Now that we have an understanding of the Vision of the Youth Apostolate at SHM it will be easier to understand the “Mission” for the Youth here at SHM.
MISSION:
As the youth mature in their Faith they will be able to bring “all men that light of Christ, which shines out visibly from the Church.”(Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, No.1). This mission is fulfilled by conforming one’s will to the will of God, and thereby fulfilling the end for which the parish of Sacred Heart of Mary exists; a sanctuary of sanctity.
Mission means “to be sent” and the youth are presented with a very specific opportunity to affect the world we live in. Each person carries the experience of their faith into their world, and through the sharing of their experiences, they uniquely affect those people in that moment of time.
Since the light of Christ is the love of the Father, it is God’s will to invite all people into his family; the sanctuary away from the fallen state of use, materialism and individualism. Through the Sacramental celebrations of the Church we dwell in the Father’s love so that our hearts and lives are orientated towards service, charity and community. It is the Holy Spirit himself who imparts the grace to grow in sanctity/holiness so that we may bring… the light of Christ to our world. “It is not a question of carrying out heroic or extraordinary gestures, but of acting, by putting to good use one’s talents and possibilities, and committing to constantly progress in faith and love.” (Pope Benedict XVI World Youth Day Message 2010).
Here at SHM the youth will be given the opportunity to know, experience and grow closer to God (the end for which the parish exists) so that they in turn will invite others to share in the joy that they have found, a sanctuary of sanctity. As one friend to another they will present Christ’s invitation to the world they live in, “Come, follow me” (Mark 10:21) bringing the light of Christ to all men which comes through the Church and her Sacraments.
danmcgarvey
georgeketchel
