In the JCEP there are already networks that gather people who work pastorally with youth, but each dealing with one area or aspect of that work. There was a need for looking at, reflecting, and promoting, at a higher level, all apostolate directed to young adults.

It is a demand that comes directly from the Universal Apostolic Preferences. Not just from the third one – accompanying young people – but from each of the other, too: the care for our common home is something of particular interest to young people, they are the ones who are going live in it; poverty and exclusion affects in the direst ways the young; as they search for meaning in their lives they need to be shown the way to God.

After a decision by the Major Superior of the Conference, on February 10th, in a meeting online, a new network formally started. It gathers the Coordinators/Delegates for Young Adult Ministry from each Province. It is not so much a group to do things, but a forum to share information about and evaluate all that is going on, to support each other in this common mission, to think and discern together in a space of mutual inspiration, to develop greater coordination and maybe to plan some joint actions.

The mission and identity of the group will be deepened and clarified progressively, as it will look for a clearer definition of what a Jesuit Young Adult Ministry should look like today. A Steering Committee is in the process of being formed to assume the responsibility of moving forward this new JCEP Network.

Herminio Rico sj. – JCEP Socius