All this week, we are going to celebrate something essential to our community: You.

This Sunday is World Youth Sunday. It’s a day the Catholic Church (here in England and Wales, and across the world) uses to celebrate, honour, and engage with the voices of young people.

You’ve probably heard the sentiment that young people are the ‘future of the Church.’ Pope Francis challenged this perspective, stating that you’re not just the future; you are the ‘now of God.’

This perspective means your faith, your questions, your energy, and your ideas aren’t just for ‘later’. They are vital right now. This week is about making space to listen to your voices, recognise your gifts, and reflect on how God calls each of us, right now, regardless of our age.

This week, we’ll make space for your ideas and your hopes, and reflect on the positive message at the heart of our faith.

We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.

Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

A reading from the Prophet Jeremiah

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

“Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to rescue you,” declares the Lord.

The Word of the Lord
R./ Thanks be to God

The principle God shows with Jeremiah is the same one extended to us. It’s a common feeling to believe we’re not old enough, articulate enough, or ‘holy’ enough to make a significant impact.

The message here is profound: ‘I am too young’ is a self-imposed limitation, not a divine one. God doesn’t call those who are already ‘perfect’ or ‘ready’; He calls us, exactly as we are, and provides the strength we need along the way.

In our quiz this week we’re going to look at some saints who didn’t let their age hold them back – what could they inspire us to do?

This week we’re also sharing a bit about Lourdes and the opportunity you have to go there next year. Mrs Levey will tell you more but when I was there a few year back we made this and it shows just how important the young people are to the whole experience!