Youth Calendar of Events

In All Kinds of Weather, God's Love Keeps Shining Through (YE #13)
Personal Reflections on the YIDC
Update on Youth Activities
Befriending the Holy Spirit
An Update on our Youth Group
Developing Future Youth Leaders
St. Catharines Youth Learn Rudiments of Praise & Worship
BLD Toronto Youth Mission
The Spirit of the Lord Was Upon All (Youth LSS #10)
Fledgling Youth Group Formed
The YIC - A Vibrant and Spectacular Weekend
Thank you, Lord, for our Youth

In All Kinds Of Weather, God’s Love Keeps Shining Through!

On July 22 – 24, the Toronto Youth Ministry sponsored YE #13 at the Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre at Ancaster.  St. Catharines sent two candidates:  Charles Bravo and Rozbie Gonzalves.  Arven Rebarter, J.P. Tabios and Michael Tolentino, who are YE graduates themselves, served as auxies.

We reproduce hereunder an article published in a recent issue of Toronto’s “Living Water”,  submitted by Froilan and Charito Piamonte, Toronto Youth Ministry Coordinators.)

FROM THE TORONTO YOUTH MINISTRY

HOT is the word to describe the weekend.  And we’re not just talking of the hot and humid weather either!  We’re talking about the Youth Encounter #13 weekend on July 22 – 24.

Everything started heating up from Day 1: there was the “getting to know you” games, the sharing and talks of our awesome Fantastic 8 YE 13 facilitators:  (Nadine Valdez, Marylou Malicdem, Alex Piamonte, Kevin Jacinto, Faith Anne Dolleton, Jean Caniedo, Alyssa Andino & Kyle Fernandez), the dynamic soul-searching talks of Fr. Hansoo Park, fun outdoor games, birth of friendships, intense vigil by the youth and the adults, Eucharistic Adoration, very touching dialogues, and the Youth Ministry's awesome praise songs/jams!!!  The youth were literally dancing to the beat of the music during their praise jam.  And yes, we were so blessed to have 2 wonderful priests with us: Fr. Hansoo Park, Director of Vocation of the Archdiocese of Toronto who was with us until Sunday morning and Fr. Dominick Mbah, who celebrated Sunday Mass and delivered a very inspired and significant homily.  Tempers were about the only thing not rising.  It was amazing to see that everyone was just in a very good mood - lots of smiles and happy faces.

Sunday just came too quickly for the candidates.  Indeed, God touched the hearts of these young candidates.  They were so inspired that some of them suggested adding an extra day and one even said to do it monthly. They were unanimous in saying they would surely recommend the YE to their friends.  Others were already looking forward to next year's sponsorship.

Truly, God was so good for blessing us throughout the weekend.  Everything went smoothly with the outstanding teamwork of the Youth Sponsoring Class, auxies and hardworking adult YM members and other adult volunteers.  To the BLD Community, thank you so much for your support and the generous outpouring of donations of food and money and, most importantly, for all your  prayers.  We could not have done these without you.  Last Sunday's reading was just fitting: 'We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him….' (Rom 8:28).  And all of these, indeed, were for the love of God.

The BLD Toronto Youth Ministry is proud to present the YE 13 graduates:  Kevin Atienza, Ana Bernadette Antolin, Nikko Baja, Roland Baja, Charles Bravo, Frances Jhian  Bulan, April Calimlim, Keith Chin, Danielle Chin, Hans Chin, Jan Dungog, Kristine Gargaritano, Rozbie Gonzalves, Nickole Gregorio, Daniella Halili-Sychangco, Joshua Harry, Timothy Ladia, Mark Lazaro, Frederick Nicomedez, Justin Ongteco, Rom Perez, Genevieve Perono, Jaime Prollamante, Patricia Severino, Vanessa Soares, Vida Sosa and Khourtny Torres.

To God be the Glory!

