Parish event showcases youth programs and invites the community to greater participation

By JC Montenegro, PhD

(Bellflower, California — March 15, 2026) – More than 50 youth leaders and volunteers from St. Dominic Savio Church gathered on Sunday, March 15, to host the first Savio Youth Ministry Day, an initiative designed to present the parish’s many youth programs and invite more young people to become involved in parish life.

The event took place throughout the day following the parish’s nine Sunday Masses. After each Mass, parishioners were invited to visit a series of information booths set up outside the church, where representatives from 14 different youth programs shared information about their ministries and welcomed families interested in learning more.

Savio Youth Ministry Day was the result of nearly a year of collaboration and planning. About one year ago, parish leaders formed the Savio Youth Ministry Team, a group composed of leaders from the parish’s various youth initiatives. Since then, the team has met monthly to develop a strategic plan to strengthen youth ministry at St. Dominic Savio. One of the plan’s key priorities has been improving communication so that parishioners, especially young people and their families, are aware of the opportunities available to them.

As part of this effort, the team created a Youth Ministry booklet highlighting each of the parish’s programs and their mission. The booklet was distributed during the event to help families discover the many ways young people can participate in parish life.

Throughout the day, youth leaders personally invited parishioners to visit the booths and explore the different ministries. Activities such as games, face painting, and jumpers created a welcoming and joyful atmosphere for children and families. In total, more than 6,000 parishioners attending the weekend Masses were invited to stop by and learn more about the parish’s youth programs.

At the end of the event, young people who visited the different ministry booths were entered into a raffle, bringing the day to a festive close.

Beyond promoting specific programs, the event reflected a broader vision shared by the Savio Youth Ministry Team: creating spaces where young people can belong, build friendships, and grow in faith. In a time when many youths spend much of their time in front of screens, the parish continues to offer opportunities for them to gather, serve, and discover their place within the Church community.

Savio Youth Ministry Day marked an important step in strengthening that mission and inviting more young people to become part of the life of the parish.