CYM Annual Gathering at Don Bosco Hall, Berkeley

By Marisol Becerra, Province YM Assistant –

(Bellflower, California) – This past weekend, from Friday to Sunday, March 7-9, Salesian Coordinators of Youth Ministry (CYMs) from across our parishes, youth centers, and schools gathered in Berkeley for a special meeting focused on formation, collaboration, and strengthening our Salesian mission.

The gathering provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of St. John Bosco’s mission through key Salesian documents. Fr. John Itzaina highlighted the four dimensions of the Salesian Youth Ministry, emphasizing its role in forming “Good Christians and Honest Citizens.” Rooted in Don Bosco’s vision, the Salesian Mission Objectives (SMOs) are carried out through the Educative Pastoral Community (EPC) using the Preventive System. Fr. John explained how these objectives—centered on faith, culture, community, and service—foster growth and guide young people toward evangelization, education, socialization, and a vocation of service.

A significant portion of our time was also dedicated to reviewing and discussing the roles and job descriptions of CYMs across different Salesian settings. This collaborative process fostered a shared understanding of our responsibilities and helped align our efforts in serving young people with the Salesian spirit.

The weekend concluded with a beautiful Eucharistic Celebration at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and a celebratory dinner at a restaurant nearby.

This meeting was a powerful reminder of our shared mission and the importance of ongoing formation and collaboration. As we continue our work in Salesian youth ministry, we remain inspired by Don Bosco’s legacy and committed to fostering spaces where young people encounter faith, community, and joy-filled hope.