Vatican II and youth 1/^ // Cc^n TV ^ ijouf /j VATICAN // AND YOUTH 1967 First Printing Copyright ! 1967 Youth Department / USCC VATICAN II AND YOUTH Youth Department U. S. Catholic Conference 1312 Massachusetts Ave., N. W. Washington, D. C. 20005 Document translations reprinted from: U. S. Catholic Conference Pamphlet Editions Contents1 Constitution on the Church in the Modem World 1 youth in a changing society 2 cultural education of youth 3 children's response to parents 3 training for marriage 3 need for both parents 4 vocation guidance in the home 5 children without families 5 the family as a teacher 6 use of leisure time 7 civic formation of youth 7 cooperation an aim of education 8 Declaration on Christian Education 8 education for maturity 9 formation of moral values 9 various means of education 10 Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity 1 0 youth to youth apostolate 1 1 communication between generations 1 2 apostolic formation of youth 13 response of youth 14 Decree on the Bishops' Pastorai Office in the Church 14 special care for youth 1 5 Decree on the Media of Social Communication 15 proper use of communication media 16 responsible public authority 1 6 protection of youth 17 Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church 17 education of mission youth 18 Decree on Priestly Life and Ministry 18 priests and youth 18 Council Closing Messages 19 the society of the future 20 the strength and charm of youth CONSTITUTION ON THE CHURCH IN THE MODERN WORLD (Part 1, Introductory Statement, 7) A change in attitudes and in human structures frequently calls accepted values into question, especially among young people, who havegrown impatient on more than one occasion, and indeed become rebels in their distress. Aware of their own influence in the life of society, they want a part in it sooner. This frequently causes parents and educators to experience greater difficulties day by day in discharg- ing their tasks. The institutions, laws and modes of thinking and feeling as handed down from previous generations do not always seem to be well adapted to the con- temporary state of affairs; hence arises an upheaval in the mannerand even thenorms of behavior. Finally, these new conditions have their impact on religion. On the one hand, a more critical ability to distinguish re- ligion from a magical view of the world and from the superstitions which still cir- culate purifies it and exacts day by day a more personal and explicit adherence to faith. As a result many persons are achiev- ing a more vivid sense of God. On the other youth in a changing society 1 hand, growingnumbers of people are aban- doning religion in practice. Unlike former days, the denial of God or of religion, or the abandonment of them, are no longer un- usual and individual occurrences. For to- day it is not rare for such things to be pre- sented as requirements of scientific pro- gress or of a certain new humanism. In numerous places these views are voiced not only in the teachings of philosophers, but on every side they influence literature, the arts, the interpretation of the humani- ties and of history and civil laws them- selves. As a consequence, many people are shaken. (Part I, Chapter II, 31 ) Individual men, in order to discharge with greater exactness the obligations of their conscience toward themselves and the various groups to which they belong, cultural must be carefully educated to a higher de- educatlon gree of culture through the use of the im- of mense resources available today to the hu- youth man race. Above all the education of youth from every social background has to be undertaken, so that there can be produced notonlymen and women of refined talents, but those great-souled persons who are so desperately required by our times. 2 (Part II, Chapter I, 48) As living members of the family, chil- dren contribute in theirownway to making their parents holy. For they will respond to the kindness of their parents with senti- ments of gratitude, with love and trust. They will stand by them as children should when hardships overtake theirparents and old age brings its loneliness. (Part II, Chapter 1, 49) Especially in the heart of their own fami- lies, young people should be aptly and sea- sonably instructed in the dignity, duty and work of married love. Trained thus in the cultivation of chastity, they will be able at a suitable age to enter a marriage of their own after an honorable courtship. (Part II, Chapter I, 52) The family is a kind of school of deeper humanity. But if it is to achieve the full flowering of its life and mission, it needs the kindly communion of minds and the joint deliberation of spouses, as well as the painstaking cooperation of parents in the education of their children. The active pre- sence of the father is highly beneficial to their formation. The children, especially children's response to parents training for marriage need for both parents 3 the younger among them, need the care of theirmother at home. This domestic role of hers must be safely preserved, though the legitimate social progress of women should not be underrated on that account. Children should be so educated that as adults they can follow their vocation, in- cludinga religious one, with amature sense vocation responsibility and can choose their state guidance Qf ijfg. jf marry, they can thereby es- in the tablish their family in favorable moral, home social and economic conditions. Parents or guardians should by prudent advice pro- vide guidance to their young with respect to founding a family, and the young ought to listen gladly. At the same time no pres- sure, direct or indirect, should be put on the young to make them enter marriage or choose a specific partner. Thus the family, in which the various generations come together and help one another grow wiser and harmonize per- sonal rights with the other requirements of social life, is the foundation of society. All those, therefore, who exercise influ- ence over communities and social groups should work effectively for the welfare of marriage and the family. Public authority should regard it as a sacred duty to recog- nize, protect and promote their authentic nature, to shield public morality and to fa- 4 vor the prosperity of home life. The