By Luis Chacon

(Berkeley, California) – From March 1st to 3rd, the Salesian Family of the Western Province embarked on a spiritually enriching retreat at Don Bosco Hall in Berkeley, a beacon of Salesian hospitality and fraternity. This gathering was specifically designed for Coordinators of Youth Ministry (CYM) from various Salesian works, emphasizing reflection, prayer, and strategic planning for our mission with the youth.

Under the guidance of Father Fabian Cardenas and the Youth Ministry Office team, Marisol Becerra and Victoria Figueroa, the retreat saw participation from CYMs representing diverse Salesian presences. These included Adrian Fulley from Salesian High North, Gina Battad from Corpus Christi Parish, Gabe Summers from St. Francis High School, Justin Palacios on behalf of JC Montenegro from St. Dominic Savio Parish, and Luis Chacon from the Salesian Parishes of St. Mary’s, Santa Isabel and the Salesian Family Youth Center.

The retreat was further enriched by the presence of special guests who shared their knowledge and experiences, including Fr. Marcos Castillo, SDB, Fr. Marco César Riveros, Brother Johny Chamorro, and Salesian missionary volunteer Mario Barrios.

The retreat commenced on the evening of March 1st with moments of fellowship and introduction, followed by a dinner. A prayer session led by CYMs and guests allowed for deep reflection on the current needs and situations faced by youth in our Salesian settings. The day concluded with the traditional “good nights” from our Provincial, Father Mel Trinidad, who encouraged continued work in synodality.

Day two began with a Mass celebrated by Father John Itzaina, the director of the Berkeley community, who reflected on the parable of the Prodigal Son. The community then participated in breakfast preparation and cleanup, fostering a sense of unity and service. The morning’s reflections focused on a Gospel passage from Mark, contemplating Jesus’ call to His disciples to join Him on the mountain, symbolizing our own call to mission with and for the youth.

A significant portion of the retreat was dedicated to reviewing the Job Descriptions for CYMs across youth centers, schools, and parishes. It became evident that while the mission is unified, each sector has unique aspects. The Salesian Province aims to standardize structures across all positions to optimize resources and processes, always with the goal of enhancing service to the youth and children of our Province.

The retreat concluded on a high note with a dinner prepared by Brother Damien, SDB, followed by a prayer session and karaoke hosted by volunteer Mario Barrios. These events symbolized the joy and fellowship that characterize our Salesian spirit.

The closing Mass on March 3rd, presided over by Father Fabian Cárdenas, encapsulated the retreat’s spirit of renewal and commitment. This gathering not only strengthened the resolve of our CYMs but also reaffirmed the Salesian mission’s relevance and urgency in today’s world. As we move forward, the insights and reflections from this retreat will undoubtedly shape our approach to youth ministry, inspiring a deeper engagement with the young on their journey of faith and life.