A workshop to strengthen the participation and contribution of young people in church lifetranslated

In the workshop of the 2026 Clergy-Lay Assembly, "From the Pew to Active Participation: Giving Youth the Chance of Belonging", presenters and audience developed an interactive discussion around the more meaningful participation of children and young people in the life of the Church. The panel included Eva Konstantakos, director of the Department of Youth and Youth Ministry (Y2AM) of the Holy Archdiocese of America, Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres, head of the Holy Church of St. George in Chicago, Fr. Nicolaos Kotsis, head of the Holy Church of St. Nicholas in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Fr. Michael Prevas, superior of the Holy Church of St. Nicholas in Northridge, California.

The speakers opened the discussion by presenting practical ways in which parishes can encourage the participation of children and young people in the life of the Church. As pointed out, even parishes with a limited number of volunteers can create simple but meaningful opportunities for youth. For this reason, proposals were presented that could give young people...