One of the major areas of focus in the Pastoral Plan for Youth includes the development of catechetical and educational programmes beginning with post-confirmation.

Post-Confirmation youth of the Urban Vicariate

The first weekend retreat for 2006, held in January at the Holy Redeemer Retreat House focussed on this area.

Over fifty young persons from the Urban Vicariate experienced a weekend of personal and spiritual growth.

The retreat entitled, “Growing in Wisdom, Age and Grace” was a kick-start to an ongoing parish post-confirmation programme. The weekend incorporated group activities and personal reflections centred on the following themes:

•  Identity: Looking for the Real Me

•  Me and My World: Culture and it's impact

•  Relationships with others: Problems and possibilities

•  Faith and Religion: God, the Church and Me

Through the many interactive activities the participants were able to:

•  explore the influence of cultural stereotypes on self-image and self-acceptance,

•  understand the powerful influence of contemporary media in our culture and reflect on scriptural responses to negative cultural influences

•  grow in their recognition of the uniqueness of others and assume greater responsibility for nurturing healthy relationship

•  distinguish between personal faith and communal religion and reflect on the changing experiences of both.

The success of the weekend can be attributed to the openness of the young people and the diverse team of facilitators: Mahalia Paul, Sr Ruthina Francis, Reignier Jeffrey, Andrea Seaman, Shanna Hughes, Tyron Benoit, Deanna Evans, Mickael Ferrol and Elizabeth Alfred.

Members of the Diocesan Youth Secretariat also attended the retreat to become better acquainted with the programme which will soon be introduced in all parishes throughout the diocese.

The retreat also addressed frequently asked questions such as, “What is the Diocesan Post-Confirmation Programme?” and “What topics or themes are presented within the Post-Confirmation programme?”

It is expected the programme will be incorporated into existing parish youth group programmes. Every parish is expected to have at least one structured church-based youth group utilising the Diocesan Post-Confirmation Programme.

Trained facilitators will conduct the various sessions during regular youth group meetings. Sessions can be conducted on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis. It is expected that apart from the Post-Confirmation curriculum, the youth group will also be engaged in social, recreational, service- oriented and fund-raising activities.

Volunteer facilitators should be recruited from within the parish to deliver the various sessions. Training for facilitators is conducted on both diocesan and parish levels.

The next diocesan facilitators training course was scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 25.

Edited from The Dominica Catholic