Youth Ministry is the response of the Christian Community to the needs of young people and their families fostering their development as Catholic Christians and drawing them into responsible participation in the life, mission and ministry of the Church. - The Vision of Youth Ministry of the Diocese of London
To assist parishes and schools as they engage young people and their families in the life, mission and ministry of the Church. Youth Ministry efforts are defined as being to, with, by and for young people.
Continued collaboration with the Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Board. Hosted Chrism Day Retreat for young people. Coordinated Catholic Christian Leadership Camp for young people entering Gr. 9 and looking forward to Camp for those entering Gr. 9 and 10 in July 2010. Collaborative efforts with other diocesan ministries and offices including the Festival of Faith during which senior secondary science students explored the relationship between faith and the sciences. Furthered the work of strengthening the school/church/home bonds in both the St Clair and Huron Perth Catholic District School Boards. Coordinated and expanded the National Evangelization Team Ministries in Diocese of London from one week to four. Instituted Spirit Days in Woodstock and Chatham (2009, 2010) to assist with the preparation of young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Coordinated days of formation for newly Confirmed. Continued to support parish pastoral councils and youth commissions throughout the diocese.
Ryan entered grade nine in September after attending Catholic Christian Leadership Camp last summer where he strengthened his leadership skills and deepened his faith. During camp, he was reminded to pass on the messages of hope and faith that he had learned. When Ryan returned home, he and a friend from camp decided that they would return to their elementary schools and teach the students what they had learned. Ryan has truly come to understand what it means to pass on the message of hope and faith.
Carolyn Vanroestel-Seward – Secondary Curriculum Consultant, SCCDSB - Thank you for the invitation allowing our students to participate in the Festival of Faith event. The event was well organized and the speakers were outstanding. Our students and I were truly enlightened by Brother Guy Consolmagno’s talk. He is well spoken, down to earth, exceptionally intelligent and a faith filled person. The students came away feeling grounded in their faith and clearer about some of the internal controversy’s they had regarding their faith and their studies. My prayer is that every science student of faith is awarded an opportunity to hear Brother Guy. I hope that our students will pass along his message both at school and in their future careers as scientists.
Lucia – Sacred Heart, Parkhill: Thanks so much for Monday’s day of recollection that you put on for the young people. It was really great to be able to meet a bunch of young people who are close to my age from all over our diocese. It was the first time I was able to attend the Mass of Chrism too and bring back the holy oils for our parish and it was such a beautiful experience! I really enjoyed the whole day!
Click here to read the Vision of Youth Ministry