Young Catholic Voices Young Catholic Voices

Show Hosts: Solomon Ojigbo, Masha Ruth, Lucky Ngbakwudo, Mabel E.

Overview:

Abstaining from sex before marriage, though it is no longer as popular as it once was, remains an enviable thing. For many women and men, who still intend to engage in non-sexual relationships leading up to their marriage, not a lot is said about the struggle they have to face, especially in a world with more people wanting sex or at least, some form of sexual activity before putting a ring on it.

One of those major struggles young people who practices abstinence deal with is the difficulty of finding someone who actually understands what it means to be in a celibate relationship. An absolutely non-sexual relationship, and not just one that shies away from actual penetration but dwells on every other thing.

Show Hosts: Solomon Ojigbo, Masha Ruth, Lucky Ngbakwudo, Mabel E.

Overview:

Abstaining from sex before marriage, though it is no longer as popular as it once was, remains an enviable thing. For many women and men, who still intend to engage in non-sexual relationships leading up to their marriage, not a lot is said about the struggle they have to face, especially in a world with more people wanting sex or at least, some form of sexual activity before putting a ring on it.

One of those major struggles young people who practices abstinence deal with is the difficulty of finding someone who actually understands what it means to be in a celibate relationship. An absolutely non-sexual relationship, and not just one that shies away from actual penetration but dwells on every other thing.

In recent years there has been an increase in exodus of many catholic youth from the catholic faith. Some people believe that the structures our Church uses to minister to young people are not meeting their basic needs, and because of this, our young people are failing to become disciples. However, as the landscape of youth culture changes due to modernization, some people feel the Church has a long way to go in adapting to these changes. Today, some catholic parishes are facing a youth crisis — there seem to be a big disconnect between their parish and young people. On the other hand some parishes have been able to harness the potential of their youths by engaging them using carefully planned programmes.

It is worthy of note that the Church cannot retain or reinvigorate her young members so long as her young people are uninspired. The best summary of youth ministry in our Church today comes from Pope Francis in his first apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. He says:

“Youth ministry, as traditionally organized, has also suffered the impact of social changes. Young people often fail to find responses to their concerns, needs, problems, and hurts in the usual structures. As adults, we find it hard to listen patiently to them, to appreciate their concerns, demands, and to speak to them in a language they can understand. For the same reason, our efforts in the field of education do not produce the results expected.”

In recent years there has been an increase in exodus of many catholic youth from the catholic faith. Some people believe that the structures our Church uses to minister to young people are not meeting their basic needs, and because of this, our young people are failing to become disciples. However, as the landscape of youth culture changes due to modernization, some people feel the Church has a long way to go in adapting to these changes. Today, some catholic parishes are facing a youth crisis — there seem to be a big disconnect between their parish and young people. On the other hand some parishes have been able to harness the potential of their youths by engaging them using carefully planned programmes.

It is worthy of note that the Church cannot retain or reinvigorate her young members so long as her young people are uninspired. The best summary of youth ministry in our Church today comes from Pope Francis in his first apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. He says:

“Youth ministry, as traditionally organized, has also suffered the impact of social changes. Young people often fail to find responses to their concerns, needs, problems, and hurts in the usual structures. As adults, we find it hard to listen patiently to them, to appreciate their concerns, demands, and to speak to them in a language they can understand. For the same reason, our efforts in the field of education do not produce the results expected.”

In recent years there has been an increase in exodus of many catholic youth from the catholic faith. Some people believe that the structures our Church uses to minister to young people are not meeting their basic needs, and because of this, our young people are failing to become disciples. However, as the landscape of youth culture changes due to modernization, some people feel the Church has a long way to go in adapting to these changes. Today, some catholic parishes are facing a youth crisis — there seem to be a big disconnect between their parish and young people. On the other hand some parishes have been able to harness the potential of their youths by engaging them using carefully planned programmes.

It is worthy of note that the Church cannot retain or reinvigorate her young members so long as her young people are uninspired. The best summary of youth ministry in our Church today comes from Pope Francis in his first apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. He says:

“Youth ministry, as traditionally organized, has also suffered the impact of social changes. Young people often fail to find responses to their concerns, needs, problems, and hurts in the usual structures. As adults, we find it hard to listen patiently to them, to appreciate their concerns, demands, and to speak to them in a language they can understand. For the same reason, our efforts in the field of education do not produce the results expected.”

In this maiden episode of Young Catholic Voices, we discussed issues on COVID-19 & Social Distancing: Lifestyle Changes and Challenges of Christian Worship. We analyzed how COVID-19 has changed the way we worship as Christians, and our other ways of life - culture, lifestyle, how we party, our schooling system, and work life. Finally, the episode provides recommendations for Christians to adapt to the new realities in our environment.