Bridging Generations: A Powerful Message from Young Leaders
(Long Beach, CA)—The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), held biennially, brought a wave of energy and inspiration to Long Beach this year. Hosted by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), this renowned gathering serves as a platform for showcasing the vibrancy of youth in the Church. Among the highlights this year was a session on “Bridging the Gap Between Generations,” led by JC Montenegro, PhD, and co-facilitated by eight dynamic youth leaders from the Salesian Oratory at St Dominic Savio Parish in Bellflower.
These remarkable young individuals, all active members of the Salesian Oratory, dedicated their time and energy to preparing for this impactful session. They represent the heart of a ministry that meets every Saturday, from noon to 4 PM, fostering community, leadership, and service. For many of them, their involvement spans over five years, with one standout, Juan Garcia, contributing over 2,000 volunteer hours to the parish. Their experience also includes serving as counselors for Camp Savio, where they have honed their leadership and mentoring skills.
The workshop, prepared over two months of brainstorming and collaboration, centered on the unique qualities that make their parish a welcoming, intergenerational, and youth-friendly environment. Starting with reflections on October 2, they explored themes of leadership, inclusion, and trust.
Key Insights from the Salesian Youth
- Uplifting Leadership: Young people are not just participants but leaders. Their voices are valued, and their input shapes the ministry.
- Community Matters: A welcoming and inclusive environment is essential, fostering a sense of belonging for all.
- Growth Mindset: Mistakes are embraced as opportunities to learn, with open communication as the foundation.
- Judgment-Free Zones: Ministries serve as safe spaces for healing, exploration, and outreach.
A Conference of Inspiration
The session was a resounding success, with a vibrant audience engaging deeply in discussions about the present and future role of young people in the Church. Montenegro captivated the attendees with a profound message:
“Young people are not the future of the Church; they are the present.”
This sentiment resonated strongly as the youth leaders shared their experiences, challenges, and triumphs, illustrating the transformative power of youth leadership in ministry.
Interactive and insightful, the conference empowered participants to recognize their potential as catalysts for positive change within their communities.
“The energy, creativity, and passion of young people can drive meaningful change—not just for themselves but for everyone they touch,” Montenegro emphasized.
A Call to Action
The event closed with a renewed sense of purpose among attendees. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from the Salesian youth. The session underscored the critical role young people play in the vitality of the Church and society, inspiring ongoing conversations about fostering intergenerational collaboration.
For more information about the Salesian Oratory and future events, connect with St. Dominic Savio parish. Together, we continue to build a more inclusive and engaged Church community, one young leader at a time.
