Faith is an Adventure

The Catholic faith teaches that every young person is created deliberately by God, loved beyond measure, and called to a meaningful life. As the Catechism reinforces:

“The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, (CCC 27)

Faith is not simply something you inherit, it’s something you discover and grow into. God does not ask you to be perfect. He simply invites you to walk with Him.

What Does It Mean to Be a Young Catholic?

To be a young Catholic is not to live without questions or struggles, but to live with Christ beside you in them.

• Learning to pray, even when life is messy
• Choosing kindness when it’s difficult
• Standing up for what is right when others don’t
• Trusting that God has a plan, even when you cannot see it
• Knowing that mistakes do not define you, God’s love does

God has chosen you for this time in history. Your strengths, personality, humour, creativity, and dreams are all part of His plan. YOU ARE PERFECT in the eyes Lord.

What the Catholic Faith Offers Teenagers

The faith offers you a relationship with Jesus Christ, not as an idea, but as a living friend and Saviour. It gives you strength through the Sacraments, support through the Church community, and meaning through a life rooted in truth, love, and service.

“The Holy Spirit bestows upon each the gifts needed to build up the Church and benefit the world.” CCC 798–801

Growing in Faith, Step by Step

Prayer

Prayer does not need perfect words. Speak to God honestly, your hopes, worries, frustrations, and excitement. Invite hime to examine your heart.

Scripture

Reading the Gospels helps you know Jesus as a real person who loves you and understands your life. Seek and Ye Shall Find!

Mass

The Eucharist is the heart of the Catholic faith. Receiving Christ fills you with grace and spiritual strength.

Reconciliation (Confession)

Confession is not about judgement, it is about healing, mercy, and freedom.

Friendship & Community

Faith grows stronger with other people. Good Catholic friendships lift you up and encourage you.

Spiritual Exercise

The more you exercise, the stronger and fitter you become. Fith works in a similar way.

When Questions or Doubts Arise

Doubts do not mean your faith is weak, they mean you are thinking and growing. Questions are welcome in the Catholic Church.

“Understanding is the reward of faith.” St Augustine

If you have questions or difficulties, you are never alone. You can speak to a priest, youth leader, teacher, or trusted Catholic adult, and you will be listened to with respect. Never remain silent if something is bothering you.

Discovering Your Vocation

Your vocation is the purpose God created you for. It may be marriage and family life, priesthood, religious life, generous service to others, or a profession that brings goodness to the world. Your vocation is where your deepest joy meets the world’s deepest need.

When Faith Is Hard

Young Catholics sometimes face challenges such as anxiety, loneliness, self-doubt, family difficulties, grief, or confusion about the future. God does not abandon you in these moments. Christ knows suffering, fear, and sadness, and He walks with you through them.

Where to Find Support (Signposting)

• Parish youth ministry / youth groups
• Fr Stephen Whatson for confidential support and guidance
• Diocese youth retreats and events
• Catholic school/college chaplaincy
• Catholic podcasts and online youth resources
• Catholic societies at university (for the future)

A Final Message for our Young Catholics

You are not an observer, you are a disciple of Christ. You are not only the Church of tomorrow, you are the Church today.

“Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. The world needs who you were made to be.” St John Paul II

Your journey into faith is only just beginning, and it is a journey worth everything. Christ believes in you, loves you, and walks beside you always - You have the greatest frind in Jesus.