First Friday Akron program examines what young people are seeking from the Church

What does the young Church want?

Bishop Edward Malesic posed that question to those attending the Oct. 3 program offered by the First Friday Club of Greater Akron. During a recent visit to Saint Ignatius High School, he was asked to speak about justice. He told the students that if they miss Mass on Sunday, they create an injustice to God, something many had not realized.

The bishop said he often encounters older people who are upset because their children no longer attend Mass and their grandchildren aren’t baptized or churchgoers. “They are concerned about the salvation of their souls,” he said.

But, the bishop also acknowledged that not all young people can find a home in the Church. Catholics are not good at welcoming people, he said, noting many other denominations are much better about it.

At last year’s Rite of Election and Continuing Conversion, he said more than 1,000 people expressed their desire to join the Church or come into full communion. He said people are seeking what we have: the true faith. Many young people are attracted to the pope, who is a touchstone to St. Peter.

“Come and go are two important words in Scripture. Come and see, go and tell,” the bishop said.

He noted that the congregation at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Cleveland is changing with more younger people in the pews. He said the diocese participated in a recent survey that examined why people are becoming Catholic. “The survey lets us hear from people making the journey. Many said they are seeking a deeper relationship with God … There are many ‘truths’ out there, but there is only one real ‘truth.’ We don’t change with the opinion polls … I try to live by the mind of Jesus,” the bishop said

He shared what he labels as seven truths – the things people are seeking.

The first is authenticity because he said young people know when others are being honest. Being authentic doesn’t mean being perfect but we must be honest about the need for God’s mercy. “We’re a group of recovering sinners,” the bishop said.

Second, young people are seeking a sense of belonging and community, which can be found in the Church.

Third, is beauty, which can be found in the liturgy and in many church buildings, religious art and images.

Fourth is the challenge to follow Jesus. “We follow a ‘radical’ Gospel that makes us look different. God loves you as you are, but he loves you so much that he doesn’t want you to stay as you are. He wants you to be saints … Seventy-seven percent of the survey respondents said they wanted to grow in faith and virtue,” Bishop Malesic said.

Fifth is good liturgy, “People deserve our best at every Mass,” he said.

The sixth “truth” is service. The bishop said young people want to help others. “They get it, even when sometimes we don’t.”

And finally, the bishop said truth is what young people want. “We have a catechism … They don’t worry about what my opinion is. What matters is what the Church says … Doubt is OK, but it’s bad when you don’t look for the answer … Science tell part of the story. Religion tells the rest,” he added.

“Jesus tells us, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’ and the truth will set us free … Young people want sincere friendships, they are moved by beauty and they want the truth on which to build a life.”

Chris Larson, president and CEO, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland, will address the First Friday Club at its Nov. 6 lunchtime program at Our Lady of the Cedars in Fairlawn. Cost is $25. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 330-535-7668 or email ffcoga@gmail.com.