By: Miriam Hernandez
Coordinator for Youth Ministry – Salesian Family Youth Center

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For a long time, it had been a tradition at St. Mary’s church that the Youth Ministry was involved in all Easter celebrations of the parish. This year our youth participated in a Palm Sunday procession, gathered for a three-day Lenten Retreat, and celebrated the Easter Triduum as parish community.

 “I am happy to be able to socialize with others and share ideas. Some of us have different points of view but everyone here was open to listen to one another” said Sebastian about the Lenten Retreat.

Seven youth volunteered to have their feet washed in the foot washing ceremony on Holy Thursday. One of which said, “I am not washing my feet for days!” Charles explained he had never experienced anything like it. He was amazed at how Fr. Rafael washed their feet with so much love and care.

The next day twenty-three teens practiced and presented the stations of the cross on the streets of Boyle Heights. To conclude our Holy week experience on the evening of April 4^th youth celebrated Easter with a concert titled “Una Selfie con Jesus” (A Selfie with Jesus) where they partook in Eucharistic adoration and enjoyed music by young catholic artists Jay Ramirez and the band Heaven Sound. 

Thank you to all that helped made it all possible with your prayers, time, donations and talents!