Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy recently hosted the Birmingham Archdiocese Kenelm Youth Trust for a consultation on the upcoming Synod in Rome on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.

“I wanted you to be the centre of attention, because you are in my heart” wrote Pope Francis in his letter to Young People for the presentation of the Preparatory Document of the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

The Holy Father has encouraged us not to be afraid to listen to the Spirit who proposes bold choices. The invitation is to listen to Him, and take action, follow the Master. “The Church also wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith;” he continues in the same document, “even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities and let it be heard by your shepherds of souls.”

The pope’s invitation has been accepted and put into practice in many dioceses, through different events and online consultations, in preparation for the Synod in October.

The Archdiocese of Birmingham, through Kenelm Youth Trust, has organised three think-tanks one in the north of the diocese (Trent Vale), one in the south (Oxford) and one in Birmingham itself, in the next couple of weeks.

On the 13th March, students gathered at the Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy to respond to questions about their lives and their faith put to them by members of the Kenelm Youth Team. Times of group reflection throughout the evening enabled the participants to share their experiences of living their faith in our contemporary society.

The conversations were centred around three areas: ‘Who am I?’, ‘My view of the world’, and ‘My response to struggles and suffering’. Both the challenges and the joys of faith were brought to the fore throughout the discussion.

For many, faith is an anchor, a source of hope and an assurance of truth; a motivating force which compels them to strive actively for the common good; something beautiful and consoling which they wish to share with their peers. For some, however, faith is a challenge.

Students shared openly their doubts and uncertainties, and acknowledged the struggle to live an authentic Christian life in our increasingly secular, often hostile, world. Brought together in small groups, the students were able not just to acknowledge these struggles, but to encourage and support one another.

Jimmy Mitchell from the United States, founder of Love Good Culture, gave his own testimony, and spoke about the importance of sharing beauty, since beauty both manifests and leads to Truth.

The evening sparked engaging and dynamic conversation, which the Oxford University Catholic Chaplaincy team are sure will continue until and beyond the Synod in October. Becky Short, Assistant Chaplain, commented, ‘We await feedback from the meeting of Bishops in Rome with great anticipation!’