by Kirby
Since the Letter to the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis was released on YA Respond, I have heard a similar comment from many young families when I encourage them to read and sign it: "Why should I?"
Young adults are defined as anyone in their 20s and 30s - regardless of state of life. In practice only a subset of young adults immediately think of themselves as included - namely those single and ready to mingle. But young married couples and young families are part of the young adult community too, albeit a highly underrepresented part.
Simply, you should care because you are part of this too. This involves you, whether you accept the fact or not.
I have seen the advice floating around social media that the best response to this crisis is to “raise the greatest generation of Catholics.” While very true, I think it’s missing the how.
To raise the next generation of Catholics to be the best in history, we have to be that generation now. The parent generation needs to live it to teach it.
We cannot retreat and focus solely on ourselves and our families as a means of protecting our families. Our families have already been violated.
The survivors are not distant people - they ARE family. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we truly mean to follow Jesus, we must follow him when he says "Love one another as I have loved you."
I am not speaking solely to biological parents here. Our children are not our own - they belong to God and are members of the One Body of the Church. This is also a call to singles, religious, and couples without children in their household. Help us raise this generation! You are needed and necessary for forming this future Church.
Jesus would not leave a child suffering alone - even if that child now lives in an adult body.
Jesus would see him. Love him. Embrace him.
If you read the Letter and disagree with most of it, or if you don’t see yourself reflected in the discussion, join the discussion!
We are Church, not a club of people who are together when we agree with each other. Divided we fall, but we are only divided when we refuse to be Church - not when we disagree.
Choose to participate. Choose to be Church. Choose to love. Choose to see.
If you are a member of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and you would like to read and sign the letter, click here. Signatures will be collected until 5pm on Sunday, September 9. If you would like to submit a piece to the YArespond blog, email YArespond@gmail.com.
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