FIN Publishes Sourcebook for the Young

 

By FIN News Service

January 22, 2023

As the Philippines wrapped up its celebration of the 500th year of Christianity last year, the Salesians of Don Bosco–Philippines North Province have come up with Youth+, a sourcebook designed for people who accompany the young. This is FIN Province's gift to the Church in the Philippines.

Backed up with up-to-date research that has implications for the lives of young people, this publication was conceptualized five months after the series of lockdowns began due to the COVID-19 virus in 2020. 

Heeding the pastoral call to guidance amidst the challenges that rose during the pandemic, the editorial team invited professors, counselors, priests, sociologists, psychologists, school administrators, and spiritual directors, who have endeavored to offer their time and talent to write about young people.  And as a way of dialoguing with them, young people were asked to contribute their personal take on the topics.

Among the notable topics contained in the book include the Filipino youth’s perspective on gender equality, social media and new Evangelization, Gen Z and spiritual accompaniment, post-pandemic theology and mission of parish churches, a report on current studies on the effects of COVID-19 on education, preparing the young for future health and other crises, uncertainties in the education of children of displaced OFWs, and the amount of time Filipino youth spend on reflection.

Alongside these, Most Reverend Rex Andrew Clement Alarcon, D.D. of the CBCP- Episcopal Commission on Youth wrote a message for the youth ministers.   

An aesthetic and easily digestible read, the structure of the book is patterned after the Salesian Educative Pastoral Plan (SEPP), that is,

(1) Education to the Faith,

(2) Education & Culture,

(3) Group & Social Experience, and

(4) Vocation Orientation. The book has 288 pages, with a dimension of 5.5 X 7.5 inches.  Illustrated by a young person herself, this volume is a visual delight. 

 

This is a book that is urgently needed by those who want to help the young people in this and future generations grow into good Christians and upright citizens. It is a perfect all-year-round present for benefactors, and also for those with whom we collaborate in our ministry with the young.