Miejsce i rola młodzieży w parafii

Abstract

As required by the pastoral method, the question is answered in three parts. The first, normative part discusses the official model contained in the Church magisterium. Like all members of the Church, young people, too, have a position of their own in the parish determined by the sacraments they receive. One’s position in the community defines one’s role. The role of young people can be represented in terms of the mutual rights and obligations of the parish and of the young. These rights and obligations are put into practice in the concrete environment of the modern parish, which undergoes constant change. Changes affect young people as well as their pastors, and they occur not only in the socio-economic sphere but also in the field of culture. Pastoral work must keep pace with the changes. Hence, the third part comprises a number of practical pastoral postulates addressed to those in change of pastoral work. We must strive to overcome the pastors, distrust of the young generation, since a young man usually has a critical attitude to contribute that makes progress possible. We must not forget, either, that despite the hierarchic order of the Church, the principle of auxiliarity ought to be applied. Owing to that principle, it is possible to preserve the identity of each group of parishioners, including that of young people, who are often ignored because of their age and inexperience.