USCCB Chairmen Welcome Preparatory Document for Next Synod Focusing on Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment

WASHINGTON—The chairmen of two U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) committees issued a joint statement welcoming the Vatican's release of the preparatory document for the upcoming Synod of bishops on "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.

 WASHINGTON—The chairmen of two U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) committees issued a joint statement welcoming the Vatican's release of the preparatory document for the upcoming Synod of bishops on "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment." The Synod takes place in October 2018.

The full statement from Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R, of Newark, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations; and Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., of Philadelphia, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, follows:

A Joint Statement from Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R, and Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., in Response to the Synod Questionnaire

The Church of the United States is filled with great anticipation as we welcome the preparatory document for the XV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment." Our Holy Father Pope Francis has called us to this important work, aptly entrusting the preparatory document to youth and young adults themselves as their "compass" on the journey ahead.

As bishops, this document will be our compass, too. We pray that it will guide our steps as we walk alongside our young people in preparing for this global conversation. We also pray that youth and young adults across the United States, and those who minister to and with them, will help us more fully understand the experience of young people in our Church and in our country—their hopes, dreams, fears, and struggles—so that the Synod may bear fruit in offering more insight and direction to our ministry with young people.

May all young people respond generously to the vocation and mission the Lord Jesus is calling them to daily—to take up His cross, and to follow Him wherever He invites them.

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Keywords: USCCB, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Synod, Pope Francis, pastoral, ministry, Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Young People, Faith, Vocational Discernment, Vatican, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth


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