Christian Youth Faith Formation Program
The Role of Christian Youth in the Present Era 
Organized by Peace Center, Lahore
Date: July 30, 2025
Speaker: Deacon Rufin Arif OP

1. Introduction

 On 30th July 2025, the Peace Center, Lahore hosted a significant seminar under the theme:
“The Role of Christian Youth in the Present Era”
The seminar brought together 45 Christian youth from Lahore who participated in this faith formation event aimed at deepening their spiritual identity and empowering them to be active witnesses of Christ in today’s world.
The keynote speaker, Deacon Rufin Arif OP, delivered a powerful multimedia presentation that combined Sacred Scripture, Catholic teachings, and real-life examples, helping the youth understand their God-given mission in the Church and society.

 
Biblical Foundation for the Role of Christian Youth
 Deacon Rufin OP emphasized that Christian youth are not just the future of the Church—they are the present. Drawing from the Bible, he highlighted how young people have always played pivotal roles in God’s plan:

1. Youth are Called by God
“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
— 1 Timothy 4:12
This verse was central to the seminar. Deacon Rufin reminded the youth that age is not a barrier to discipleship. Like Timothy, young Christians today are called to be role models in every area of life.
 
2. Youth are Chosen for Mission
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
— Jeremiah 1:5
Deacon Rufin encouraged the youth to understand that God has a purpose for each of them. He used multimedia visuals to show how young biblical figures like David, Joseph, Mary, and Daniel were chosen to fulfill divine missions at a young age.

3. Youth Must Stand Firm in Faith
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
— Psalm 119:9
In today’s era of moral confusion and cultural challenges, Christian youth must be rooted in Scripture and guided by the teachings of the Church. Deacon Rufin urged the youth to build their lives on the Word of God and live with purity, honesty, and faithfulness.
 
Catholic Faith: A Foundation for Purposeful Living
Deacon Rufin also stressed that Catholic doctrine and sacraments provide young people with the grace and strength to live out their faith in practical ways.
A. The Eucharist as Strength
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.”
— John 6:54
Participation in the Holy Mass and reception of the Eucharist empowers youth to carry Christ into their schools, workplaces, and families.
B. Confirmation: Sealed with the Holy Spirit
 The sacrament of Confirmation strengthens young people with the gifts of the Holy Spirit — wisdom, courage, understanding, and piety — to stand firm in faith and witness boldly to Christ.

Christian Youth: A Living Witness in Society
Deacon Rufin invited the youth to become ambassadors of peace, love, and service, following the example of Christ.

Practical Ways for Youth to Live Out Their Faith:
 Volunteer in Church ministries and social outreach programs.

• Promote justice and peace by opposing violence, discrimination, and corruption.
• Uplift the poor and marginalized, inspired by the works of mercy (Matthew 25:35-40).
• Use social media responsibly to spread the Gospel and positive values.
• Engage in interfaith dialogue with humility and respect.

Interactive Group Activity: Dialogue, Presentation, and Faith in Action
A unique and impactful part of the seminar was the interactive group session designed by Deacon Rufin OP to encourage participation, critical thinking, and leadership.

Structure of the Group Sessions:
 The youth were divided into small groups, each tasked with a specific biblical or practical question related to Christian youth identity and mission.

• Topics included:
• How can Christian youth be leaders in today’s society?
• What are the biggest challenges youth face today in living their faith?
•  How can we show Christian values through action?
• What role do the sacraments play in our daily lives?

Group Presentations:
Each group discussed their assigned question and then presented their reflections to the entire assembly using:

• Visual aids
• Role-plays
• Real-life examples
• Biblical and catechetical references

Their presentations showcased deep understanding, teamwork, and creativity in expressing how faith can be lived out in real-world situations.
Open Q&A Among Youth:
After each presentation, the floor was opened for questions from other youth participants. This sparked a vibrant and respectful dialogue, where peers challenged, clarified, and built on each other’s ideas.
Youth groups confidently answered the questions posed to them, demonstrating their growing confidence, biblical knowledge, and critical thinking. This interactive format not only deepened their learning but also fostered mutual respect and collaborative growth.
Leadership and Support
The seminar was graciously hosted by the staff of Peace Center, Lahore Fr. Adil Peter OP and Mr. Asher Nazir. Their dedication to youth ministry and peacebuilding provided a welcoming and spiritually enriching environment for all participants.

Special guests included:

• Pastor Pascal Shahbaz
• Pastor Shahid Anjum
• Ms. Kiran
• Ms. Reema Mary

Their presence and words of encouragement reminded the youth that the Church stands beside them as they seek to live out their faith.

Key Takeaways from the Seminar

• Christian youth are called to be light and salt in the world (Matthew 5:13–16), not only through words but through a lifestyle of love, service, and holiness.
• Strong Catholic identity, nurtured by the sacraments and Scripture, equips young people to respond to the challenges of modern society.
• Faith formation must be interactive and youth-led, allowing space for dialogue, creativity, and peer learning.

Youth as Bearers of Hope
In his message, Deacon Rufin OP reminded the youth that they are not alone. God walks with them, the Church supports them, and the Holy Spirit strengthens them.
“You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others.”
— Matthew 5:14-16
In a society often filled with darkness, Christian youth are called to be lights of hope, faith, and love. The Church believes in them, and through strong biblical foundations and Catholic faith, they can transform their families, communities, and nation.
Conclusion: Youth as Builders of the Church and Society
Deacon Rufin OP concluded the seminar with a powerful reminder:
“God is calling each one of you — not just to believe, but to act. Your faith must be alive, visible, and rooted in Christ.”
 This seminar reaffirmed that Christian youth, when grounded in the Word of God and the teachings of the Church, can be powerful agents of peace, justice, and transformation — in their communities, the Church, and the nation.

Vote of thanks by Mr. Asher Nazir
 As we come to the close of this blessed and enriching Christian Youth Faith Formation Seminar, it is my honour and privilege to extend a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of Peace Center, Lahore. First and foremost, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Deacon Rufin Arif OP, who led us today with a powerful and inspiring multimedia presentation, rooted in Sacred Scripture and Catholic teaching. His insights on the role of Christian youth in the present era have truly touched our minds and hearts, and have reminded us of the divine calling each young person holds in building a more just, loving, and faithful society.
I am also sincerely thankful to Fr. Adil Peter OP, our host and spiritual guide, whose support, prayers, and leadership made this seminar possible. Thank you, Father, for your continuous dedication to youth formation and peacebuilding.
A special note of appreciation to our esteemed guests:

• Pastor Pascal Shahbaz
• Ms. Kiran
• Ms. Reema Mary

Your presence has been a source of encouragement and a sign of unity in our shared mission of nurturing young Christian leaders for the future.
To our Christian youth participants, thank you for your active presence, your thoughtful contributions in the group discussions, and your willingness to grow in faith and leadership. Your energy and commitment are the hope of our Church and society.
Finally, I thank the entire Peace Center team for their hard work behind the scenes in organizing today’s event. May God bless all of you abundantly.
Let us carry forward the message of this seminar in our lives, living as true witnesses of Christ in our communities.

Prepared by:
Asher Nazir
Executive Secretary
Peace Center, Lahore
October 10,2025