Youth Speak News

Pope Francis accepts offertory gifts during the opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct 3. Among those presenting the gifts was Emilie Callan, a synod delegate from Canada, pictured with the young adults second from left.

Youth Speak News team recaps the Youth Synod

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From Oct. 3-28, our YSN reporting team followed the discussions taking place in Rome at the Synod of Bishops on young people. Below, a few members from across the country share their own thoughts. 

Above, Larry Clifford, left, accepted the CEFO Medal of Honour on his father’s behalf with some friends and family.

Fr. Fogarty dinner honours Catholic education pioneer

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Frank Clifford based his life on three things: faith, family and friends. 

Speaking Out: Give young people the benefit of doubt

Speaking Out: Give young people the benefit of doubt

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There is a misconception that teenagers will always jump at an opportunity to do wrong. This is based on the stereotype that teens are up to no good. 

Speaking Out: The highs and lows of my faith

Speaking Out: The highs and lows of my faith

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I have left the Church many times, but now I can say with certainty that I will remain with the one, holy, Catholic and apostolic Church for the rest of my life.

Canadian synod collaborators Prevain Devendran, left, and Allyson Kenny leave a session of the synod Oct 5.

Youth looking for leaders to steer the right course

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VATICAN – The Catholic Church must be a place of justice and mercy, and its members must be catalysts for change, some young observers have told the Synod of Bishops.

Renew Toronto participants sing during praise and worship before Holy Adoration at St. Basil’s Parish at University of St. Michael’s College.

Toronto attracts hundreds with first young adults conference

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Khristine Florend is ready to be a true witness to her faith after attending Toronto’s first-ever young adult conference.

As I went on with life at a secular university, I began to question if institutional religion had anything to offer me, Andrea Dsouza writes.

Speaking Out: Can the institutional church speak to the unique way I experience God?

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I grew up far away from my current home in Vancouver. My parents, Mauro and Gertrude Dsouza, made their home in Bangalore, India, and my childhood was filled with storybooks, swimming pools, piano classes and ballet lessons. Not to forget about school! 

Young women carry a March for Life banner at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Ontario passed bubble zone legislation last fall that forbids pro-life protesters inside a 50-meter zone around abortion clinics.

Speaking Out: Living my pro-life identity

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“Hi, my name is Gabriela Pariseau and I am an American pro-life Catholic.”

Terri Pauco, middle, poses with fellow youth ministers at OCY’s youth training day in Toronto.

St. Catharines takes up youth ministry momentum

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ST. CATHARINES, Ont. – It’s a fascinating time to be a young Catholic.

Cardinals and bishops attend the opening session of the Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment at the Vatican Oct 3.

Speaking Out: Staying faithful amidst a crisis

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Scrolling through my Facebook the past two months as the terrible scandals in the Catholic Church unraveled, my news feed was filled with commentary both disturbing and sad.

A young man asks a panel of Canadian bishops how youth should deal with the Church's sex abuse crisis. As part of the day’s sessions at St. Michael Catholic Community Parish, young people had the opportunity to ask questions of a panel comprised of Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith, Grouard-McLennan Archbishop Gérard Pettipas and Calgary Bishop William McGrattan. 

Calgary's One Rock 2.0 festival inspires youth to evangelize under cloud of abuse crisis

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CALGARY – Maddie Catling is ready to be a Catholic warrior for the Church. 

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