Youth Congress on Social Justice

What is a Youth Congress?

A Youth Congress provides a sacred space and open environment for young people and national, regional, and/or local church leaders to come together for meaningful dialogue. One significant aspect of a Youth Congress is the interaction and dialogue of the young people with the people in leadership roles at the parish and diocesan levels including: the bishop(s), diocesan personnel working in social justice and Catholic Charities, and youth ministry, and other church leaders in a structured, dynamic, productive, and life-giving manner.

Vision Statement

Through the 2003 National Youth Congress young people, bishops, and other adult participants embraced the Gospel call to build just communities in our nation and world. Local parishes and dioceses are invited and encouraged to do the same by using and modifying the materials found on these pages.

Theme—Social Justice Through the Lens of Poverty

Guiding Scripture Passage: "But let justice surge like water and goodness like an unfailing stream." – Amos 5:24

 

Goals

A Youth Congress provides a sacred space and open environment to:

  • Affirm how participants are striving to act justly
  • Invite participants into a dialogue that explores how they can apply their gifts and talents to bring about God’s justice
  • Inspire a recommitment to discipleship through personal witness, stories, and interaction with other participants of varying generations, backgrounds, and cultures
  • Educate participants about the wisdom and challenges presented in Catholic social teaching and identify the links that bind service to advocacy and charity to justice
  • Transform hearts and minds and foster a deeper appreciation of what it means to become people of justice
  • Empower participants to act for justice, share what they have experienced, and embrace our calling as heralds—sharing the Good News of justice and peace with others.

Essential Elements of the Youth Congress

  • Young people’s voices are heard by church leaders
  • The many faces of God’s young church are included
  • The interaction between a variety of voices in the church
  • Young people experience that they are part of the institutional church
  • All participants are empowered to go forth and act
  • The opportunity impacts the larger church