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The importance of youth for society and
the Church
(76)
182. The Church, while
regarding young people as "hope", also sees them as "a great
challenge for the future of the Church" (77) herself. The rapid
and tumultuous socio-cultural change, increase in numbers, self-affirmation for
a consistent period before taking up adult responsibilities, unemployment, in
certain countries conditions of permanent under-development, the pressures of
consumer society—all contribute to make of youth a world in waiting, not
infrequently a world of disenchantment, of boredom, of angst and of
marginalization. Alienation from the Church, or a least diffidence in her
regard, lurks in many as a fundamental attitude. Often this reflects lack of
spiritual and moral support in the family and weaknesses in the catechesis
which they have received. On the other hand, many of them are driven by a
strong impetus to find meaning, solidarity, social commitment and even
religious experience.
183. Some consequences for
catechesis arise from this. The service of the faith notes above all the
contrasts in the condition of youth as found concretely in various regions and
environments. The heart of catechesis is the explicit proposal of Christ to the
young man in the Gospel; (78) it is a direct proposal to all young
people in terms appropriate to young people, and with considered understanding
of their problems. In the Gospel young people in fact speak directly to Christ,
who reveals to them their "singular richness" and calls them to an
enterprise of personal and community growth, of decisive value for the fate of
society and of the Church.(79) Therefore young people cannot be
considered only objects of catechesis, but also active subjects and
protagonists of evangelization and artisans of social renewal.(80)
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