By: Froilan & Charito Piamonte
Youth Ministry Coordinators

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Personal Reflections on the YIDC

The 2010 North America Youth Inter-District Conference held in Farmingdale, New York on August 13, 14 and 15, 2010 was indeed a great success.  Kudos to our 19 youth delegates who actively participated and gave an outstanding performance during the Youth Activity Presentation from each District-in-attendance; namely: Long Island, Newark, Rockland, Toronto and St. Catharines.  We highly commend all our delegates for a job well done!

click here for more pictures

John Paul Tabios (age 15)

YIDC Long Island was amazing, ecstatic and outright fun! Many youth came together as one big group.  We came to the YIDC as friends to be taught. ”I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything I learned from my father, I have now made known to you. John 15:15. We were welcomed very warmly by our host, BLD Long Island. They were very friendly. Upon our arrival, we were able to see old friends and we also had an opportunity to meet new ones.

The following day, Toronto started off the day with a very powerful Praise and Worship.  During the day, Fr. Al gave us a lot of teachings.  That night, following dinner, each Youth group presented their skits.  All the skits revolved around the theme of that weekend which was “You belong to God and have overcome [the false spirits], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4.  BLD Long Island set the bar for each of the districts.  Everybody from our DIP knew that we could either pull it off and excel in our presentation or it could be a complete disaster.  But in Deuteronomy 31:6, it says  “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” And sure enough, our Lord God and King did not leave or forsake us.  We executed our skit well.  Many of the other performances which were presented were also quite outstanding and amazing. My favourite skit was the one about the Power Rangers presented by Newark.  We finished off the night with a praise jam, where through singing, loud praising and dancing, we paid adoration to God.

Everybody was very happy about all the friends they made but on Sunday, you could sense the unhappiness of the group because they knew that it was almost time for us to go back.  That morning, we had one last and most serious talk from Fr. Al who discussed the 4 levels of love.   At his homily, Fr. Al said to remember our faith and take time and meditate.

The ride back home was awesome, with everybody still full of the YIDC spirit, praising and dancing. We got home early on Monday morning but it was worth it. Every single second of the YIDC was amazing.

Thank you, Lord, for the many blessings and graces You have given us during the YIDC.  Thank you for the titos and titas who helped us during the YIDC, thank you for the wonderful friends and new friends that we have made.  But most of all, thank you Lord for being who You are, directing us, loving us, caring for us, and always being there for us. Amen.

Kate Rebarter (age 14)

Before YIDC, I felt like a complete mess. On the outside, I don’t think people noticed since I had a smile on my face no matter what. On the inside though, I was really torn up. I felt like something was missing. And I knew why I was feeling the way I was. I knew the reason I felt empty was because I was trying so hard.  Before YIDC, I spent so much time stressing over our skit, wanting it to be perfect, I completely forgot about God. I lost sight of God. I wanted our skit to please everyone so badly that I forgot that the only person I needed to please was God.

The bus ride to Long Island took so long, that it left me some time to think. I knew that I was going to have a lot of fun at YIDC, but I couldn’t help but feel scared.  I remembered YIDC 2008 and how we were completely not ready for our skit. This year I just wanted our skit to be a huge success.  I wondered if we were going to do well or do bad. I didn’t want to have a repeat of YIDC 2008.

Once I got off the bus I thought, “I’m ready!” with a big smile on my face. When I am worried or scared I tend to become quieter and not voice my opinions. I was really afraid that that would affect my weekend. When we went inside, I felt like I was thrust into a jungle. I was overwhelmed by the number of people coming up to me and introducing themselves. I felt really bad since I would forget their names a few minutes later. But by the end of the night, my feelings were still the same; worried and scared.

On Saturday I woke up feeling the same. Outwardly, I still had a big smile on my face, but on the inside, it was a whole other story. I was so scared that I wanted to cancel our skit for fear that it would turn into a disaster.  By the time it was afternoon, I started to feel a bit better, Long Island was so warm and welcoming it made me warm up to them. Then the time came, it was time to present our skit and then those warm feelings quickly turned to ice.  Before the skit started, I prepared myself for the worst. Then as the skit started, I just prayed for the best. Then somehow I heard everyone in the audience become entranced with our skit. I could feel that they were really enjoying our skit. They made “Oohs” and “Aahs” in all the right places. By the end of it I heard people were crying because of our skit!  I couldn’t believe the way it all turned out. Almost immediately I started to enjoy everything.