right of parents to beget and educate their children in the bosom of the family must be safeguarded. Children too who unhap- pily lack the blessing of a family should be protected by prudent legislation and vari- ous undertakings and assisted by the help they need. (Part II, Chapter II, 61 ) Today it is more difficult to form h syn- thesis of the various disciplines of know- ledge and the arts than it was formerly. For while the mass and the diversity of cultural factors are increasing, there is a decrease in each man’s faculty of perceiving and uni- fying these things, so that the image of “universal man” is being lost sight of more and more. Nevertheless it remains each man’s duty to preserve an understanding of the whole human person in which the values of intellect, will, conscience and fra- ternity are pre-eminent. These values are all rooted in God the Creator and have been wonderfully restored and elevated in Christ. The family is, as it were, the primary mother and nurse of this education. There, the children, in an atmosphere of love, more easily learn the correct order of children without families the family as a teacher 5 use of leisure time things, while proper forms of human cul- ture impress themselves in an almost un- conscious manner upon the mind of the developing adolescent. Opportunities for the same education are to be found also in the societies of today, due especially to the increased circulation of books and to the new means of cultural and social communication which can foster a universal culture. With the more or less universal reduction of working hours, the leisure time of most men has increased. May this leisure be used properly to relax, to fortify the health of soul and body through spontaneous study and activity, through tourism which refines man’s char- acter and enriches him with understanding of others, through sports activity which helps to preserve an equilibrium of spirit even in the community, and to establish fraternal relations among men of all condi- tions, nations and races. Let Christians co- operate so that the cultural manifestations and collective activity characteristic of our time may be imbued with a human and a Christian spirit. All these leisure activities however can- not bring man to a full cultural develop- ment unless there is at the same time a profound inquiry into the meaning of cul- ture and science for the human person. 6 (Part II, Chapter IV, 75) Greatcare must be taken with regard to civic and political formation, which is of the utmost necessity today for the population as a whole, and especially for youth, so that all citizens can play their part in the life of the political community. Those who are suited or can become suited should pre- parethemselves for the difficult, but at the same time, the very noble art of politics, and should seekto practice this art without regard for their own interests or for mate- rial advantages. With integrity and wis- dom, they must take action against any form of injustice and tyranny, against ar- bitrary domination by an individual or a political party, and any intolerance. They should dedicate themselves to the service of all with sincerity and fairness, indeed, with the charity and fortitude demanded by political life. (Part II, Chapter V, 89) Therefore, to encourage and stimulate cooperation among men, the Church must be clearly present in the midst of the com- munity of nations, both through her offi- cial channels and through the full and sin- cere collaboration of all Christians— a collaboration motivated solely by the de- sire to be of service to all. civic formation of youth cooporation an aim of oducation 7 education for maturity This will come about more effectively if the faithful themselves, conscious of their responsibility as men and as Christians, will exert their influence in their own mi- lieu to arouse a ready willingness to co- operate with the international community. Special care must be given, in both reli- gious and civic education, to the formation of youth in this regard. DECLARATION ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ( 1 ) Therefore children, and young peo- ple must be helped, with the aid of the latest advances in psychology and the arts and science of teaching, to develop harmoniously their physical, moral and intellectual endowments so that they may gradually acquire a mature sense of re- sponsibility in striving endlessly to form their own lives properly and in pursuing true freedom as they surmount the vicis- situdes of life with courage and constancy. Let them be given also, as they advance in years, a positive and prudent sexual education. Moreover they should be so trained to take their part in social life 8 that properly instructed in the necessary and opportune skills they can become actively involved in various commun- ity organizations, open to discourse with others and willing to do their best to pro- mote the common good. This Sacred Synod likewise declares thatchildren and youngpeople have a right to be motivated to appraise moral values with a right conscience, to embrace them with a personal adherence, together with a deeper knowledge and love of God. Conse- quently it earnestly entreats all those who hold a position of public authority or who are in charge of education to see to it that youth is never deprived of this sacred right. It further exhorts the sons of the Church to give their attention with gen- erosity to the entire field of education , hav- ingespecially in mind the need of extending very soon the benefits of a suitable educa- tion and training to everyone in all parts of the world. (4 ) In fulfilling its educational role, the Church, eager to employ all suitable aids, is concerned especially about those which are her very own. Foremost among these is catechetical instruction, which enlight- ens and strengthens the faith, nourishes formation ofmoral values various means of education 9 youth to youth opostolote life according to the spirit of Christ, leads to intelligent and active participation in the liturgical mystery and gives motiva- tion for apostolic activity. The Church esteems highly and seeks to penetrate and ennoble with her own spirit also other aids which belong to the general heritage of man and which are of great influence in formingsouls and moldingmen, such as the media of communication, various groups for mental and physical development, youth associations, and, in particular, schools. DECREE ON THE APOSTOLATE OF THE LAITY (Chapter III, 12) Young persons exert very important in- fluence in modern society. There has been a very great change in the circumstances of their lives, their mental attitudes, and their relationships with their own families. Frequently they move too quickly into a new social and economic status. While their social and even their political impor- tance is growing from day to day, they seem to be unable to cope adequately with the task of assuming new responsibilities. 