Wherever they are to be found

172. We seek opportunities to be with young people in the places and activities where they gather in their free time, for example, sports, places where they relax, artistic and cultural pastimes within the local area or parish, camping, and movements such as the Scouts. Where necessary, we assist them to organise such activities after class, on weekends, or during vacations. We make particular efforts to be present as pastoral workers among deprived young people, for example, on the street, in slums, and in detention centres.

173. With the Church, the local community, non-government organisations or government youth departments, or by ourselves, we establish centres for recreation and sport, facilities where young people have the chance to meet and express their creative talents. In areas of particular need, we develop study centres, libraries, and student hostels as well.

174. Within their groups, we encourage young people’s natural sociability, their creativity, and their sensitivity to one another. In unobtrusive ways, we seek to initiate conversation which touches on their personal and family concerns. We help them to connect with other services and programmes available in the wider community, or with those we ourselves organise.

175. We develop their critical consciousness of the values of their world, of popular culture which is so influenced by the media, especially music and entertainment, and by peer relationships. Through our interactions with them, including setting up special media services for them, we promote positive social values, linking faith, culture and life in language they understand. ⁵

176. We create opportunities for get-togethers and common solidarity projects among young people from different social backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles. In this way, we develop their open-mindedness and initiate them into the habit of sharing time, talents and skills in the service of others.

177. Even in settings in which it is not possible or appropriate to speak directly of Jesus and the Gospel, or where the young people themselves show little inclination to religious affairs, we still nurture their spirituality. We help them to give meaning to their lives, to internalise life-giving values, and to go further in their journey of faith.

178. Ministering to young people in such settings demands personal balance and maturity, judgement, creativity, a sense of fun, patience, flexibility, the gift of listening, and a transparent spirit of faith. We have to be willing to spend the time necessary to gain their confidence, not imposing ourselves on them but ensuring their own leadership in their activities.