It is tempting to see the theme of the synod in Rome now in session as solely concerned with youth ministry and education. In fact, it is as much about the older generations in the Church as the young.

The Church does not flourish when young people are confined to youth ministry and youth movements, or only come together for occasional grand events. When they are not involved in established day-to-day groups, structures and ministries, older Catholics miss out on their insights and challenges, and younger generations miss the wisdom from experience that older generations may have.

It becomes harder to draw young adults into leadership in the outward-facing social mission of the Church, in work for social justice, in peace building and in political activism rooted in Catholic faith.