What are you doing next Monday evening? Young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 are invited to attend a Diocese of Austin listening session with Bishop Joe Vásquez and Bishop Danny Garcia on August 7 from 6-8 pm at St. Louis, Austin. This listening session will assist the diocese in preparation for the 2018 Synod of Bishops on the topic of Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment. Please RSVP on the Facebook Event , or by contacting Elizabeth Lagoe for more information at (512) 949-2464 or elizabeth-lagoe@austindioc
It’s undeniable that our Holy Father cares about the situation and plight of young people today – and also about their call to mission. In this Synod, He wants to hear from all youth and young adults – from those heavily involved in the Church to those who haven’t had much contact with the faith. In his Letter to Young People to open the process of the Synod, Pope Francis wrote:
I would also remind you of the words that Jesus once said to the disciples who asked him: “Teacher […] where are you staying?” He replied, “Come and see” (Jn 1:38). Jesus looks at you and invites you to go with him. Dear young people, have you noticed this look towards you? Have you heard this voice? Have you felt this urge to undertake this journey? I am sure that, despite the noise and confusion seemingly prevalent in the world, this call continues to resonate in the depths of your heart so as to open it to joy in its fullness. This will be possible to the extent that, even with professional guides, you will learn how to undertake a journey of discernment to discover God’s plan in your life. Even when the journey is uncertain and you fall, God, rich in mercy, will extend his hand to pick you up. ~Pope Francis, Letter to Young People
In the letter, Pope Francis also recalls the days he spent together with youth and young adults from all over the world at WYD 2016:
In Krakow, at the opening of the last World Youth Day, I asked you several times: “Can we change things?” And you shouted: “yes!”. That shout came from your young and youthful hearts, which do not tolerate injustice and cannot bow to a “throw-away culture” nor give in to the globalization of indifference. Listen to the cry arising from your inner selves! Even when you feel, like the prophet Jeremiah, the inexperience of youth, God encourages you to go where He sends you: “Do not be afraid, […], because I am with you to deliver you” (Jer 1:8).
Now we have a moment as Austin youth and young adults to tell Pope Francis, through the listening ears of our Bishops, just what reality we face today. Don’t miss this chance to get involved, to dialogue, and to be a part of the movement of faith and life that will carry our Church forward in these modern times! See you there!
For more information, see the USCCB’s website, and also the Preparatory Document for the Synod.
