Please take a moment and imagine four young people from the Diocese of Dodge City (Jason Baker–St. Mary’s Parish, Marienthal, Tamara Hurter–St. John’s Parish, Hoisington, Shae Blackwell–St. Anthony Parish, Hanston, and Christina Roberts–Sacred Heart Parish, Pratt). Imagine these four young people gathering with 268 youth from dioceses around the country and 37 bishops for the 2003 Youth Congress, which runs in conjunction with the NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) Nov. 13-16.

What is the Youth Congress? It provides a sacred space and open environment for young people and bishops to come together for meaningful dialogue. With the dialogue that is created, our Church leaders hear the voices of our youth. Along with this, the youth have the experience knowing that they are part of the institutional Church. From the congress they are empowered to go forth and act.

The topic for this year’s congress is Social Justice. Through this year’s congress the young people, bishops and other adult participants will embrace the Gospel call to build just communities in our nation and world.

I am very pleased to have these dynamic four young people represent our diocese in this year’s congress. I have known all four of these kids for quite some time. They have always been powerful witnesses of their faith to other youth and adults as well. They live their faith daily and are excellent role models for others.

By representing our diocese in this youth congress, they will not only have the privilege to be in dialogue with many of our bishops, will be educated and inspired to return home, and to share the message of the youth congress and our Catholic social teachings.

I believe very strongly that not only will the hearts and minds of these four young people be transformed, but in turn they too will transform the hearts and minds of many others, as they become disciples sharing the message of the congress.

Jason, Shae, Christina, and Tamara will be traveling with 116 other youth and 27 adults, to the NCYC in Houston, Nov. 12. I ask that you keep each of these young people and adults in your prayers. May their time on this pilgrimage to Houston truly be a time where they encounter and experience Christ in a new and wonderful way.

The social teaching of the Catholic Church could very well be one of our best-kept secrets. So I ask that you please extend a special prayer, then, to these four youth and the many others participating in this congress. May they truly become ingrained with our social teachings. May they be empowered to act for justice and embrace their calling as heralds, to share the Good News of justice and peace with others.