As Catholic Bishops from around the world gather in Rome this October to focus upon how the Church accompanies and guides young people, we need to ask ourselves: Why are young people so frequently disaffected by their encounter with the Church? And what should be our response to this apparent disconnect? David Wells will explore why, despite our best intentions, we don’t always appear to offer an effective response to the soul searching of the young. He will also look at where young people are finding a sense of meaning and belonging today, and what is likely to come out of the gathering in Rome, suggesting ways in which the Church can focus and direct more attention towards the perplexity and excitement of being young.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
DAVID WELLS
DAVID WELLS is teacher, producer of catechetical resources, a regular contributor to the annual Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, California, and a sought-out speaker on religious questions. He has published two books: The Reluctant Disciple and The Grateful Disciple. He worked with café productions on, “The Best is Yet to Come,” catechesis for those over 60 and, with CymFed, he produced “Love Chooses You,” an animation of the life of Jesus in 6 minutes, aimed at teenagers. This gifted speaker is married to Alison, has three grown children, a very badly behaved dog, and lives in Exmouth, East Devon.
Waterloo Catholic District School Board