Capital C

By Josie Canales

Through the document, Sons and Daughters of the Light (1997) there is set out a pastoral plan by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and it describes the joys and struggles of young adults in todays world. This document addresses issues such as moral decision making, the talents of young adults, which can enrich the Church and can be a sign of Gods presence in society, and the influences of media and some elements of popular culture that do not always support Christina values. During the life journey of a young adult, this document can provide continued insight, hope and encouragement to dream within the workings of a Catholic community to help you live your life in Jesus Christ. They issued this pastoral plan to reflect the light of Christ that requires a maturity of faith and a willingness to live this faith daily in society. It affirms the essential dignity of young adult men and women those in their late teens, twenties, and thirties as sons and daughters of the light. Many young adults admit that they face increasingly complex and difficult times and that they need the help of the Catholic Christian community to be this light.

The USCCB begins by acknowledging that at the center of our faith is the belief that all people, made in the image and likeness of God in Christ, are called to be sons and daughters of God lights for the world. Through this plan, they hope to accomplish four things:
1.Connecting young adults with Jesus Christ
2.Connecting young adults with the Church
3.Connecting young adults with the mission of the Church in the world
4.Connecting young adults with a peer community

I recommend that young adults obtain a copy of this document in order to satisfy their curiosity as to how the Church views their generation and in order to give inspiration and direction to their lives. To order this resource or to obtain a catalog of other USCCB titles, call toll-free 800-235-8722 (ISBN 1-57455-127-2). Visit the U.S. bishops Internet site at www.usccb.org.

This is the final prayer to you as young adults:

Gracious and Loving God,

Help these young men and women to be a light for all the world to see,
in all the places they live and work.

Let their light shine for all people:
for their families,
for their church communities,
for their cultures and societies,
for the economic and political systems,
for the whole world.

Coming into the room where the disciples were gathered after the resurrection,
Jesus, your son, said: Peace be with you! (Jn 20:21).

Make these men and women bearers of Christs peace.

Teach them the meaning of what was said on the mountain:
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons and daughters of God (cf Mt 5:9).

Send them, Father, as you sent your son;
To free their brothers and sisters from fear and sin.

We ask this of you, in Christs name. Amen.

Josephine Canales is the Director of Young Adult Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Austin. She can be reached at josie-canales@austindiocese.org.

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