The BDKJ (Federation of German Catholic Youth) launched a national campaign for youth pastoral care on 10 May, to mark the 60th anniversary of its foundation. The campaign was inaugurated during the Federation’s general assembly, held in Altenberg from 9 to 13 May, during which the young delegates from all over Germany drafted new federal statutes for the Federation. The campaign, under the title “Send us heaven. Catholic youth associations create the future”, is aimed at promoting fundamental principles for their work with youth and children, such as democracy, volunteer service and Christian faith, that are described through a wide variety of actions to be carried out on a national scale. The celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the BDKJ were attended by various authorities, including Karin Reiser, director of the Office for children and youth of the Federal Ministry for the Family, Social Affairs, Women and Youth. Reiser addressed the assembly on 12 May; she spoke of the political commitment of Catholic youth associations, and discussed with the delegates the government’s programme for children and youth. Also present was Bishop Franz-Josef Bode, chairman of the Commission for youth pastoral of the German Bishops’ Conference, who also celebrated Vespers in Altenberg Cathedral on the day of the anniversary. The BDKJ assembly was attended by 130 delegates of 15 members and 26 diocesan associations, representing some 650,000 children and adolescents belonging to Catholic youth associations in Germany.
