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National Youth Sunday 2009 took for its inspiration this year’s World Youth Day message entitled “We have set our hope on the living God” (1 Tim 4:10).
This website features resources used to celebrate Christ the King on Sunday 22nd November 2009. It will remain live for your use and eventually be the place to find resources for National Youth Sunday 2010.
Check our News / events and Multimedia pages on the left for reports of National Youth Sunday 2009 across England & Wales. Your feedback is welcome. Be sure to follow us on Twitter!
Pope Benedict addresses young people on the theme of hope, saying that although youth is “a special time of hope”, it can also be marked by a “crisis of hope” when difficulties threaten to overwhelm us. He encourages young people to follow the example of St Paul in being “witnesses of hope”, placing our hope in Christ, the living God. Christ is the great hope to which we all aspire and who never disappoints.
The feast of Christ the King invites us to reflect on the nature of the Kingdom of God, and challenges us to live as citizens of a kingdom “not of this world” (John 18:36). What is distinctive about Christ’s kingship? Jesus says that “all who are on the side of truth listen to my voice” (John 18:37). What does it mean to listen to this voice today? How do we act on its promptings to bring about the Kingdom of God here and now?
Reflect
A one-stop shop for the lectionary readings and a brilliant personal message from the Pope to all young people. Discussion points to help you go deeper.
Prepare
Ways to respond to the challenges posed by Christ in the Gospel, and Pope Benedict in his letter. Time out with the Lord and info on His saints.
Celebrate
Clear, practical guidelines for bringing our best to God in worship for the feast of Christ the King. “How-to” resources for the Mass.
Witness
Resources offering creative ways to live and share our faith, motivated by Christ the great Hope. Practical expressions of witness in the world.
National Youth Sunday is an initiative of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales.