HONG KONG (SE): A forum was organised by the social concern groups of different parishes on at Caritas Community Centre -Tsuen Wan, on October 17, to address concerns over how to help newly-confirmed young people in their journey of faith.
Over 40 youth pastoral workers came together along with youth pastoral workers, school social workers, school pastoral assistants as well as parish community leaders.
Speakers at the forum pointed out that young people who had just received confirmation needed more community support so that they can find companions in their journey of faith.
Sunday school catechists from the of Mary Help of Christians parish, Ma Tau Wai, together with leaders of the parish youth group have organised a weekly formation activity for the newly-confirmed young people to support their spiritual growth.
The parish holds an hour-long gathering before Mass on Sundays which includes games and workshops. According to instructor, Cheung Ka-yi, the activity provides ongoing formation for the around two hundred Sunday school students, while another instructor, Lai Kin-long, said participants cherish the friendship they form which shows that they need community support.
However, Ng King-lok, a young parishioner of St. Jerome’s parish, Tin Shui Wai, said there aren’t many groups that young people can join so parishes should consider different ways to support them.
Ng, now 19, said he joined a youth group after his confirmation, but he still felt a lack of momentum while pursuing his faith. Five years ago, he joined a camp for newly-confirmed young Catholics organised by the Diocesan Youth Commission featuring adventure programmes.
He felt that, along with other participants, his faith was rekindled after overcoming challenges presented by the programme. He became a volunteer for the camp and felt empowered to serve the parish after receiving support from other volunteers.
Ng noticed that the social unrest of two years ago and the pandemic have become hinderances for some young people to remain in their parishes. He hopes that parishes, Caritas and other communities can allocate places for them to gather, as a concrete gesture of support.
Father Fructuoso Lopez Martin, chairperson of Diocesan Youth Commission, said that the commission will keep supporting schools and parishes in setting up faith communities, and it has already set up small communities at certain secondary schools.
Gary Au Ka-wai, a youth pastoral officer of the commission, said small communities can encourage young people to shoulder responsibilities which is good for their spiritual growth.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop-elect Father Stephen Chow Sau-yan emphasised including spiritual elements in formation to give actual help to the lives of the young people.
Father Chow said the social situations of the recent years makes it imperative for both adults and young people to listen to each other with the love of God and treat each other with empathy.
During the sharing session, participants pointed out the needs of the young in parishes, including giving them a chance to contribute with their talents, addressing their emotions and struggles after the social issues of two years ago and giving them freedom while journeying with them. They also encouraged godparents to spend time supporting the young.
