Paul was speaking on the fourth aim of Youth Ministry. 

 

"Prophetic witness of Christ, calling the world and the Church to a renewal of faith, hope and love"

 

He was a little concerned that he had gone overboard with slides. If he was nervous about speaking.

 

He decided to focus on the word witness. Paul's presentation was suddenly interrupted with music though initially most people thought it was meant to be part of the presentation as it fitted right in.

 

Paul spoke on what he believed Pope Francis wanted to say to us and what Pope Francis would want for us.

 

• Are we living life to the full?
• Are we truly using our gifts?
• Are we living life in the middle lane?
• Are we prepared to use everything for the greater glory of God.?

 

Paul spoke how a prayer by Cardinal Newman's had become meaningful to him :

 

 

God has created me to do Him some definite service.

He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another.

I have my mission.

I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.

I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.

He has not created me for naught. I shall do good;

I shall do His work.

I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place,

while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments.

Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away.

If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him.

If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain.

He knows what He is about.

He may take away my friends.

He may throw me among strangers.

He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me.

Still, He knows what He is about.

 

God wants us to serve the poor. We are capable of great things for God.

 

Paul also quoted Pope Francis from World Youth Day in Rio. 

 

He then quoted a statistic he had learnt at the Northern Catholic Conference.  92% of the world had heard of Coca Cola but only 52 or 53% have heard of Jesus Christ.  He then explored why that was and said it is our job to spread the joy of our faith. 

 

Recalling that it was the eve of the feast of Corpus Christi he said We are not alone we are a team together one body in Christ.

 

We have to help people in need, reach out to those in pain, welcome new people when we see them.

 

Paul explained how confronting bigotry in his own life has helped his faith to grow. 

We have to be open to the Holy Spirit. 

 

With Jesus' help we can all make a difference.

 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace

 

                                                                                                         1  Peter 4:10

 

We need Jesus but Jesus needs us as Pope Francis tells us

The Lord needs you, young people, for his Church

My friends, the Lord needs you!

 

                                                                      Pope Francis, 2013, World Youth Day Vigil

 

He finished with asking all to join in a short prayer.

 

To listen to the whole of Paul's speech watch the video below. Apologies for the delay of about 7 seconds before the video starts.