The Archdiocesan Youth Secretariat, in conjunction with the Evangelization Commission, recently held a weekend workshop to launch Youth Alpha Training.

The workshop, held at the Catholic Centre in Chaguanas on January 12-13, included games and other fun activities, along with good food, and attracted people from various parishes of Trinidad and Tobago – each with a desire to help other young people and to learn more about Jesus Christ.

Youth Alpha is a 10-week programme that offers a fresh and creative approach to reach young people with the Good News of the Gospel. The course allows youth the opportunity to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ by presenting them with the relevant truth about Christianity, then inviting them to discuss what they have learned in a non-threatening and non-judgemental atmosphere. 

Youth Alpha Team

The Alpha Programme for adults is well established throughout the archdiocese but this is the first time that a programme specifically geared to youth is being introduced.  Sr Kathy Joseph, Episcopal Delegate for Youth stated, “Our young people are looking for answers and will continue to seek them in all the wrong places unless the Church intervenes. 

This programme will train youth leaders to initiate programmes in their own parishes.”  St John’s parish in Diego Martin has already initiated the programme for their young people and helped facilitate the recent workshop and share their experience of Youth Alpha.

The life-changing impact of the Alpha Programme was evident in the testimony of one young participant at the workshop.  The 15 year-old described herself as lost, dissatisfied with life and desperate for guidance -- the Church was failing to give her answers. 

With Youth Alpha, she finally found not just the answers but also the understanding she was seeking.  She described the experience as one she could not wait to share with her friends and peers.

The Secretariat will initiate its first 10-week training programme starting Saturday, February 23 to May 3 at the Holy Faith Convent, Couva, for youth leaders. The registration fee is $ 250.00

“We want to encourage all our youth leaders to join this current training session,” Sr Kathy said. “We want to give them the benefit of this valuable training and to use it to spread Youth Alpha and the Good News of Jesus Christ across the country.”

Those interested in learning more about the Youth Alpha Programme are urged to register by contacting the Secretariat at 624-0454 or via e-mail cathyouthesecretariat@gmail.com