10 Their heightened influence in society demands of them a proportionate apostolic activity, and their natural qualities also dispose them for this activity. As the awareness of their own personality ma- tures, impelled by azest for life and a ready eagerness they assume their own respon- sibility, and wish to play their part in social and cultural life. If this zeal is imbued with the spirit of Christ and animated by obedi- ence and love for the shepherds of the Church, it can be expected to be very fruit- ful. They themselves must become the firstand immediate apostles of youth exer- cising their apostolate among themselves and through themselves, taking into ac- countthe social environment in which they live. Adults should strive to establish a friendly dialogue with the young which will permit both groups, overcoming the age barrier, to get to know each other and to share with one another the special bene- fits each group has. Adults should stimu- late young persons first by good example to take part in the apostolate, and, if the opportunity presents itself, by offering them prudent advice and effective assis- tance. Young people should cultivate to- ward adults respect and trust, and al- though they are naturally attracted to communi- cation between generations 11 novelties, they should duly appreciate praiseworthy traditions. Children too, have their own apostolic activity. According to their capacities they are true living witnesses of Christ among their companions. (Chapter VI, 30) The training for the apostolate must startwith the children’s earliest education. In a special way, however, adolescents and young persons should be initiated into the apostolic apostolate and imbued with this spirit. formation This formation must be perfected through- of out their whole life in keeping with the de- youth mands of new duties which are assumed. It is evident, therefore, that those charged with providing a Christian education are held to training for the apostolate. In the family, parents have the task of training their children from childhood on to recognize God’s love for all men. By ex- ample especially they should teach them little by little to be solicitous for the mate- rial and spiritual needs of their neighbor. The whole family and its common life, then, should be a sort of apprenticeship for the apostolate. Children mustbetaught, too, that trans- cending the family circle, they may open their minds to the community both eccle- 12 siastical and secular. They should be taken into the local community of the parish in such a way that they will acquire an aware- ness of being living and active members of the People of God. Priests should keep in mind the formation for the apostolate in their catechetics, their ministry of the Word, their direction of souls, and in their other pastoral ministrations. Schools, colleges, and other Catholic educational institutions also have the duty to foster a Catholic sense and apos- tolic activity in young persons. If this formation is lacking either because young people do not attend these schools or be- cause of any other reason, all the more should parents, pastors of souls, and apos- tolic organizations attend to it. Teachers and educators, on the other hand, who carry on an excellent form of the aposto- late of the laity by their vocation and of- fice, should be equipped with the neces- sary learning and pedagogical skill to impart such education effectively. (Exhortation, 33) The most holy Council, then, earnestly entreats all the laity in the Lord to answer gladly, generously, and promptly the voice of Christ giving them a more pressing invi- tation in this hour, and the inspiration of response of youth 13 the Holy Spirit. Younger persons should feel that this call has been directed to them especially and they should respond to it eagerly and generously. Through this holy Synod, the Lord Himself renews His invi- tation to all the laity to be joined more closely to Him every day, considering His interests also their own (Phil. 2:5), to asso- ciate themselves with Him in His salvific mission. Once again He sends them into every town and place where He Himself is aboutto come (cf. Luke 10:1) so that they may show that they are His co-workers in the various forms and modes of the one apostolate of the Church, which must be constantly adapted to the new needs of our times, ever abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that their labor is not in vain in the Lord (cf. 1 Cor. 15:58). DECREE ON THE BISHOPS' PASTORAL OFFICE IN THE CHURCH (Chapter II, 30) special In fulfilling their office as shepherd, care pastors should take pains to know their for own flock. Sincethey are the servants of all yeuth sheep, they should encourage a full Christian life among the individual faithful 14 and also in families, in associations espe- cially dedicated to the apostolate, and in the whole parish community. Therefore, they should visit homes and schools to the extent that their pastoral work demands. They should pay especial attention to ado- lescents and youth. DECREE ON THE MEDIA OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION (Chapter I, 10) Those who make use of the media of communications, especially the young, should take steps to accustom themselves to moderation and self-control in their re- gard. They should, moreover, endeavor to deepen their understanding of what they see, hear or read. They should discuss these matters with their teachers and ex- perts, and learn to pass sound judgments on them. Parents should remember that they have a most serious duty to