YOUTH are not just the future of the Church, they are already an important part of the Church.
So it makes a lot of sense for Australian dioceses to acknowledge their presence and participation in Church life in the lead up to World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008.
Archbishop John Bathersby has announced plans to make young people a special focus in Brisbane archdiocese over the next three years.
It’s a strategy that needs to be encouraged, not just from the top but at parish level as well.
Young people have much to offer the Church by way of energy, enthusiasm and a living faith.
And yet they are sometimes overlooked or marginalised by other members of the Church.
World Youth Day 2008 will be an opportunity for all of us to see what young Australian Catholics can really contribute.
