By Victoria Figueroa
My Involvement with the Province Youth Ministry Team
I have always had a passion for service. St Dominic Savio Parish provided me with belonging, community, and spiritual growth. You were able to often find me attending the weekly youth group, the Saturday’s Oratory, and our summer’s Camp Savio. The youth minster and the parish community embraced, uplifted, and encouraged me to be a leader at my parish. My first experience with the Salesian province was at SYLC. I was always aware of Don Bosco and the charism from my site, however SYLC ignited a spark in me that I couldn’t deny. I grew as a leader and held the testimonies I heard close to my heart. I was inspired to make a difference in our province.
Pivoting Moment
SYLC 2022 was challenging for me. I was no longer a youth, rather a young adult in attendance as a chaperone. I remember feeling as if my involvement in the province was going to come to an end. I voiced my feelings and I confided in the adults around me for guidance. I caught their attention. and thank goodness I didn’t push those feeling aside. After that SYLC, I joined the Province Youth Ministry Team (PYMT).
To say I was anxious to join the team, is an understatement. I was shocked to see that they were offering me a seat at the table and an opportunity for my voice to be heard. My interactions with the SDBs were limited to SYLC and often were empty and meaningless, I never imagined that I would be having discussions with them, and often challenging them. This team, that consisted of the Youth Ministry Office, SDBs, CYMs, and Salesian Brothers, accepted me. My involvement in the PYMT was the pivoting moment for me. I am now invested and dedicated to the progression of our province. This community showed me that my ideas are appreciated and heard. I am grateful to be invited back for the 2023-2024 year of the PYMT.
Community
The Salesians are a family, that I would of never found myself being a part of if you would have asked me in 2022. My experience at St Dominic Savio Parish, at SYLC, on the PYMT has taught me many things and given me many opportunities. The Salesian Youth Ministry Office changed my life and allowed me to see things through a Salesian lens. I cannot imagine my life with out the Salesian Presence. I’m grateful for the community, comradery, and the acceptance that I found in the PYMT.
THANK YOU TO THE PROVINCE YOUTH MINISTRY TEAM!
