CATHOLIC YOUTH COMMISSION OF T&T
RESOURCES
CATHOLIC
YOUTH
COMMISSION
OF T&T
RESOURCES
Jubilee with Youth
Following the stakeholders’ meeting in July 2024, a strong desire was expressed by our youth for greater opportunities in community building, intergenerational connections and shared spaces within the Archdiocese. In response, we are committed to hosting more youth-friendly events that align with the three aspects of the Jubilee with Youth: Integration, Pilgrimage and Hope. These events will foster vibrant, inclusive environments where young people can grow spiritually, socially and emotionally. Together, we aim to strengthen the bonds of our faith community, provide platforms for meaningful engagement, and create a sense of belonging as we journey in faith and unity.
Include Them!
Guidelines for Youth Participation in Jubilee Year
The Holy Father’s Message to Youth highlights key insights to assist parish leaders and their youth in developing transformative youth ministry. “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary.” – Is 40:31
Referencing Isaiah, Pope Francis encourages youth to Walk in Hope. This is a journey every youth will need assistance to take, reminding us that youth cannot walk alone.
By listening to young people from over 40 parishes in 2024, there is one great commonality in their desire: [right relationship]. Youth have, in various fora and in various ways, highlighted a yearning for adults willing to walk with them without judgment and coercion, with compassion and empathy.
The Jubilee Year presents our archdiocese with 12 months in which we can reassess our ministry to and with youth and attempt new relational methods of co-existence with youth, affording them improved opportunities for participation in the life of the Church. This we refer to as inter-generational integration.
Inter-generational integration – creating ministry opportunities where youth can actively participate in the life of the Church by developing and demonstrating their gifts and talents, without sidelining or disenfranchising other generations.
Event coordinators, at the event level, should prioritize inter-generational integration as they plan, organize, and execute their activities for the Jubilee Year.
The Holy Father’s Message to Youth highlights key insights to assist parish leaders and their youth in developing transformative youth ministry. “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary.” – Is 40:31
Referencing Isaiah, Pope Francis encourages youth to Walk in Hope. This is a journey every youth will need assistance to take, reminding us that youth cannot walk alone.
By listening to young people from over 40 parishes in 2024, there is one great commonality in their desire: [right relationship]. Youth have, in various fora and in various ways, highlighted a yearning for adults willing to walk with them without judgment and coercion, with compassion and empathy.
The Jubilee Year presents our archdiocese with 12 months in which we can reassess our ministry to and with youth and attempt new relational methods of co-existence with youth, affording them improved opportunities for participation in the life of the Church. This we refer to as inter-generational integration.
Inter-generational integration – creating ministry opportunities where youth can actively participate in the life of the Church by developing and demonstrating their gifts and talents, without sidelining or disenfranchising other generations.
Event coordinators, at the event level, should prioritize inter-generational integration as they plan, organize, and execute their activities for the Jubilee Year.
A Guide to Youth Pilgrimages and Parish Youth Ministry in 2025
This guide serves as a resource for planning transformative journeys of faith, inspired by Pope Francis’ message that young people should not “live life from a balcony,” but rather actively engage in the world around them. It underscores the importance of pilgrimages as meaningful spiritual experiences, focusing on preparation, community building and post-pilgrimage reflection. This resource supports youth leaders in creating opportunities for young people to experience personal growth through sacrifice and cultural engagement and grow spiritually while fostering connections with diverse communities.
Youth Testimony:
Gabrielle Lynch Reflects on a Local Pilgrimage
Seventeen-year-old Gabrielle Lynch from La Brea Parish shares her experience participating in a three-church pilgrimage attended by her parish youth group. This sacred journey, dedicated to our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary, included visits to three Marian devotions:
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC, New Grant
- Our Lady of Guadalupe, Penal
- La Divina Pastora, Siparia.
Click the video to hear Gabrielle’s full story!
To Learn More About A Guide to Youth Pilgrimages and Parish Youth Ministry and Upcoming Mission Trips in 2025
