|
Dear Friends in Youth Ministry,
As we enter this season of Advent—a time of hope and joyful expectation—we celebrate the incredible ways God is moving among our young Church!
Last month, hundreds to thousands of teens gathered for two unforgettable encounters:
At the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), over 16,000 young people experienced a historic moment: Pope Leo XIV’s first-ever digital dialogue with U.S. youth. His words were simple yet powerful:
“You are not only the future of the Church—you are the present. Your voices, your ideas, your faith matter right now.” He urged us to “dream big, be open to what God can do through your lives,” and reminded us that “sin never has the final word—God’s mercy is always stronger.” Teens knelt in adoration, sang the Salve Regina together, and left renewed in their call to holiness and mission.
Closer to home, St. Martin’s University hosted our Catholic Youth Convention this past month, nearly 500 high school students embraced the theme “Saints in the Making.” Through lively music, activities, and inspiring keynotes, they heard that sainthood isn’t just for people in the past—it’s our present calling. As Fr. John O’Brien reminded us: “Each one of you is called to be a saint that has your name. There’s a version of holiness that is yours and yours only.”
Christ is alive in the hearts of our young people. Let’s take this Advent to approach closer toward Him in confidence - trusting in His mercy, building authentic friendships, and answering His call to greatness.
In Christ,
Garth Pereira, Director of Youth Ministry Services
garth.pereira@seattlearch.org | 206-382-2067
| 
