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TORONTO - On World Day of Peace, Pope Benedict XVI said the enthusiasm and idealism of youth offers new hope to the world. 

As he talked about the theme of “Educating Young People in Justice and Peace” Jan. 1, he emphasized the potential of young people in today������Ƶapp society, as well as the responsibilities of parents, educators and youth to look towards Christ and encourage each other. 

Antonio Fernando, a first-year English student at the University of Toronto, said acting on this message would mean better awareness of what������Ƶapp going on in the world.

“At World Youth Day, (the Pope) wanted us to be open to whatever������Ƶapp happening in the world, to appreciate where we are coming from and to keep improving ourselves,” said Fernando. 

Angela De Ciantis, a third-year psychology student at Toronto������Ƶapp York University, takes a more internal approach to this theme.

“It shows a need to understand those terms (justice and peace), because you can have different interpretations,” she said. Not only should youth be aware of issues surrounding them, but they should also reflect on exactly how they see justice and peace, she said.

Pope Benedict XVI talked briefly about family, calling parents “the first educators.” Although Brandon Cheong, a Grade 11 student from Cardinal Newman Catholic High School in Toronto, understands the value of family, he said it is becoming less important from the perspective of our culture.

“You learn how to behave first from your parents, but today, the family is secondary to the values of society,” said Cheong.

“Families are spending less time with each other, so there������Ƶapp no longer that binding heart of what the family used to be. Families rely more on the education system to say what������Ƶapp acceptable.”

Also mentioned are the roles of teachers and educators, whom the Pope calls to promote Catholic values. 

Lisa Bailey, a Family Studies teacher at Mary Ward Catholic Secondary School, understands this responsibility. “(The Pope������Ƶapp) message reinforces why we are called to be Catholic educators.  It������Ƶapp not just to teach the curriculum, it������Ƶapp about leading by example and walking with students on their faith journey,” said Bailey.

Bailey also said these tasks provide great challenges, particularly when struggling with  influences from society. “There������Ƶapp a struggle between faith and things that happen in society around youth. You have your morals against what society says. Whether it be movies or television shows, there are conflicting messages that Catholics see that are not always in line with our faith.”

Many internal and external challenges face youth and those who try to encourage them. However, Pope Benedict������Ƶapp message may yet be fulfilled if young people are willing to take it to heart.

De Ciantis suggests a simple idea: “To be a good example. When you demonstrate your faith, people notice. If you help others, people will be influenced to help more often.”

TORONTO - Timothy Keslick has had a spiritual director for the past three years — and he nows sees his faith as a joy, something to be embraced. 

“It������Ƶapp good to freshen and strengthen your spiritual life and make sure you’re on the right track… It������Ƶapp just getting into the habit of being more open to whatever God has in store,” said Keslick, a second-year history and linguistics student at Toronto������Ƶapp York University.

While spiritual direction is commonly associated with adults, there are many young adults who seek it too, said Vanessa Nicholas-Schmidt, director of Faith Connections, the young adult ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto. Faith Connections connects young adults with spiritual directors. 

Windsor, Ont. - A former teacher at Windsor������Ƶapp Assumption College High School led a prayer walk around the school Jan. 3 to pray for Catholic schools.

Greg Mailloux decided to lead the prayer walk after having a conversation with a student who told him some of its students were atheists.

“I did inform some people that used to teach here and some friends that I know would be prayerful warriors along with myself,” said Mailloux.

The introduction of the new Roman Missal has been a hot topic of conversation since its implementation on the first Sunday of Advent, and it������Ƶapp no different for Catholic youth.

For young Catholics, the new, more literal translation is the first change to the Mass they have experienced in their lifetime. While the changes in posture and the slight variations on traditional responses in the Mass are significantly less than the changes that previous generations faced in the 1960s (where the Mass was translated from Latin to the vernacular), the changes may still take some getting used to for some — and not so much for others.

This year, we asked the Youth Speak News team to resolve to do good — either for themselves or for those around them.

Here are their New Year������Ƶapp resolutions. Don't forget you can view profiles of all the 2011/12 team from .

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VATICAN CITY - When young people recognize the dignity and beauty of every human life, including their own, and are supported in their natural desire to make the world a better place, they become agents of justice and peace in the world, Pope Benedict XVI said.

Peace and justice are built on “a profound respect for every human being and helping others to live a life consonant with this supreme dignity,” the Pope said in his message for the World Day of Peace 2012.

The Catholic Church celebrates World Peace Day Jan. 1. The Pope������Ƶapp message for the occasion was released Dec. 16 at the Vatican and sent, through Vatican ambassadors, to the leaders of nations around the world.

Christina Leurer has a question that speaks to Catholic business students across the country.

The fourth-year commerce student at the University of British Columbia wonders if faith and business can co-exist and if business can put faith before profit.

“There are a lot of people focused on the bottom line,” said Leurer. “I’m worried I’d have to make a decision I’m opposed to. I certainly believe the business world does compromise faith.”

Do you think you or your children really know the story of Christmas? Tackle our children's trivia test and see how you get on!

TORONTO - This Christmas season, a group of Toronto Catholic students will be living Jesus’ Gospel of love and caring for others by helping to build homes in the Philippines.

From Dec. 27 to Jan. 10, 18 students will take part in the Philippines Study and Leadership Experience. The trip is being run by Adventure Learning Experiences in partnership with the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School, Loretto Abbey, Cardinal Carter and St. Michael������Ƶapp Choir School are some of the eight  schools taking part. One student from the York Catholic District School Board will also be going.

TORONTO - While people are busy shopping at the Eaton Centre this Christmas season, a reminder of the true meaning behind the season will be present right next door to it.

Since 1938, The Christmas Story has been performed at the Church of the Holy Trinity, reminding audiences why we celebrate Christmas. 

Being performed for its 74th season this year, the Nativity play tradition has endured, reaching out to both veteran and new audience members.