The topic "Revisiting Catholic Youth Ministry as a 'Journey Walking Together' Focused on Spiritual Companionship Ministry" addresses the crisis facing young people today. In particular, he drew attention to the phenomenon of "privatization," where faith is reduced to a tool for individual psychological comfort rather than a communal commitment.
The diagnosis is that the so-called 'spiritual omnivore' phenomenon is intensifying, in which people select and consume only meditation and spirituality that suit their personal tastes from various spiritual markets, rather than unilaterally conforming to doctrinal authority.
It was also noted that, according to 2022 statistics from the Korean Catholic Church, Sunday Mass attendance rates among people in their 20s and 30s were only 7.1% and 7.7%, respectively. He diagnosed that these figures “show that, beyond a simple population decline, the church is failing to become an attractive spiritual sanctuary for young people.”
Structural problems within the church were also addressed. It was explained that a parish culture that forces blind obedience upon young people accustomed to horizontal communication, an attitude that treats youth as functional personnel for maintaining events rather than as agents of pastoral care, and the double burden of guilt and a sense of obligation that arises when refusing service are driving young people out of the church.
The priest emphasized "sacramental companionship," stating that it is necessary to have "a 'listening church' that stops hasty admonitions and humbly listens to the language of young people, a 'journey of companionship' that approaches despairing young people unconditionally, and 'holistic healing' that opens closed hearts through patient listening."
They also proposed tasks such as reflective institutionalization grounded in synodalitas, structural reorganization to elevate youth to the status of full agents in mission fulfillment, and integrated generational ministry that goes beyond age-segregated pastoral care. In particular, they emphasized that the 2027 Seoul World Youth Day (WYD) should not be merely an event to mobilize youth, but a stage that delegates substantial authority to them from planning to execution.
This forum was organized to hear the voices of local youth ahead of the 2027 Seoul WYD and to explore how the church and the local community can support them. The forum will be held over three sessions and is designed to encourage youth participation in various ways.
The 'Jeju, Joy and Hope' Forum began in 2022. It was prompted by the confirmation in the diocesan comprehensive report of the 16th World Synod of Bishops that the faithful were showing deep interest in real-world issues in the local community and the culture of the church community. Since then, the diocese has held the forum as a venue for the Church to actively participate in real-world issues such as human rights, peace, ecology, and the environment. Over the years, it has established itself as a space for communication among the faithful by addressing major pending issues in Jeju society, including the Jeju 4·3 Incident, the Jubilee and ecological conversion, the Second Airport, and the residents' right to self-determination.
Meanwhile, the forum also featured a presentation by the CEO of the social enterprise 'Seomida,' titled 'Creative People and the Church – Safe Zone, Cultural Experience, and Sense of Calling.' He emphasized that the church should serve as a safe zone for young people, provide experiences that address higher-level needs through cultural activities, and offer opportunities for growth as directions for the church's future.
No comments:
Post a Comment