*Constitution and By-Laws*
I. Title
The name of this body it Diocesan Youth Council, Diocese of Pittsburgh.
We, the Pittsburgh Diocesan Youth Council, represent Catholic youth within the Diocese of Pittsburgh. We are called to serve the deaneries, high schools and special ministries we represent. We server our peers by praying for them, speaking on their behalf, resourcing the ministries we belong to and promoting the goals of youth ministry. The purpose of our work is to lead our peers closer to Jesus Christ and His Church and help them become mature, strong and joyful Catholics.
The vision for the Diocesan Youth Council is centered on section #47 of Pope John Paul II Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in America. The Holy Father believes "young people are a great force in society and for evangelization" and that the "formation process for young people must be constant and active, capable of helping them to find their place in the Church and in the world." The Holy Father also tells us that all "young Christians, trained to have a mature missionary consciousness, must become apostles to their contemporaries."
IV. Scripture (1 Timothy 4:12-16)
Let no one disregard you because you are
young, but be an example to all believers in the way you speak and behave, and
in your love, your faith and purity. Make use of the time until I arrive by
reading, preaching and teaching. Until I arrive, devote yourself to reading to
the people, encouraging and teaching. You have in you a spiritual gift which was
given to you when the prophets spoke and the body of elders laid their hands on
you; do not neglect it. Let this be your care and your occupations, and everyone
will be able to see your progress. Be conscientious about what you do and what
you teach; persevere in this, and in this way you will save both yourself and
those who listen to you.
*The New Jerusalem Bible translation
1. Members pray for youth in out diocese especially youth in the deaneries, schools and special ministries they represent.
2. Members speak on behalf of diocesan youth and represent their interests.
3. Members serve as a resource for youth ministries in deaneries, high schools' ministries and special ministries within the Secretariat for Education's mission of Total Catholic Education.
4. Members promote the mission of youth ministry at the school, parish, and deanery levels.
5. Members promote especially the vision and activities set forth by the Secretariat for Education.