the light of Christ, and encouraging young people to follow God’s call and transform the world. The drafting process drew inspiration from initiatives like the National Dialogue, the Hispanic ministry V National Encuentro, and Journeying Together, as well as feedback from other bishops.
The framework addresses critical issues such as sexuality, mental health, disaffiliation, racial justice, and societal transformation. It emphasizes the importance of mutual listening, mentorship, evangelization, and vocation, with a focus on formation within the family context. The USCCB plans to release supplementary resources to help implement the framework at the local level.
The document stresses the need for faith-filled mentors to guide young people and the importance of a supportive environment where they can explore difficult questions without judgment. It highlights the transformative nature of Christ’s teachings and the necessity for young people to hear a clear proclamation of the Gospel.
In conclusion, the framework emphasizes the mission of young people to follow Christ’s call, reach out to the vulnerable and marginalized, embrace holiness, and be open to God’s work in their lives. The bishops hope this framework will rejuvenate youth ministries and foster a deeper connection between the Church and young people.
