Young people must be humble when engaging Church elders as they push for their total participation in Parish Life, Archdiocese of Bulawayo Youth Coordinator Florence Makhaza has said.

Makhaza made these remarks at the Catholic Young Adults Association Annual General Meeting held at Insinga Youth Centre in Bulawayo on April 18, 2018.

This followed sentiments from CYAA members and their advisors that although parishes were expected to fully integrate youths into everyday parish life, some of theme were adamant and continued to push youths aside in terms of their participation in their parish activities.

But Makhaza said youths must politely engage their elders if they had problems.

“It is important that as young people you mind the way you speak to your elders. An approach is key in all spheres of life. Approaching them with respect and politeness is the best way to come to favourable conclusions," Makhaza advised.

"If you demand things from them or just make orders of what you want chances of you reaching an agreement will be very limited,” she added.

However, those with problems in their parishes regards this year's resolutions must approach the youth office for help, Makhaza said.

“The [Youth] office is open to everyone. If there are any parishes that are having hard times in working peacefully at parish level between the children, young people and elders please do not hesitate to approach us,” she said, adding that her office had successfully intervened in the past.