Catholic Church leaders outline new pastoral priorities and youth initiatives

The Pastoral Council of the Ouvidoria dos Fenais de Vera Cruz has established 13 commitments aimed at renewing pastoral action and increasing lay participation. Following an 11-day visit by the Bishop of Angra, the council prioritized strengthening family and youth ministries, creating support systems for young people, and enhancing Christian formation through a new School of Formation.

Key measures include fostering cooperation between parishes via inter-parochial teams in areas such as liturgy, catechesis, and social pastoral work. The council also plans to renew leadership structures by rotating members who have completed three terms and encouraging new participants to join parish economic and pastoral councils.

In a separate religious observance, the National Youth Day was celebrated in Barretos, Brazil. Led by Bishop Dom Milton Kenan Júnior, the event focused on the theme ‘Go, young person, and rebuild my Church!’ to encourage youth protagonism and strengthen their involvement in the Church’s evangelizing mission.