After receiving first communion, the youth is seldom seen at church, San Antonio Church parish pastoral council president Herbert Del Rosario said.
But some churches continue to schedule programs solely dedicated for the youth and children, he added.
“There’s a need for a more active involvement among our youth in church activities,” Del Rosario said.
Their lack of participation could indicate a “failure on the part of the parents in how we prepare our children,” he added.
In San Antonio, he said they have a regular church program for the youth while Mt. Carmel Cathedral hosts “Marriage Encounter” events for couples.
Parents themselves should be more active in church activities so they can set a good example for their children, he added.
Del Rosario believes that criminality on Saipan will be reduced, if not eradicated, if the youth can attain spiritual maturity.
In October, the island’s nine parish pastoral council presidents and other church leaders will meet to discuss concerns regarding families and the community.
Del Rosario said they will also invite church officials from Rota and Tinian.
Parish pastoral presidents are now ready to form a new island-wide organization.
During their meeting, they will discuss organizational plans as well as programs that aim to enhance the spiritual commitment of the community, especially the youth.
