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The solemnity of Christ the King on Sunday (23 November), reminds us of Jesus’ love, mercy, and peace, and the message of hope he shared with those who followed him. Both World Youth Day and National Youth Sunday are held on this day, highlighting the role of young people in the life and mission of the Church. In 2025, this celebration is particularly meaningful, as it coincides with the Jubilee Year, uniting young Catholics in faith and hope. The theme for this 40th year of World Youth Day is “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” (Jn 15:27). Pope Leo reflected on this theme in his message to young people:

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"As pilgrims of hope, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we prepare ourselves to become courageous witnesses of Christ... With this in mind, I would like to focus on two aspects of witness: our friendship with Jesus, which we receive from God as a gift, and our commitment to be builders of peace in society... To be a friend and therefore witness of Christ is to have an authentic principle of interior transformation and social awareness.

"We are reminded that Jesus called his disciples first as friends, and in doing so created a community of witnesses who could proclaim the Gospel. Therefore, when Jesus asked us to ‘be witnesses’ he called us first and foremost as friends. He alone fully knows who we are and why we are here; young people, he knows your heart, your indignation in the face of discrimination and injustice, your desire for truth and beauty, for joy and peace. Through his friendship, he listens to you, motivates you, and guides you, calling each of you to a new life."

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In calling us as friends, Jesus offers us a life renewed, a unique friendship in communion with God. Faith Ambassadors from St Dunstan’s Catholic Primary School in Woking, reflected on the power of witness recently. Amelia said:

"I am a witness of Jesus because I can see him in my prayers and when I reflect. When you're a witness of Jesus, you change to be a better person and you inspire others to do the same." Elisa added: "I have been inspired by God's story and have been able to connect with people through the Bible. I enjoy helping younger children understand God's story and letting them know that Jesus and God are always there with them."

The call from Pope Leo at the Jubilee of Youth in Rome (28 July-3 August) was for "fraternity", a particularly relevant theme in the current climate of war and injustice across the world. The Pope highlighted that the youth of today’s Church must use "fraternity as a bond of peace’" using the friendship they have, unified by Christ, to cast off indifferences and to overcome closed-mindedness; listening to the voice of God within us, to overcome selfishness, and become active artisans of peace.

The 'call of friendship to those across the world' was witnessed by Miranda, a student from St Paul’s Catholic College, Burgess Hill, on a recent Volunteering Experience with the charity, Uganda Hands for Hope. Writing in an account of the trip, she said:

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"On my last day at the school, I experienced one of the most touching and unforgettable moments of my life with an incredible little girl named Joy. The previous day, I had given her family some sweets as a small gift, and to my surprise, the next morning she came to school carrying a small cake in her bag. She handed it to me with the biggest smile, saying it was her way of saying thank you. I was completely overwhelmed by her gesture. I couldn’t stop thinking about how much that little cake must have cost her and her family, who had so little. It was such a profound reminder of true generosity."

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Our diocesan Youth Council are harnessing National Youth Sunday by focussing on the contribution of young people in our Diocese. Members of the group have carried out a number of discussions on the call to be 'witnesses in worship and faith', talking to young people, youth leaders, and chaplains across diocesan churches. Reflecting on her experience, Youth Worker, Pamela, from Esher and Thames Ditton said:

"We live in a time when information is instantly available at our fingertips. The latest technologies offer incredible opportunities for learning, connection, and progress—but they can also spread misinformation, confusion, and harmful guidance... Being a witness of faith means choosing to stand for truth, integrity, and love, even when these values are not reflected or popular. It challenges us to build our lives on something everlasting, beyond what technology or media can offer...

"Being part of my Catholic community has brought countless blessings into my life, especially the gift of truth in a world that can so often feel confusing. I have the privilege of witnessing genuine faith and belief in Jesus and his teachings every day."

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To find out more about the diocesan Youth Team, or our Youth Council, click here and contact our Youth Project Officer, Bex Driver.

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