Care provided to young people
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the concept of youth care from an ecclesiastical perspective, emphasizing that true care for young people begins from childhood and continues through all stages of growth. He highlights the importance of understanding the youth’s mindset and needs, and offering balanced care that includes spiritual, cultural, and social dimensions.
🌟 Key spiritual and educational points
1. Care begins before youth
His Holiness clarifies that any deviation in youth is often rooted in neglect during childhood or adolescence, so care must be continuous and gradual.
2. The influence of the surrounding environment
He stresses the need to follow up on the youth’s friendships and the environment they live in: school, family, society, and church—because all these shape their personality.
3. The Church’s role in creating holy friendships
He praises church clubs, university groups, and Sunday schools because they provide a safe environment and healthy relationships under the Church’s pastoral care.
4. Respecting the youth’s mentality
He notes that the times have changed, and young people now have a broader mindset due to technology, so the curricula must match their intellectual and cultural level.
5. Dialogue rather than dictation
He warns against the method of absolute refusal (“forbidden, end of discussion”) and emphasizes the need for calm dialogue, explanation, and persuasion while respecting the youth’s mind.
6. Filling free time constructively
He stresses that free time is one of the greatest dangers facing youth, so they must be engaged in beneficial activities: sports, arts, music, appropriate drama, along with spiritual activities.
7. Discovering and developing talents
He calls for not suppressing the youth’s talents but rather refining and directing them toward goodness, whether their talents are artistic, literary, or musical, ensuring they remain within the frame of faith.
8. Sound and diverse culture
He stresses offering beneficial and diverse culture: history, medicine and health, general politics, archaeology, influential figures, and warning them against harmful materials or useless stories.
9. Moral education and behavioral boundaries
He emphasizes teaching values: self-control, proper use of freedom, avoiding anger and emotional reactions, and treating others with love and respect.
10. Gradual spiritual guidance
He confirms that spiritual practices must be given gradually, because burdening the youth with what exceeds their capacity may lead them to withdraw.
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