guard carefully lest shows, publications and other things of this sort, which may be morally harmful, enter their homes or affect their children under other circum- stances. proper use ofcommu- nication media 15 (Chapter 1,12) The public authority, in these matters, is bound by special responsibilities in view of the common good, to which these media are ordered. The same authority has, in virtue of its office, the duty of protecting and safeguarding true and just freedom of responsible information, a freedom that is totally nec- pubUc essary for the welfare of contemporary eutbority society, especially when it is a question of freedom of the press. It ought also to encourage spiritual values, culture and the fine arts and guarantee the rights of those who wish to use the media. Moreover, public authority has the duty of helping those projects which, though they are cer- tainly most beneficial for young people, cannot otherwise be undertaken. Lastly, the same public authority, which legitimately concerns itself with the health of the citizenry, is obliged, through the pro- mulgation and careful enforcement of laws , protection to exercise a fitting and careful watch lest of grave damage befall public morals and the youth welfare of society through the base use of these media. Such vigilance in no wise re- stricts the freedom of individuals or groups, especially where there is a lack of adequate precaution on the part of those who are professionally engaged in using these media. 16 Special care should be taken to safe- guard young people from printed matter and performances which may be harmful at their age. DECREE ON THE MISSION AC- TIVITY OF THE CHURCH (Chapter II, 1 2) Let Christians labor and collaborate with others in rightly regulating the af- fairs of social and economic life. With spe- cial care, let them devote themselves to the education of children and young people by means of different kinds of schools, which should be considered not only as the most excellent means of forming and developing Christian youth, but also as a valuable pub- lic service, especially in the developing nations, working toward the uplifting of human dignity, and toward better living conditions. Furthermore, let them take part in the strivings of those peoples who, waging war on famine, ignorance, and dis- ease, are struggling to better their way of life and to secure peace in the world. In this activity, the faithful should be eager to offer prudent aid to projects sponsored by public and private organizations, by gov- ernments, by various Christian communi- ties, and even by non-Christian religions. education of mission youth 17 DECREE ON PRIESTLY LIFE AND MINISTRY priests and youth (Chapter II, 6) Although he has obligations toward all men, a priest has the poor and the lowlier entrusted to him in a special way. The Lord Himself showed that He was united to them, and the fact that the gospel was preached to them is mentioned as a sign of Messianic activity. With special diligence, priests should look after youth as well as married people and parents. It is desirable that each of these groups join together in friendly associations and thereby help one another act more easily and adequately as Christians in a condition of life which is often demanding. COUNCIL CLOSING MESSAGES Lastly, it is to you, young men and wo- men of the world, that the council wishes to address its final message. For it is you who are to receive the torch from the hands of your elders and to live in the world at the period of the most gigantic transformation ever realized in its history. It is you who, receiving the best of the example of the 18 teaching of your parents and your teach- ers, are to form the society of tomorrow. You will either save yourselves or you will perish with it. For four years the Church has been working to rejuvenate her image in order to respond the better to the design of her Founder, the great Living One, the Christ who is eternally young. At the term of this imposing re-examination of life, she now turns to you. It is for you, youth, especially foryouthat the Church now comes through her council to enkindle your light which illuminates the future, your future. The Church is anxious that this society that you are going to build up should respect the dignity, the liberty and the rights of indi- viduals. These individuals are you. The Church is particularly anxious that this society should allow free expansion to her treasure ever ancient and ever new, namely faith, and that your souls may be able to bask freely in its helpful light. She has confidence that you will find such strength and such joy that you will not be tempted, as were some of your elders, to yield to the seductions of egoistic or hedon- istic philosophies or to those of despair and annihilation, and that in the face of atheism, aphenomenon of lassitude and old age, you will know how to affirm your faith in life the society of the future 19 and in what gives meaning to life, that is to say, the certitude of the existence of a just and good God. It is in the name of this God and His Son, Jesus, that we exhort you to open your hearts to the dimensions of the world, to heed the appeal of your brothers, to place your youthful energies at their service. Fight against all egoism. Refuse to give free course to the instincts of violence and hatred which beget wars and all their train of miseries. Be generous, pure, respectful and sincere, and build in enthusiasm a bet- ter world than your elders had. The Church looks to you with confidence and with love. Rich with a long past ever living in her, and marching on toward hu- man perfection in time and the ultimate the strength destinies of history and of life, the Church and charm jg real youth of the world. She possesses of youth what constitutes the strength and the charm of youth, that is to say, the ability to rejoice with what is beginning, to give one- self unreservedly, to renew one’s self and to set out again for new conquests. Look upon the Church andyou will find in her the face of Christ, the genuine, humble and wise Hero, the prophet of truth and love, the companion and friend of youth. It is in the^ame of Christ that we salute you, that we exhort and bless you. (Translation by NC News Service) 20