Since my appointment as the Director of Youth Formation in Dunkeld Diocese, I have settled down to work in the office. Every Tuesday and Wednesday between 11am and 4pm are the official hours I am in the Youth office at the Diocesan Centre, Dundee. I am happy to work with the Diocesan Youth Commission made up of some young, vibrant and dedicated youths. Their zeal and commitment gives me the confidence that they have what it takes to animate the Youth ministry in the diocese. We have had meetings and are planning for some programmes which are already being publicized in our parishes and schools. Also some of our past events have been reviewed as are mentioned in this message.
Our Advent Youth retreat comes up between Friday 8th and Sunday 10th of December, 2017. The theme is “Prepare the Way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3) We have sent posters and forms to the parishes, but these can also be downloaded on our website www.dunkeldyouth.org.uk. The Diocesan Youth Music Animation Team (DYMAT) led by our dear Misia Paul has commenced rehearsals in preparation for the retreat. If you play any musical instrument or are interested in singing and would like to join us, please visit our website for details. You can keep up to date with events and activities on our social media platforms, follow us on our twitter handle @RCDunkeld_Youth, like our Instagram page: dunkeld_youth_service and join us on Facebook: dunkeld youth service.
I would like to express our appreciation to Bishop Stephen, our parish priests and parents for their spiritual, financial and moral support. With your assistance, we have been able to organize programmes and trips that help deepen our faith and enhance our integral formation. The great patron of the youth, Saint John Bosco once said “it’s not enough to love people have to feel that they are loved.” This is how you make us feel, that we are loved by you. We are grateful.
Shortly before I took up my new role with the young people of Dunkeld, some of our youths, led by Frankie McGuire, travelled to the Netherlands to attend the Lifeteen camp event. It was a wonderful experience for them and some have decided to write about it. I hope you will enjoy reading how this event has made significant impact in their lives. We look forward to going on more of such pilgrimages that would inspire and edify us.
May I also appreciate our young people, and in particular those who filled in the online questionnaire in preparation for the next synod on youth scheduled for October 2018 in Rome. The theme of the synod, “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment”, chosen by Pope Francis shows we have a special and important role to play in the Church and in our society. We pray for the Synod fathers and all would be participants at the synod, that based on our responses and guided by the Holy Spirit, they will emerge with suitable pastoral initiatives that will aid our growth towards Christian maturity and enable us fulfill our role in the world.
I encourage our young people in parishes and schools to key into our programmes and also come forward with ideas that will help us build a dynamic youth ministry in the diocese. I shall also be establishing contact with our parishes and schools to see how we can mutually achieve this wonderful task. Thank you for your time and please keep praying for and encouraging our youths.
Fr Samuel Alabi, MSP
Dunkeld’s Director of Youth Formation