Dear Salesian Family, Young People, and Friends:

I hope and pray that your summer has begun well.  The month of June is usually filled with so many activities and events: graduations and summer school, Father’s Day, summer camp preparations and summer ministries, vacations, and long trips…  

The Salesian Province of the United States West is no different.  These next few weeks, there are province activities and events that will have a significant impact on the Salesian mission in our part of the Salesian world.   On June 7-13, many Salesian youth leaders and adults gathered for the Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) to be accompanied and formed in Salesian Youth Ministry and Spirituality.  There were 130+ participants and teams from all over the province at Camp St. Francis in Aptos.  As always, I had the privilege to preside at the Commissioning Mass on the final day.

The Provincial Chapter takes place June 17-21 at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower.  There are close to 30 Salesian leaders, consecrated and lay, who will continue the synodal process of reflection on the theme for General Chapter 29: “Passionate about Jesus Christ, Dedicated to Young People.”  Reflection on three core areas has been in process for many months and will be finalized and approved by the Provincial Chapter.  The three core areas are:

• Core Area 1: Animation and care of the true life of each Salesian
• Core Area 2: Salesians, Salesian Family and Lay People Together “with” and “for” Young People
• Core Area 3: A courageous review and re-planning of the Congregation’s governance at all levels

At the Provincial Chapter, the revised Province Organic Plan, which includes the Province Strategic Plan, will also be presented and approved.  The strategic plan will include the Province Development Office, the Province Level Job Descriptions and the Culture of Coaching on all levels, and the Joint Salesian Formation of SDB’s and the laity.

Right after the Provincial Chapter, the Provincial Council will meet June 24-28 for their annual planning in the animation of the Province.  At the same time, many of the summer camps and ministries will have their final preparations.

The above special events will take a great deal of collaboration and will help build the growth mindset in the Province.  I ask for your prayers for all of the above.

Thank you and may God bless you always.

Sincerely in Christ and in Mother Mary,

Fr. Mel