Youth Ministry
A LETTER FROM BISHOP LOVERDE
A Spanish (en Español) version of this letter is also available.
Dear Young People of the Diocese of Arlington,
One of my greatest joys as Bishop is to observe your vibrant enthusiasm as you grow in your friendship with Our Lord!
As Pope Benedict XVI reminded us in his homily at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia, “There is a need for young people who will allow God’s love to burn within them and who will respond generously to his urgent call, just as many young blesseds and saints did in the past and also in more recent times” (Pope Benedict XVI, Message for 23rd World Youth Day, July 20, 2007). Yes, dear youth, proclaim the love and hope that is Christ and listen for the Lord’s vocational call!
Our Holy Father is asking you to step out of your comfort zone as you reach out to Christ and to others, but God is not sending you to face the struggles of this world alone. He has already given you His Spirit at Baptism to guide you on your path as disciples of Jesus, His Beloved Son.
To be faithful disciples, we must come to know Christ through prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament, and through reception of the sacraments. This closeness with the Lord will aid you in discerning the Lord’s plan. Further, the fellowship available through the various programs sponsored by the Office of Youth Ministry can bring you closer to the Church, and, therefore, closer to Christ.
As you continue this faith journey, please pray for the Church, and know that I pray each day for you, the young Church of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.
United with you in this prayer, I remain,
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde
Bishop of Arlington