Laity Marriage Family Life and Youth Committee Mandate

The Committee assists the bishops, both collectively and individually, in responding to the faith issues of lay men and women, married couples and families, lay ecclesial ministers, and young people in our pluralistic and culturally diverse society. The committee assists the bishops to promote the evangelization and faith formation of these persons, leading them toward a deeper commitment to Christ and his Church in society.

This mandate includes the following areas of responsibility: Laity in the world and the Church, including the concerns of women and men; lay ecclesial ministry; youth/young adults; marriage, family life, and natural family planning.

KEY MISSION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Communicating and applying Church teachings about the Christian roles and responsibilities of laity in marriage and family life, work, community, and civic/political involvement—with attention given to the needs of women and men
2. Providing national leadership, including consultation and resources for dioceses, on pastoral and public policy issues that concern marriage and family life
3. Assisting dioceses through education, training, and other resources to provide services and to maintain standards in the teaching of natural family planning
4. Studying issues related to lay ecclesial ministry and providing leadership resources for bishops and dioceses, colleges and universities, and the national associations responsible for the formation and utilization of lay ecclesial ministers
5. Fostering the participation of young people in the life of the Church through leadership that sustains a comprehensive vision of youth ministry
6. Providing leadership and national direction, including consultation and resources, for dioceses and for national leadership networks in ministry with youth and young adults
7. Collaborating with those committees and offices of the Conference that bring the perspectives and concerns of other cultures and people with special pastoral needs
8. Communicating and convening national groups, ecclesial movements, and diocesan leadership to form and empower Catholic laity, and to facilitate dialogue
9. Cooperating with universities, institutes, and organizations that address questions of faith and culture, lay leadership, and discipleship to evangelize society

KEY MISSION RELATIONSHIPS

1. With related Conference committees and USCCB-related organizations
2. With bishops and diocesan offices
3. With the Holy See and other episcopal conferences, particularly for World Youth Day
4. With international and national church associations, ecclesial movements, and ministerial networks for marriage and family life, youth/young adults, and lay ecclesial ministry