We believe that listening to young people is a sacred act. Listening to their concerns, struggles, joys, triumphs, fears, doubts and questions are an encounter with the divine, because we are all made in God’s image. We also know from contemporary research that listening is a fundamental aspect of faith formation in young people, and its importance cannot be overstated. Listening plays a pivotal role in shaping the religious beliefs, affiliations and practices among emerging generations in ways that was not true for previous generations.
This excerpt from NCEA Rise’s Sacred Listening Tools, co-sponsored by Hallow, encapsulates a profound truth: listening to young people is a sacred act. As we attune our ears to their concerns, struggles, joys, triumphs, fears, doubts and questions, we engage in an encounter with the divine. This act is rooted in the understanding that we are all made in God’s image.
In the midst of the Church’s own call to synodality and Pope Francis emphasizing the importance of accompaniment, educators and primary faith formers bear a crucial responsibility.
How can we, as stewards of young minds and hearts, enhance our listening skills to foster a stronger sense of faith and contribute to a more cohesive church?
Learn more about these tried-and-true listening tools at NCEA 2024 with Josh Packard, John Galvan and Megan Bissell at their session: The Power of Listening for Faith Formation in Catholic Education. This promises to be not just a session but an experience—an opportunity to delve into the transformative power of listening and its profound impact on faith formation.
Join us at NCEA 2024 and receive the exclusive free workbook: Sacred Listening Tools, sponsored by NCEA Rise and Hallow.
