During this month of October, there is on-going in Rome a meeting of the Synod of Bishops. 

 

That gathering, which ordinarily takes place every three years, brings together bishops representing the Church in Rome and throughout the world. Assisting them are experts and observers well-seasoned in the issue chosen by the Holy Father for discussion and advice to be given to him.

 

This year, the Synod of Bishops has been given the theme “Young People, The Faith and Vocational Discernment” as its topic of discussion. In essence, the meeting is tasked with reflecting on the faith of the young members of the Church, and the numerous challenges confronting them in our modern society. 

 

Additionally, by reflecting upon the discernment of their vocation or calling within the Church, the Synod of Bishops and the Holy Father want to help young people find how to take their faith and witness to the world.

 

In many ways, the synod is reflecting upon a question that seems simple, but is in fact complex and challenging. That question is, why are so many of our young people falling away from their Catholic faith? And, how can we help them to see how living the Catholic faith is good for life in this world and in the next?

 

Much has been made in the discussion surrounding the synod about the need for the Church to be listening to the concerns, the doubts, the hopes and even the criticisms of young people. As in every generation, there are new issues and pressures for those who are growing up. Listening is an important part of accompanying them, as Pope Francis has often stated.

 

But we the adults in the Church must also look at our own faith in this context. We need to honestly and critically assess how we have transmitted the faith to young people.

 

Studies have shown that one of the most important contributors to the faith of young people is the lived example of faith in an adult that they are close to. Typically, this of course would suggest the faith of parents. But the lived example of faith by a coach, a teacher or even a trusted adult neighbor is frequently decisive and influential.

 

As adults listen to and accompany young people in life and faith, we need to ask what kind of example are we conveying? Is our example one that witnesses fully and joyfully to all the teachings of Jesus — including even the most challenging moral precepts? 

 

Do we as adults accompany by seeking out a better understanding and articulation of our faith to give confidence in its truth and beauty? Most especially, do we give an example that says we love the Catholic Church which Jesus established and choose to make it our spiritual home never to be abandoned?

 

Without such lived examples of faith our young people are left to being heavily influenced by our cultural elites. The moral values, especially with regard to sexuality portrayed in our movies, music and television are not those of Jesus. 

 

Additionally, our national political discussions frequently touch upon policy questions that flow from basic moral questions. As the recent assaults on religious freedom have demonstrated, a strong current in our political discourse is not only losing faith in God but is actively rejecting an understanding of the human person that must always be seeking God and eternal life.

 

As we listen to our young people and hear about their doubts and their concerns about faith, family and life itself, we can sense their need for the hope that comes from faith. 

 

Moral values, the importance of prayer, the reality of sin and redemption, all provide confidence and hope.

 

What is needed then is not simply listening, but a true dialogue in search of the truth. And the confident preaching and lived example of our Catholic faith is a key to that conversation.