7-03 Are We Ready? New Paradigms of Ministries with Young People

Something new is happening in our Church's ministries with young people - but are we ready? Following a recent global synodal process and Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation "Christus Vivit," the Church's approach to young people is developing in ways previously untested. On the eve of the USCCB national pastoral framework on youth and young adults, this session will preview the new paradigms that are emerging in how we encounter, accompany, form community, and prepare young people for their mission. The question remains, then... are we ready for that?

Paul Jarzembowski serves on staff for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Washington DC, overseeing the U.S. bishops' engagement with laity ministry, ecclesial movements, youth, and young adults. He is also the author of "Hope from the Ashes" (Paulist Press, 2021), on evangelization, pastoral care, and accompaniment of individuals through Catholic moments of return such as Lent. He was the lead staff for the USCCB engagement with the XV Synod of Bishops on "Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment," and its post-synodal exhortation, "Christus Vivit." Paul is also the United States' national coordinator for World Youth Day, and serves as an advisor to the Vatican on ministries with young people.