Dec 4, 20222 min read

Young Leaders training 2022

foto credit @

by Deacon Steven Lloyd SDB

Since the establishment of this parish community our aim has always been to accompany each and ever person who walk through the church doors. As a parish in the care of the Salesians of Don Bosco, we will always pay special attention to the young. Thank God, our parish is so blessed to have so many young and enthusiastic members. Because of this, since September a group of teenagers, who last year received the Sacrament of Confirmation, have been on a journey- a Journey of faith, a journey of growth and a journey of joy. Every 2 weeks, this group have gathered together to discuss what faith means to them, what leadership looks like in our world today and ask the question, “How can I be a good and effective leader in and for the Church?”

The course, offered by our parish, focused on supporting those who already lead to become experts and to encourage those who have leadership qualities to find the confidence to take that step on the leadership ladder.

The biggest challenge for these young people was to make a commitment to our parish community, either by taking on active roles in church or by supporting and/or shadowing those who are active to gain more knowledge. As I have said, we are blessed in this parish, some much so, that many our young people are already leaders in their school communities as captains and vice captains’ head boy/girl, faith leaders, curriculum leaders and peer mentors.

I have the honour to report that all participants of this year’s leadership-training course have committed to and already started in leadership positions in our community. 4 young people are serving as young leaders and supporting our catechists in preparing our children to receive their first Sacraments’ of Reconciliation and Communion, 5 are masters of ceremonies and lead in the altar servers group, and 3 have committed to supporting the confirmation programme that will start in the New Year.

As we end 2022 and begin a new year, I pray that these young people can not only be inspired by their actions but also inspire others to serve the Church in a new and beautiful way.

I ask for your prayers for these and all our young people and I thank those of you, especially our catechists and the parish team for supporting and encouraging these young people to follow their Christian call to be servant leaders.

In the New Year there will be more opportunities for young people to discover their skills, particularly as we begin our confirmation programme and our fundraising for World Youth Day.