Last week at their annual June Plenary Assembly in Louisville, Ky., the bishops of the United States voted on a national pastoral framework to guide ministries with youth and young adults. The document, “Listen, Teach, Send,” is intended for use by pastors, ministry leaders, and families.

While an overwhelming number of bishops voted in favor of approving the framework during the plenary session, the measure initially fell two votes short of meeting the required two-thirds majority of the Conference membership to pass. Consequently, bishops eligible to vote who were not present at the time were contacted this week with an opportunity to cast their vote. As of close of business on Monday, June 17, ten additional votes were secured for the measure to pass with 188 in favor, 4 against, and 4 abstentions.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth developed the framework in response to “Christus vivit,” issued by Pope Francis in 2019 following the Synod on Young People. The framework is a result of extensive listening and dialogue with youth, young adults, and ministry leaders across the United States.

Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester cited the Emmaus story (Lk 24:13-35) as inspiration for developing the framework. “Jesus gave us a wonderful example of how to accompany youth and young adults on their paths of life through the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus," he said. "Like the Lord on the road to Emmaus, we first listen to stories, joys, and concerns... We respond with dynamic teaching that shares Christ's light... And finally... send [the young] forth to follow God’s call."

The primary audiences for this national framework are pastors, ministry leaders, and families. Key goals include revitalizing ministries with teenagers and young adults within Catholic faith communities and renewing intergenerational accompaniment in families.

In addition to approving this framework, bishops affirmed an introductory letter addressed directly to youth and young adults encouraging deeper engagement with Catholic faith.

The promulgation coincides with Christus vivit’s fifth anniversary but is not unprecedented; past documents addressing ministry with adolescents or youth include: “A Vision for Youth Ministry” (1976), “Empowered by Spirit” (1985), “Sons and Daughters of Light” (1996), “Renewing Vision” (1997), among others.

The full text of "Listen, Teach, Send" along with accompanying resources will be available on USCCB's website: https://www.usccb.org/topics/youth-and-young-adult-ministries.

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