The Year of Faith, proclaimed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has about two more months to go. It concludes on Nov. 24, the Feast of Christ the King.

Like many moments or periods in our practice of the faith (think of Advent or Lent), we might start strongly and full of commitment, and find ourselves distracted or disengaged by the time it concludes.

I hope we don’t fall into that trap in this Year of Faith.

Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI proclaimed this year to encourage us to break out of our spiritual doldrums. We have been called upon to light a fire in the personal and public practice of faith that Pope Francis has lamented can sometimes be described as tired and habitual in our modern context.

We can describe this any number of ways, but in the silence of our hearts, I think we can all grasp the popes’ concerns and how that is reflected in our personal lives of faith.

Our parishes have organized various activities to mark the Year of Faith. I have seen signs and banners reminding all of us of the work being done as I make parish visits or celebrate the sacrament of confirmation.

The diocese has also sponsored various talks and conferences, focusing particularly on the documents of the Second Vatican Council that so guide our understanding of the faith.

Next month, on Oct. 6, as part of the Year of Faith we will look to the future.

At Holmes Student Center on the Northern Illinois University campus in DeKalb, from 9:45 a.m. until 5 p.m., the Diocese of Rockford will hold a Catholic Youth Summit.

Our diocesan Catholic young people (and any others of course, bring your friends!) are invited to gather for a day of music, prayer, silence, and sharing of Catholic values and faith.

There are a number of very important reasons for highlighting the faith of our Catholic young people.
First, they are growing up in a world that is fundamentally different than that of previous generations. Until now, there has always been a certain underlying social foundation of shared moral principles, at least on the great issues.

Our founding fathers knew well that our system of government would only work among a people who shared belief and respect for God, for God-given freedom, and for respect for the human person. We are entering a moment in history when, for the first time, those values are challenged, if not downright disrespected.

We can no longer presume that our young people will find societal encouragement to form a moral vision or live a moral life pleasing to God. So faith becomes all the more important.

Our youth will have to personalize and internalize, perhaps earlier and more strongly than many of us older folks, their commitment to the truth revealed to us and contained in our Catholic faith.

Secondly, because of these social challenges, Catholic young people can find themselves feeling isolated and alone in their faith. It’s never enjoyable to feel that you are the “odd man out,” but that is even harder for young people.

One of the frequent comments that one hears from young people who have gone to the Vatican’s World Youth Day or to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., is “I was amazed to see how many other young people there were. It is so good to know I am not alone!”

The summit offers that same vision and opportunity.

I am grateful to the priests and pastors of our diocese for their support for the Year of Faith, and especially for the Youth Summit. I know our youth ministers will make every effort to prepare our young people so they can take part in the summit. I am looking forward to being there to share that moment with them.

This is an important part of our Year of Faith. Our young people should see in this gathering our encouragement for them to step forward as young adults in faith. Please offer your prayers for the success of the summit, and encourage the young people of your parish to be proud of being Catholic.