Steps Towards Launching and Nurturing an ESCC Youth Committee
As announced in Newsletter No. 4, a prerequisite meeting to inform our discernment on how to support and enrich local youth ministries was held on January 14. We brought together leaders from Diocesan and Parish-based Youth Ministries, Holly-Kirsten Eugenio, Isabel Correa, and Kevin Reda, from the Holy Name of Jesus Parish, and Corey Jolly, lay evangelist and resource person for the eventual committee. Deep listening from the ESCC Board representatives Karen deKoninck and Cory Andrew Labrecque, the intended committee leads, facilitated an inspiring and insightful discussion. A potential collaboration toward the celebration of the Feast of Christ the King in November 2025 and a form of rally in 2026 emerged as needing further exploration.
During the meeting, the possible relevance of an ESCC-driven Youth Resource “Bank” was touched upon. The draft was developed collaboratively with Vanier Student Transcript Activity Record [S.T.A.R.] Program participant Saniya Sadiq, who worked with us during the 2024 fall semester. This draft features a variety of organizations and groups that support youth well-being, personal growth, and overall development (e.g., YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, Youth for Youth Québec [Y4Y] and student associations, like the Concordia University Catholic Student Association [CUCSA] and Catholic Christian Outreach –[CCO]). Potential next steps pertain to including organizations that address newcomer needs and agency such as Canadian Parents for French (CPF) and Promis, and some that promote intercultural and interfaith gatherings and initiatives. In a refined state, such a data bank could serve as a valuable tool to guide ESCC’s Youth Committee in identifying strategic partners and prioritize the development of programs with and for youth and young adults.
Stay tuned for updates and please note that recruitment for our Youth Committee is ongoing. Join us in supporting youth and youth ministries!