Zambia’s Catholic Youth Office Launches Yearlong Theme Highlighting Youth–Family Partnership amid Social Pressures

Lusaka, 23 January, 2026 / 12:20 AM

The National Youth Office of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has unveiled a yearlong pastoral theme aimed at strengthening the relationship between young people and the family in the face of growing societal pressures and life challenges.

In a message addressed to Catholic youth across the Southern African nation, the National Youth Coordinator announced that the department’s pastoral programme for 2026 will be guided by the theme, “Youth and Family: Growing Faith Together,” a theme that underscores the centrality of the family as a formative space for young people and that highlights the need for a collaborative approach between youth and families in nurturing and sustaining faith.

Fr. Kunda Christopher said that the theme, which is drawn from St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, “resonates well with many young people navigating life-changing decisions amidst societal pressures and personal struggles, assuring them of the importance of family unity and support.”

Fr. Christopher explained that the theme was inspired by remarks from the ZCCB president, Archbishop Ignatius Chama, who underscored the importance of strengthening families as the foundation of both the Church and society in his address at the 2025 National Catholic Forum, held under the theme, “Family at the Crossroads.”

“Youth ministry is demanded to be integrated with family and to partner with parents and other significant adults to raise spiritually mature young people,” said the member of the Religious Institute of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB).

He explained that in forming spiritually mature young people, the youth ministry will form “a bridge between home and church for holistic faith formation and equip families to disciple young people and foster their lifelong faith in Jesus.”

“The Catholic Church regards the family as the first and most important natural community and the foundation of society from where all social arrangements proceed,” he said in reference to Pope Francis' 2016 Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on love in the family, Amoris Laetitia.

“My dear young people, life can be tough, but remember, you are not just a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in a drop,” he said, and added, “Being a Christian is not a private matter. No one can be a Christian merely for his/her benefit.”

As a young person, Fr. Christopher said, “You are called to be an agent of change, spreading love, justice, and peace. Christus Vivit reminds us, ‘You are the now of God’ (CV203).”

He reminded the youths in the country that their life has meaning and value, adding, “Jesus Christ brought about the true revolution that radically transforms life through his resurrection; therefore, do not be afraid to act.”

Through its social teachings, the youth coordinator in Zambia further reminded the youths that the Catholic Church guides them in their responsibilities as citizens and went on to challenge them to work for the common good.

Fr. Christopher urged the youths to promote justice and peace, and also be active in society

He said that by learning the principles of the Church’s social doctrine, deepening their sacramental life, and seeking God’s will in prayer for their concrete circumstances, they can be confident of God’s guidance and support.

“The Church is with you to guide and support you. She is committed to walking alongside you in faith and love. Let us face challenges together, trusting in God's love. You are not alone. Shine like STARS in the universe,” he said.