Vatican City, Oct 5, 2018 / 06:46 am
A young U.S. Catholic participating in the 2018 Synod of Bishops said he hopes the Vatican meeting is a starting point for implementing change within the local dioceses and for raising the importance of positive Catholic role models.
For whatever reason young people may leave the Church, "the need is for positive examples of the faith," Jonathan Lewis told CNA Oct. 5.
"I see the need for us to have in each of our parish communities – it can't just be one parish in each diocese, it has to be in every community – relationships of love, friendship, and mentorship to walk with young people at every step of faith."
Lewis, 32, is an auditor to the synod – one of 34 young adults appointed by Pope Francis to participate in a meeting of bishops from around the world, discussing young adults, the faith, and vocational discernment.