On Saturday night I prayed to God, saying thank you for this weekend.  It was exactly what I needed. By Sunday, I didn’t want to leave the warm feeling Long Island gave me. I liked how Long Island was kind to everyone. I conquered my fear in Long Island.

The weekend was amazing – my experience is something I will always cherish.  I can’t wait for Rockland YIDC 2012!

Nicole Panday (age 16)

Long Island YIDC was a good experience for me and, I’m sure, for everyone else.  Everyone there was friendly and the atmosphere was very welcoming.  I was touched by the generosity and hospitality of the event organizers and youth leaders.  The lectures were very inspirational and they made me reflect on my personal relationship with God.  I highly recommend it!

Arven Rebarter (age 16)

The bus ride to Long Island took forever.  Once we got to the venue, we met the other BLD youth.  All I expected at this YIDC was that it was just going to be a weekend full of praise and worship, maybe a mass or two, and a room packed with many youth. At first, this is what it seemed it would be, but it soon changed!  The room became packed with energy with so many youth in the same place.

Later we got split into groups where we were given teachings.  The teachings made me see that I needed to have a deeper relationship with God, and this involves communicating with Him in prayer and trusting Him.

Following dinner on Saturday, all the Districts showed off their skits, including St. Catharines.  Even though we had a limited amount of time to practice our skit, we pulled it off and had an amazing performance.  Playing the main character in this skit, I felt very proud of being a part of it.  Out of all the skits presented, the most memorable one for me was Newark’s, where I found the combination of acting and dubbing the characters’ voices was quite hilarious!

Matt Panday (age 19)

The Long Island 2010 YIDC was such an amazing experience!  Even though this is my second time going, it was just as good as my first time experience two years ago, sponsored by Toronto.  From the praising to praying, from eating to acting; from meeting new people to seeing old faces, it was one of the most memorable moments of my life.  I would like to give a shout-back to my people representing the “Bronx”!

I hope everyone had a good time.  I sure did!  And I hope to see everyone again at the Rockland 2012 YIDC!  You’ll all be in my prayers and I wish you guys the best in your lives.  God’s blessings to all of you, eh!

Paul Respicio (age 19)

The YIDC enabled us to experience a lot of entertaining activities while at the same time  providing an environment fit for earnest reflection. Throughout the weekend we were called to think about our faith in relation to modern society. Many of the activities focused on spiritual growth through prayer and treating everyone with loving kindness. Fr. Al shared a message of piety, and faithfulness. He spoke of the dangers of being taken in by the current trend of materialism, and advocated living a slower pace of life to allow for more prayer as well as a better understanding behind the deeper meaning of our communication with God.

When I heard that the YIDC was to take place in Long Island I immediately thought that it was going to be quite the logistical challenge. Fortunately, our trusty parents, and titos and titas from the St. Catharines BLD community ensured that everything fell into place for that weekend. I truly feel priviledged to have attended another YIDC as it was a fun-filled and enlightening experience. It was great to have the chance to meet new people, discuss our faith, and all together give thanks to the many blessings that we have recieved.

Thank you Long Island BLD for hosting and facilitating such a wonderful event and I am looking forward to going to Rockland for the next one!

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Update on Youth Activities

At the General Assembly held on Friday, June 4, Cip Tabios gave an update on what the Youth have been up to and what they’re going to be doing for the rest of the summer:

1. As at May 2010, the Singles Ministry has invited the Youth group to help them in managing the Mark 10 children with their activities on Friday nights while the adult members have their corporate worship.  Our members are assigned on a rotation basis.

2. YLSS # 11 Grand Reunion – Held at OLA on May 22.  7 of our youth YLSS graduates were able to attend the Toronto Grand Reunion, through the kindness of Fe Mativo and Matthew Panday who transported them to the venue.  A good time was had by all!!

3. Toronto YE #12  -  Taking place at Mount Mary Retreat Center, Ancaster, on July 23-25.  Registration fee - $100.  Due to space limitations, St. Catharines was only allocated 10 spots, which we have already filled.  Presently awaiting word from Toronto as to how many of our youth can serve as auxies.

