Key Takeaways from Week 5 of the Synod

The Synod on Young People ended Sunday with a homily from Pope Francis that encouraged young people to go forth and welcome others into the Church, to listen, to accompany, and most notably, to be unafraid to “journey together” with those they meet. The synod fathers reiterated this in a short letter written to the young people of the world, encouraging them to go “be a brighter future” with their enthusiasm, new ideas, and passion for the faith.

This was reminiscent of something Pope Francis said in March at the pre-synod gathering in Rome, “If you are not present, then a part of the access to God is missing.”

The big work of the synod was the production of a final document, which will be translated from Italian in the coming weeks. The document was produced alongside a letter from the synod fathers and Pope Francis’s homily at the closing Mass, which included encouragement and insight into how young people can be seen as priorities and gifts to the life of the Church.

Bishop Frank Caggiano of Bridgeport shares his hope that the synod will lead to a common approach to youth ministry that addresses what young people are looking for and what resources youth ministers need.

Important Information and Articles from Week 5:

• “Highlights from Small Groups and Read More Week 5” by Katie Prejean McGrady
• “How to Earn the Ear of the Next Generation” by Christopher Wesley
• “The Healing Power of Listening - Part III” by Roy Petitfils