Documents from our Bishops
Renewing the Vision: A
Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry builds on the fine tradition begun by
the 1976 document, A Vision of Youth
Ministry. To respond to the new challenges and opportunities of our day the
Catholic bishops of the United States offer this document as a blueprint for
the continued development of effective ministry with young and older adolescents.
In 1996, on the eve of the third millennium, the bishops of the
United States promulgated "Sons and Daughters of the Light," a document
on
pastoral ministry to young adults. Young adults, who range from 18-39
years of
age, make up a large part of the Church and have the potential to
contribute
greatly toward the Christian mission. Noting that outreach to young
adults has been largely neglected in the past, and that young
adults provide a valuable and unique perspective to and for ministry
that must
be seriously considered, the U.S. bishops aimed to create a strategic
plan to
integrate young adults into the life of the Church in America, by taking
into
careful consideration the various stages of life and circumstances in
which young adults
find themselves.
By our baptism, Catholics are committed to following Jesus Christ and to
be "salt for the earth, light for the nations." As the Catechism of the
Catholic Church reminds us, "It is necessary that all participate,
according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This
is inherent in the dignity of the human person ... As far as possible
citizens should take an active part in public life" (nos. 1913-1915).
Labor Day gives us the chance to see how work in America
matches up to the lofty ideals of our Catholic tradition. Pope Francis says that work "is
fundamental to the dignity of a person.... [It] 'anoints' us with dignity,
fills us with dignity, makes us similar to God... gives one the ability to
maintain oneself, one's family, [and] to contribute to the growth of one's own
nation." Labor Day Statements are important for young people because unemployment affects them most of all. For more Labor Day Statements and to learn more about the dignity of work, visit the USCCB's human life and dignity web page.
"Economic decisions have human consequences and moral content; they help or hurt people, strengthen or weaken family life, advance or diminish the quality of justice in our land.This letter is a personal invitation to Catholics to use the resources of our faith, the strength of our economy, and the opportunities of our democracy to shape a society that better protects the dignity and basic rights of our sisters and brothers, both in this land and around the world."(Paragraph 1 & 2)
A follow up to "Economic Justice for All" that evaluates the impact our economy has had on the people of God a decade since
Economic Justice for All was published.
Other Documents from our Bishops
U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults
Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord
Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us
Living as a Missionary Disciples- coming soon!
Documents from the Vatican
The preparatory document looks at the current global situation, the lives of young people in the modern world, and the process of walking with young people as they discern their personal "vocation of love." It ends with a questionnaire about young people and vocational discernment, inviting responses that will be incorporated into a working document for the October 2018 synod.
The Vatican has released a series of foundational documents pertaining to the establishment of World Youth Day
Amoris Laetitia is the result of Pope Francis' prayerful
reflection on the discussions and outcomes of two synods of bishops held
in Rome: an Extraordinary Synod in 2014, and an Ordinary Synod in 2015,
both on the topic of marriage and the family. The exhortation is meant
to share with the Church the Holy Father's teaching and encouragement
regarding pastoral ministry to families, and what marriages and families
are called to at this time in history
On Care for Our Common Home (Laudato Si') is the new appeal
from Pope Francis addressed to "every person living on this planet" for an
inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Pope
Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our
environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path. This
encyclical is written with both hope and resolve, looking to our common future
with candor and humility.
Pope Francis's first apostolic exhortation. Francis inspires the "New Evangelization" generation with this document by asking the Church to "go out" in "missionary joy." This is a must-read.

Benedict XVI's third encyclical. Caritas in Veritate looks at global development and the common good of all humanity. Focusing on economic and social issues, the document asks all people to act out of charity, which is "at the heart of the Church's social doctrine."
Benedict XVI's first encyclical derived from St. John Paul II's writings. This document puts "love" in a Christian context, examining eros, agape, and philia, and relates them to the love Christ has for the Church. Suggested for all young people, but especially engaged and married couples.
Blessed Paul VI's (unintentionally) prophetic document on contraception and the transmission of human life. This document is often criticized by the secular world because it details the Church's teaching on birth control. Blessed Paul VI predicts that use of contraception will lower the world's morality, cause the man to lose respect for the woman, be a cause of forced abortions and population control, and lead men and women to believe each has unlimited dominion over his or her body. This flagship document is a testament to the beauty of human life and God's role in sustaining our lives.
Although Pope Leo XIII wrote this document in 1891, the document's advocacy for the dignity and rights of workers, the poor, and the common good are still issues for the modern day Church to think about. Rerum Novarum is a direct opposition to socialism and communism. It discusses the relationship between labor and captial, highlighting the Church's responsibility in the protection of all people.
St. John Paul II's encyclical reflecting important themes from Rerum Novarum. Further engaging the topic of Catholic Social Doctrine, St. John Paul II engages matters such as the role of information technology in labor, environmental issues, and the global economy.
One of the Apostolic Constitutions written during the Second Vatican Council. This document leads us to see the humanity of the Church and the common dignity all humans share. It begins, "The joys and hopes, the grief of anguish of the people of our time...are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ."
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's (CDF) statement on Catholic political life. This document offers answers to questions many young Catholics have.
The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace put together an all-in-one document detailing the Church's approach to social issues. The life and love of Jesus Christ directly influences our mission.