4. North America Youth Inter-District Conference (YIDC) -  This is a much awaited event.  Sponsored by BLD Rockville Centre (Long Island) taking place August 13 – 15.  We have 18 delegates (10 boys, 8 girls) who are so eagerly looking forward to being a part of it all.  Romy/Minda Panday, Tho/Magie Respicio, Cip/Emmy Tabios, Poch/Avic Robles and Fe Mativo will provide transportation.  While some of these parents and their children will be put up by relatives, the rest have hotel bookings. A small number of youth will be billeted by Long Island members.

5. To help defray the cost of future activities and programs, solicitation letters to members, relatives and friends asking for assistance have been distributed.  Original plans of having a fundraiser were scrapped because of time constraints.  It is hoped that one will be organized next year but planning for it will have to commence well in advance to ensure us a successful venture.

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Befriending the Holy Spirit

We praise and thank God for a very successful Youth LSS last March 12-14 in Toronto.  The insights which our youth took away from this weekend experience, and the reflections they shared on the “friend” they discovered they had in the Holy Spirit, were truly priceless.  (To view the reflections some of them have submitted, please come back for the link to our newsletter [Easter Edition].) As we listened to them share on God’s goodness and their hope of a new life in Him, we could not help but be struck with joy and gratitude for how they fully yielded themselves to the Spirit of the Lord.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank from the bottom of our hearts all the parents who came on Sunday to join their children for mass and the “graduation” ceremonies.  Yes, dear parents, your presence clearly spoke of your all-out support towards the spiritual growth of your children. May the Good Lord continue to bless all of you and your families abundantly!

We are especially grateful to all our shepherds and co-shepherds for their time and resources, untiring support and encouragement of their lambs. Truly, you are all a role model to our youth. Remain blessed!

In the service of the Lord through the Youth,
Cip & Emmy Tabios
Youth Group Coordinators

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An Update on the Youth Group

11 candidates – 3 girls and 8 boys – will be joining the Toronto-sponsored Youth Life in the Spirit Seminar (YLSS) to be held at Cardinal Leger School in Scarborough on the weekend of March 12-14, 2010.  Shepherding the girls is Avic Robles, who has as her co-shepherd Jocelyn Rayos del Sol of the Singles.  The 8 boys have for their shepherds Roy Mitra and Romy Panday. Former LSS graduates Kristina Kehoe, Kate Rebarter and Raiza Mativo have been invited to sit in with Avic and Jocelyn, while JP Tabios, OJ Robles and Arven Rebarter are with Romy and Roy.  The purpose of having them sit in is to have them experience first hand the rudiments of shepherding.  These “co-shepherds” have expressed their joy and delight that they have been given this opportunity.

It was likewise a joy to have the families of the candidates stay on to join us for our Friday corporate worship when they came to drop off their children for the shepherding sessions.  These parents have been invited to come for Sunday mass and to witness their children’s “graduation ceremonies”

Total headcount of those attending from St. Catharines, which includes candidates, shepherds and working team, number 24.  All the boys will be billeted by Manny and Letty Buado and their family.  A guest room at a condo close to the venue has been rented to billet the girls.

Please join us in praying for the Holy Spirit to come in a mighty way during the YLSS and transform our youth into a “new creation”.

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Developing Future Youth Leaders

At the invitation of BLD Toronto, our Youth Group sent three of its members Oliver Robles, Kristina Kehoe and Katheryn Gutierrez to participate in the new Catholic leadership program offered by the Office of Catholic Youth from the Diocese of Toronto.  The program is a year-long process which focuses on developing leaders to be active witnesses of the Gospel.

Our three youth attended the first of the four sessions on October 23 to 25, 2009 at Camp Brebeuf in Rockwood, Ontario.  The theme for the retreat was “Gifted for Mission.”  The weekend was jam-packed with interactive indoor and outdoor activities, speakers, prayers and sacraments.  The three other full-day Saturday sessions will centre on the following topics:  The Mission of Christ (January 16, 2010); The Mission of the Church (April 10, 2010) and Vocation (June 26, 2010).

It is the program’s goal that upon completion of the program, the participants would have been empowered with tools to serve their parishes or community and apply themselves as young Catholic leaders.   We pray that these youth may mature in their faith and use their God-given gifts to be a source of inspiration to those around them.

