Canada: Bishops issue Pastoral Letter to Young People

The Most Rev. Raymond Poisson, President of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), has issued a Pastoral Letter to Young People, dated 12 October 2022 in honour of the anniversary of the death of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first beatified millennial. This Letter is meant to inspire young Catholics to live their faith in an extraordinary way, encouraging them to strive toward holiness, and assuring them of the steadfast support and accompaniment of their Bishops along their individual journeys of faith.

This Pastoral Letter responds to the CCCB's virtual conversations with over 200 young people from across Canada, between the ages 12 to 25, held in the fall of 2020. The Pastoral Letter was drafted by the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis and the Office for Family and Life, at the request of the Executive Committee. It received input from youth ministry specialists, the Episcopal Commission for Evangelization and Catechesis, the Episcopal Commission for Doctrine, and the Standing Committee for Family and Life. The Permanent Council approved the Pastoral Letter at its June 2022 meeting.

The Letter is addressed to young Catholics. It can be used for individual reflection, as well as in group settings, such as parish or diocesan/eparchial youth groups, schools, families, ecclesial movements and associations, and faith-based communities. The Pastoral Letter may also serve as a tool and resource for pastoral coordinators, youth group leaders, teachers, and anyone who accompanies young people in the faith.

The Letter is now available on the CCCB website, along with a video and other resources HERE