Concentrate on Youth Development- Palmer Buckle

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, His Grace Charles Palmer-Buckle has deplored the attitude of society towards the needs of the youth, whose concerns are always neglected.

Concelebrating with Rev. Frs. Marino Albani, the Parish Priest, Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, pointed out that the youth, the potential leaders of the country, needed full attention by society in shaping their future.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle stated this during a three day familiarisation visit to the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at Awoshie near Accra, as part of his visit to churches and communities within the Accra Archdiocese.

“Some churches are not child-friendly, as all societies and groups within the church consist of old men and women,” he stated.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle, who accused the elderly of not showing interest in any activity organised by the youth in the church in particular and the society at large, advised that they developed the habit of showing concern in the activities of the youth and even if possible, make budgetary allocations to support them in their programmes.

To him, it was sad that most churches did not create space for the young people in society and urged the churches to do so, and if possible organize a youth mass for them.

He also reminded the church of its core responsibilities such as the sanctification of the people of God in holiness, drawing closer to God, growing in the knowledge of the faith, and being administers of the goods of the church.

Archbishop Palmer-Buckle advised the parishioners to bear in mind their responsibilities towards the church and society and keep the church going by supporting it and its priests.

“The duty of the priest is to make sure members understand the faith and be able to explain it to others. As a catholic, you must know the teachings of the Catholic Church and understand its doings.”

He was worried about the attitude of some Catholics who did not understand what they saw, heard and practiced in church, wondering why some Catholics did not receive communion and advised that they removed the stumbling blocks that were preventing their receiving it.

The Archbishop also advised parishioners to take very good care of church properties and not misuse or mismanage church resources.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church was formed in October 1991 with only five members. Now the church can boast of more than 1,000 faithful with 60% being youth.