Dear Young People: A Pastoral Letter from the U.S. Bishops to Youth and Young Adults

Dear young friends:

Christ is alive in you. We, the Catholic bishops of the United States of America, echo our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who reminds us, “He is in you, he is with you, and he never abandons you. However far you may wander, he is always there, the Risen One.”[1]

Wherever this letter finds you, we invite you to allow Jesus, the most important companion you will ever have on the journey of life, to transform you, so that Christ can always remain alive in you. That transformation begins with an encounter with Jesus, who is present for us and listens to our joys and struggles. He invites us to learn from him as he teaches us the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Gospel. Then we are transformed as Christ sends us forth on our mission to share what we received.

For our part, we – as your shepherds and companions on life’s journey – have heard from you through the years, attentively listening to your stories. We have allowed your prophetic voices and enthusiastic zeal to touch our hearts and souls, and, with spiritual affection, we are grateful for your presence within our Catholic communities of faith. For those who are not connected to the Church: your presence is missed. You are always welcome, and, with us, we pray that you will find a loving and supportive home where Christ is truly present and ready to encounter you and touch your heart. 

To read the rest of this important text, click on the document "Dear Young Friends LTS PREFACE" below.

---

[1] Francis, Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit (CV), 2019, no. 2.

Dear Young Friends LTS PREFACE_01_0.pdf