"Sometimes when we look at the young, with the problems and weaknesses that characterize them in contemporary society, we tend to be pessimistic. The Jubilee of Young People however changed that, telling us that young people, whatever their possible ambiguities, have a profound longing for those genuine values which find their fullness in Christ.......

If Christ is presented to young people as he really is, they experience him as an answer that is convincing and they can accept his message, even when it is demanding and bears the mark of the Cross. For this reason, in response to their enthusiasm, I did not hesitate to ask them to make a radical choice of faith and life and present them with a stupendous task: to become "morning watchmen" at the dawn of the new millennium. (cf. Is 21:11-12)"

In our archdiocese, we are trying to understand what it means for us to become a community of faith, justice and love in the twenty-first century.

The Diocesan Youth Commission works to support a movement of young people aged 12 to 25 making the radical choice that John Paul II describes. We also provide ongoing support for parish youth ministry and pastoral initiatives with Catholic secondary school pupils.