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St. Catharines Youth Learn Rudiments of Praise & Worship

click here for more pictures

The much anticipated Youth Praise and Worship took place as scheduled on Saturday, October 17th, 2009 at the St. Catharines Cathedral hall.  A jubilant group from the Toronto Youth Praise team, along with some youth parents, arrived much earlier than expected. The Cathedral hall was still closed when the convoy from Toronto hit the parking lot. However, because the hall had been set up the night before, only the musical instruments needed to be put in place.

28 local youth from St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Thorold joined Toronto Pastoral DCS, Ed Dumlao, in the anointing of Arvic Canaria (Prayer Leader); JC Yulo (Teacher), and the Praise Team. As Arvic led the assembly in praise and worship, many felt the close embrace of the Lord.  As always, the Praise team did a wonderful job, bringing delight to all as they sang their hearts out!

Following lunch, JC gave an excellent teaching and presentation on what praise and worship is all about. A “practicum” or, practical application, followed where the participants were made to apply what they had just learned by creating prayers based on the AiCTSh format.   During the exercise, the senior members of the Toronto team guided each aspiring prayer leaders. At the end of the exercise, a number of them volunteered to deliver their prayers.

Our 28 youth participants experienced the joy and beauty of giving praise, adoration and thanksgiving to God through prayers and songs.  It became apparent that all of them wanted to experience more of such wonderful and intimate oneness with the Lord, and with each other.  At the short meeting conducted right after the worship, they voiced their desire to hold their own Praise and Worship. As a result, St. Catharines Youth Group will gather for its first Praise and Worship. And it is with much joy that we invite one and all to help us celebrate this milestone in the history of our DIP, which will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, November 14th at the Cathedral Hall.

Our sincerest thanks to BLD Toronto Pastoral DCS Ed Dumlao, to the newly appointed Youth Ministry Coordinators- Froilan and Charito Piamonte, Ditas Dimen- outgoing Youth Ministry Coordinator, Nilo and Linda Malicdem, Nick Tolentino and all youth parents who offered their generous support and prayers for the success of this youth gathering. We also wish to thank our own community leaders and youth parents for their outstanding support: Avic Robles, Roy and Carmen Mitra, Tho and Magie Respicio, Nardo Garcia, Cora Rebarter, Francis and Clare Abando, Romie Mativo and Marlou Tiro.

May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all as we bring our Youth to faithfully follow and serve Him through our beloved St. Catharines DIP.  In all that we do, to God be the glory!

By Cip & Emmy Tabios
Youth Group Coordinators

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BLD Toronto Youth Mission

We praise and thank the Lord for being with our Toronto Youth who travelled very early on Saturday morning, October 17th, as they set out on their mission to lead the St. Catharines youth in Praise and Worship.  Our awesome Youth team was headed by Arvic Canaria as the Prayer Leader.

Lunch was followed by a teaching given by J.C. Yulo on how to prepare prayers based on the new AiCTSh format - an acronym for “Adoraton, invocation, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication and high praise”.

Truly, one could see the work of the Holy Spirit as the 28 St Catharines youth participants were transformed from being timid, shy and uninterested in the beginning to being totally alive and jumping to the beat of the praise songs.  After the teaching, and under the guidance of the Toronto youth, they demonstrated that they were fast learners when they came up front to say the beautiful prayers they were able to create.

We thank our Toronto youth team for their enthusiasm and dedication, the St. Catharines youth for their desire to learn and the Toronto and St Catharines adults who supported us with their presence. We also thank all Moms and Dads for allowing their child(ren) to be a special part of serving God in the vineyard of St. Catharines.  And thanks be to God who made all these possible!

