Seminar on the upcoming Synod of Bishops 2018 for the Youth

12 November 2017 (Abu Dhabi). 

A one-day seminar, organised by the Vicariate Young Adults Ministry (YAM) takes place in the Parish Hall of St. Joseph's Cathedral, Abu Dhabi on Friday 17 November 2017 from 9 am to 4 pm. The seminar is aimed at preparing young people of the Vicariate for the upcoming Synod of Bishops on "Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment" which will take place in October 2018. 

Around 50 young people from all the parishes of the Vicariate are expected to take part in the seminar. During the day, the participants will listen to a panel discussion, go through the Preparatory Document of the Synod and take part in group discussions. The seminar will conclude with the Eucharist at 3 pm presided by H.E. Bishop Paul Hinder, the Apostolic Vicar. 

In preparation for a synod, it is the usual practice of the Church to consult the people of God. But this is the first time that the Church has put an online survey, seeking direct input from the public. All young people aged 16-29, "regardless of faith or religious belief" are encouraged by the Church to take part in the online survey. The Church seeks to gather the responses and to better understand the lives, attitudes and concerns of 16 to 29 year olds around the world. 

Earlier this year, Ms. Caroline Kate Montefrio from Dubai represented the Vicariate at a Seminar held in Rome from 11-15 September in preparation for the Synod. The synod on youth will be looking for ways the church can best and most effectively evangelize young people and help them make life choices corresponding to God's plan and the good of the person.

Useful links: 
Official website of the Synod
Preparatory Document
Online questionnaire

Dates to note: 
30 November: Online survey closes
19-24 March 2018: Pre-synodal meeting with young people from across the world from 19 to 24 March 2018