Focus on Social Justice
Join Food Fast—New Materials Available
East Africa is facing its worst drought in 60 years and millions of people are facing severe hunger. Catholic Relief Services is calling on youth groups across the United States to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in East Africa.
CRS' Food Fast is a 24-hour fasting retreat for youth. Focusing on global poverty and hunger, Food Fast allows youth to journey with our brothers and sisters around the world who are hungry.
Encourage your parishes and schools to hold a Food Fast this year and raise money to support CRS' work in the region. Participating youth will receive a fair trade stone pendant made by artisans in Kenya. Learn more . . .
Catholics and the Climate Change Initiative
An unprecedented new initiative is now underway, and NACYML and the NFCYM are supporting A Catholic Climate Covenant: the St. Francis Pledge to Care for Creation and the Poor.
Utilize resources on the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change website for prayer services and educational tools. Also, access the covenant flyer and print ad to promote the Catholic Climate Covenant. 
(1.6 MB) - For more information on climate change issues, refer to the recent article in the National Catholic Reporter, and the USCCB website on climate change.
- NFCYM's Climate Change Website
Catholic News Service Articles on Social Justice and Peace
Catholic News Service (CNS) columnist (and NACYML Member) Tony Magliano writes a biweekly syndicated social justice and peace column which addresses timely economic, social and political issues from the perspective of Catholic social teaching. His columns challenge readers to make decisions based on the radical teachings of the Gospel and the church’s social doctrine, and are highly useful in helping average Catholics understand and apply the richness of Catholic social teaching to the problems facing our nation and world.
- Please consider sharing his writings with others, in addition to urging your parish and/or diocesan newspaper to regularly publish Tony’s articles.
- Tony’s articles are highlighted on the Profession of Youth Ministry pages.
Catholic Global Mission Resource for Youth and Young Adult Ministry from Xavier Missionaries
Xavier Missionaries offer a wealth of resources in global mission spirituality for youth and young adult ministry. Topics in world mission spirituality, interfaith dialogue, social justice and service, international justice and peace, stories of missions and missionaries, and world cultures can all be found in the many resources available! Visit the Xavierian Missionaries USA website, the Global Catholic Mission Blog, or sign-up to receive their periodic newsletter.
Confront Global Poverty
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services call on one million Catholics in the United States to confront global poverty. Advocate with us to end hunger, disease, conflict, and other issues that affect the lives of our brothers and sisters worldwide. Learn More . . .
Mission Education Materials and Resources from Glenmary
Two vacation Bible school programs, elementary, middle school, and high school materials, a Confirmation supplement, and a mission trip guide are all part of Glenmary's home mission education series for use in religious education programs and Catholic schools. Visit their website to get resources to help students deepen their sense of mission!