The national plenary meeting of the Indonesian Youth Commission (Komkep), convened in June, presented a series of innovative strategies aimed at deepening the Catholic Church’s engagement with young people.
By LiCAS News
The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) in Jakarta and titled “Embracing and Growing Young Catholics for a Viral and Vital Church,” brought together representatives from all 37 diocesan youth commissions, with a total of 63 participants.
Inspired by Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “Christus Vivit,” the plenary focused its discussions on two essential actions: welcoming and growing. The youth commission aims to promote a Church that is both “vital,” positively influencing society, and “viral,” spreading the Christian message in a dynamic way.
Strategies discussed include improving pastoral care and creating more inclusive environments that meet the practical and spiritual needs of young Catholics. The plenary acknowledged the successes of recent initiatives such as the III Indonesian Youth Day in Palembang and participation in the World Youth Day in Lisbon 2023, which have contributed to a renewed approach to youth ministry.
Delegates also acknowledged current challenges such as mental health issues, job shortages post-pandemic, environmental concerns and the pervasive influence of digital technologies on young people. Delegates agreed that these challenges require a renewed commitment to involving the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church’s youth initiatives.
One of the main outcomes of the plenary was the call for those who accompany young Catholics to embody a spirit of openness and collaboration, fostering environments where young people can feel truly involved and valued. This involves creating opportunities for young people to lead and actively participate in Church and community activities, ensuring that they have the space to express their faith and concerns in authentic ways.
The importance of ongoing self-assessment by youth leaders and mentors was also highlighted to ensure the church remains responsive to the changing lives of young people. Training and resources will focus on equipping leaders with the skills to effectively engage with digital media, environmental advocacy and mental health issues, reflecting a holistic approach to youth ministry.
Financial strategies were also discussed, with an emphasis on collaborative funding models involving various Church agencies and external partners to support and grow youth programs.
The plenary concluded with strong support for the Church’s mission to nurture a vibrant, engaging and supportive community for all young Catholics. It reiterated Pope Francis’ call to truly listen to young people, placing them at the heart of the Church’s mission and evangelization efforts.
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