By Charito Piamonte
Coordinator, Toronto Youth Ministry

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The Spirit of the Lord Was Upon All

As we celebrate the risen Lord throughout the Easter season, the Church repeatedly reminds us that after Easter comes Pentecost.   But experiencing their own Pentecost came early to 54 Youth by way of Toronto’s YLSS  #10 held March 13 – 15 at the Cardinal Leger School in Scarborough.  For those of us who were present that Sunday, there was no mistaking that these kids were on some kind of a “high” – “high” in the Spirit and “high” in their newfound love of the Lord!  Seeing them literally jumping for joy, dancing and singing, it was plain for all to see that the Holy Spirit was alive and active in them!  (click here for slideshow presentation)

On Saturday night, 10 youth from St. Catharines - Benson Ompoc, Lester Bravo, OJ Robles, JP Tabios, Roniel Aperocho, Arven Rebarter, Kristina Kehoe, Louell Palparan, Kate Rebarter and Raiza Mativo - were among those who experienced how it is to be made into a “new creation”.  Gone were the expressions of uncertainty which they had on their faces when they first arrived at the venue, brought on by not quite knowing what to expect and understandably feeling out of their element.  But what a difference a day makes!  After their Baptism experience, it was clear that these were not the same girls and boys who arrived at the venue that Saturday morning!  The Holy Spirit filled them with such an infectious joy and a confidence that they are beloved of the Father.

Despite the very long day that they had, their excitement about their own unique Baptism experience was enough to keep them up until early the next morning as they shared a common bond.  Their love for Christ was awakened and they gave expression to it.  (Click here to read of some of their LSS reflections.)

Our children have just received the power of the Holy Spirit. For them we pray:  “God, our Father, stir up within our youth the fullness of Your Holy Spirit.  May they grow in their relationship with You and Your Son.  Nourish the seeds of heaven that You placed in them during their YLSS experience.  Yes, Holy Spirit, make our sons and daughters more fruitful in the charisms You have poured on them.  Open their hearts and make them witnesses to the Risen Christ.  Amen.”

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Fledgling Youth Group Formed

An Appreciation Day was set aside on Saturday, November 15, 2008, to gather the St. Catharines’ youth delegation to the Youth Inter-District Conference (YIC) held in Toronto last August 15 – 17, 2008.  The occasion rekindled the friendships formed during the YIC Weekend as well as served as the first step to further their spiritual journey with the BLD Community.

The celebration started with a praise and worship following the ACTS format (Adoration – Matt Panday, Invocation – Paul Respicio, Contrition – Jessica Mitra, Supplication – Arven Rebarter, Thanksgiving – John Paul Tabios)   It was heart-warming to hear our Youth leading the prayers for the very first time. And every one did very well!  After a short exhortation, lunch was served during which everyone was treated to a slide show featuring the YIC Weekend.

At the business meeting which followed, the youth were advised that a Youth Group with its own Youth Praise will be organized.  Tentative plans are for them to come together, initially once a month, preferably on a Saturday, for their own Praise and Worship.  As well, there will be group activities which the Youth themselves can plan and organize.  Four dates have already been set aside next year to have the Youth Praise come on board for a short praise and worship on a Friday teaching night.

Every one was encouraged to attend the Toronto YLSS that will be held on March 13, 14 & 15 at Cardinal Leger School, Scarborough. YLSS Registration forms were distributed.  Shepherding sessions will commence on January 23, 2009.  It is hoped that the youth participating in the YLSS will grow our fledging Youth Group.

All those present were very excited to have their Youth Group as an integral part of the Community. Matt Panday and Paul Respicio were chosen as Coordinators for Niagara Falls and St. Catharines respectively.  Both were prayed over after they accepted their positions. Cid Carlos Segovia was appointed the Coordinator for the Youth Praise.  The Youth Group will be under the pastoral care of Cip and Emmy Tabios.

Please join us in our prayers that “no one will have contempt for our Youth, but that they may be an example for those who believe in their speech, conduct, love, faith and purity”  (1 Timothy 4:12)

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The YIC -  A Vibrant and Spectacular Weekend!

On August 15 - 17, 2008 the BLD Toronto Youth Ministry took its turn at sponsoring the 2nd North America Youth Inter-District Conference (YIC).  It was held at the Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School on Avenue Road in Toronto.  More than 150 youth attended, with about 50 adults in tow, all of them leaders of the Districts and DIPs they represented.  Delegations came from Newark, Long Island, Trenton, Cincinnati, Phoenix, GVO, Montreal and our own St. Catharines.

