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Writer's pictureProfiles in Catholicism
Dec 28, 202219 min read

Youth Challenges and Leadership

Updated: Jan 1, 2023



A Message from the Editor


it is remarkable that approximately 55% of our readership are students or recent graduates. I am continuous amazed by their technical accomplishments such as

Tom Mann said "The future of the world belongs to the youth of the world, and it is from the youth and not from the old that the fire of life will warm and enlighten the world. It is your privilege to breathe the breath of life into the dry bones of many around you.” This is the lesson that I have learned in working with young people and youth leaders.


Silence is not golden. Silence is consent. The silence of those U.S. Republicans on the Antisemitism, White Supremacy, Racism, Fraud, and Anticonstitutionalism of Donald Trump makes them Antisemites, White Supremacists. Racists, Crooks, and Haters of the Constitution.


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A Quote to Remember

Let Christ turn your natural optimism into Christian hope, your energy into moral virtue, your good will into genuine self-sacrificing love! This is the path you are called to take. This is the path to overcoming all that threatens hope, virtue and love in your lives and in your culture. In this way your youth will be a gift to Jesus and to the world.

Prayers


A Prayer for Youth


We offer to you, Loving God, the gifts and needs of youth. Bless them with your guiding grace as they face the challenges and opportunities in their lives. Touch their hearts with the gentleness of your love, that they may know they are valued and valuable beings. Send your spirit of hope to their lives, that they may believe in themselves and know they are needed in this world. Grace them with the gift of joy that they may celebrate life through laughter and tears alike. Guide us, as we continue to grow in appreciation of the many gifts of young people, in the ministry opportunities we offer to them, in the journey of faith we walk with them, in our shared mission as a community called to discipleship in the world. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. by Our Lady of Sorrow-St. Anthony Parish Hamilton, New Jersey



There are so many innocent who suffer in war. The passion of your son is continued in the innocent children. Just as you brought your son to the day of resurrection so too with these young ones. Bring them to the light of resurrection and give them eternal peace. Comfort those who grieve and soften the hearts of those who bring suffering and death.

by Father John O’Brien, OFM Profiles in Catholicism



Heavenly Father, we commend into your hands the victims of violence who have lost their lives. Console those who survive. Enable us to work for a world where peace reigns. Enlighten government leaders to leaders in their efforts. We pray through Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who is Lord forever and ever. Amen

by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism


Prayer for the Children of Ukraine


Oh Lord, we pray for all the people of Ukraine, innocent victims of Russia’s merciless and murderous attack on their country and all who live within it. So many have died, so many have been injured, so many have had to flee from their homes to be able to survive. We pray for all Ukrainians in this time of great need and suffering. Oh Lord, we pray especially for the children of Ukraine whose lives have been so seriously disrupted, who are living in poverty, living with injuries, living with the knowledge that many of their relatives and friends have died, and whom they will never see again. Oh Lord, we pray for the children who have died and we pray for those who have, so far, survived. May those who have died rest in your Peace, Oh Lord. May those who survive be found by their families. May they receive the care that they need, To heal from their suffering, pain and trauma. And live to rebuild their lives and their country. Amen by Dr. Eugene Fisher Profiles in Catholicism


Prayer for the Murdered Children in Chicago Lord God, source of all life, you make all life sacred and love especially the most vulnerable among us. Protect our children from senseless violence, shield them from the plague of gunfire, and enable us to defend them from those who would harm them. Enable our community to address the root causes of violence and to transform our life together in a spirit of justice and deep respect for all life. We pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen by Father Louis Cameli Profiles in Catholicism


A prayer to end Islamophobia.


“Abraham’s Children”


Oh God Almighty, you love to create and you love all you created,

Look upon us with pity as we, children of Abraham, long for thee!


In the three great faiths that spring from the loins of Abraham, you

Have shown your faithful love, loving each and all in a unique way.


Oh God Almighty, untangle our differences and difficulties and Open to us the grace of dialogue, discovering anew the faith of each.


Let us set out afresh on the journey of Abraham’s faith, following The God who speaks a real word in the daily events of our life.


Oh Almighty God, let us leave behind our false hopes and trails,

Awaiting your answer to our prayer and the signs of your presence.


Let your Holy Spirit grace our words, go before us, take what is Yours and share it among us, so that all can find a word from you.


Oh God Almighty, you know the many ways we have offended you, In offending each other, let the past not be a provocation but a start.


When we remember injustice, torment and travail, let us remember The suffering of the other too, re-founding a common love today.


Oh God Almighty, you are the author of all good works, go before Us as we come together to meet beyond being anonymously silent.


You know the path of everyday meetings, shopping and working,

Open up the friendly exchange of the seasoning of the season’s gifts.


Oh God Almighty, you see from all eternity the bright path of faith

Through this darkened universe, ablaze with the wisdom of the stars.


Let us find anew the wonder of creation’s gifts, given to all, given to

Each of us, to trace that path of light from the sun to the Son.

Oh God Almighty, let us take each step that is possible, from each

Possible starting point, unto you making the impossible possible.


You know the traces of your divine presence among us, expressed in Every culture, every truth, every true turning to your Holy Holiness.


Oh God Almighty, you have made us for yourself, founding us in the beginning to be-in-relationship to you, to each other and to all.


Guide us in the secret places of our hearts that we will be able to

Announce to all the mystery of God: the common inheritance of all.


Oh Almighty God, the children of Abraham are gathering around Mary, we hope and beg you bring all, old and new, to everlasting life.


Let us board the ship from all eternity that sails through space, ahead Of time, leading us through the Holy Spirit to your son, Jesus Christ.


Oh Almighty God, let us take up the life of Abraham, finding our own

Steps in his and hoping against hope in the help you can give us.


Let us look anew to the new horizon, taking up what is good in what All have done, seeking forgiveness and reconciliation as we travel.

by Francis Etheredge Profiles in Catholicism


Youth Challenges and Leadership Interviews

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Youth Challenges and Leadership Articles/Commentaries

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Events


  • Youth Work Leading the Way As part of Youth Work Ireland’s multi-year campaign to highlight the vital role youth services play in supporting young people’s mental wellbeing, we will be hosting a youth event to support young people to identify what a revolution in mental wellbeing would look like. This interactive event will be debate and explore what a revolution in youth mental wellbeing would look like and what government, policy makers and services need to do to achieve this. Date: Saturday January 28th, 2023 Time: 11am - 4pm Venue: Youth Work Ireland National Offices, Dublin Register to attend by clicking here

Feasting with the Saints

Videos


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Pope Francis shares message for U.S. Catholic Youth: “Do not lose your joy”



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