The germ of an idea of having a BLD youth gathering in North America came about in 2005 at the initiative of the Newark District as part of its objective to better equip the youth of BLD “to be witnesses of Christ’s love and agents of evangelization wherever they go”.  After months of planning and preparation, the first YIC took place in Newark in August 4, 2006.

Their first YIC experience so touched the Toronto Youth who were in attendance that when the invitation to sponsor the 2nd YIC was extended to them, they accepted the challenge without any hesitation.  And, praise God! the Toronto Youth Ministry sure outdid themselves in putting on quite a vibrant and spectacular weekend!  We don’t doubt that it was a lot of hard work, sleepless nights and countless meetings for both the youth and the adult members, but their labour was not in vain - the praise and worship was powerful, the workshops fun and fully engaging and the whole weekend ran smoothly.

But the big headliner for the weekend came in the person of Fr. Leo Patalinghug who, in the words of some of the St. Catharines’ youth, was “fascinating”, “fun”, “amazing”, “inspiring”, “the best speaker ever!” – I’m sure you get the idea!  Fr. Leo gave several talks.  On Saturday, he first spoke on the theme of the weekend (1 Tim 4:12) - about how Christ is calling them to break away from the mold of the world and lead a life centred on Christ.  His other talks dealt with:  “Seeing the Good in Others”, “Dealing with Different Religions” and “Spiritual Combat”.  His Sunday talk dealt with “How to be a Follower of Christ as Teenagers”.

Fr. Leo immediately established a rapport with his audience - his icebreaker was to demonstrate his skill as a “pop-locking, break-dancing” priest.  He not only danced their dance, he spoke their language!  In his talks, he cited situations which the youth could easily relate to, using examples dealing with moral decisions which daily confront today’s youth.  Without a doubt, he connected with every person in the room, both young and old.

The next YIC weekend will be sponsored by BLD Long Island in 2010.  And even at this early stage, St. Catharines is already making plans to make sure it will be well represented!   And trust us to make overtures to our Long Island brothers and sisters to bring back Fr. Leo!   For more on Fr. Leo and our St. Catharines’ Youth’s impressions of the weekend, go to our September 2008 newsletter.

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Thank You, Lord, For Our Youth

Youth of St. Catharines	BLD Toronto Youth Ministry

In preparation for the BLD North America Youth Inter-District Conference (“YIC”) happening on August 15-17, 2008, members from the Youth Ministry of BLD Toronto came to the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria to share with our local youth a night of praise and worship.  It was a much-anticipated event by the community and we were not disappointed.

GOD IS GOOD!!!  ALL THE TIME!!!  GOD IS WHERE??? EVERYWHERE!!!  GOD IS WHAT???  HE'S SO HHHHOOOOOTTT!!!!!

And so the night started as J.C. Yulo, with much enthusiasm and gusto, led the praise and worship, together with the wonderful sounds of voices and instruments from the 10 members of their Praise Ministry.  The joy with which the Toronto Youth Team led the assembly in praise and worship was truly infectious that the St. Catharines Youth, including the older members, were moved to dance, jump and clap to the very upbeat worship songs.  As one youth said: “they were getting into it!” -  the same emotion we can presume David must have felt knowing he was in the mighty presence of the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14) when he ". . . . came dancing before the Lord with abandon.” But, most importantly, as we listened closely to the prayers and the songs, we were reminded that truly our God is indeed an awesome God!

The sharing from Andrew Rejano gave affirmation of how God uses the BLD Community to show His constant love for him.  He spoke about how, growing up with the BLD, he has found another “family.”  Through the BLD, he grew spiritually and was able to be with other friends who shared the same Christian values.

We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the Youth Ministry of Toronto, and their Coordinators, Rene and Ditas Dimen, who very generously shared of their time and talents in supporting our community.  May God bless them and continue to use them in touching the lives of many young people. The experience was a true blessing for the youth of St. Catharines who attended the evening!  As they participate in the upcoming YIC, we leave them in the Lord’s hands to do HIS mighty work and accomplish that which HE has purposed for them.

All praise and glory be to God for the success of the evening.  God is truly good!  He calls all of us in every age to Himself – to be holy.  And so we praise Him in a powerful way!

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