InTouch Newsletter | Salesian Family Bulletin

salesianfamilydiciembre 2, 2022diciembre 2, 2022

“You have the power to choose who you want to be”

By: Paula LuengosSalesian Summer Camp Volunteer from Spain Hello dear Salesian Family of the Western Province, as you know every year we have a group of volunteers who help at our Salesian summer camp experiences. Part of our mission as a Salesian family is to give voice to the ideas, feelings, and dreams of our young people, as well as to inspire and motivate other … Continuar leyendo “You have the power to choose who you want to be”

salesianfamilyoctubre 28, 2022noviembre 1, 2022

Leave behind your fears and begin to experience new situations you did not know before

By: Veronica LapetraSalesian Summer Camp Volunteer from Spain Veronica volunteered at the Salesian Family Youth Center in 2019, and she returned in 2022 to volunteer at Camp Savio in Bellflower. At the end of her experience, Veronica shares with us what this volunteer experience has meant to her, and what she has learned from it for life. Hello! My name is Veronica, and I am … Continuar leyendo Leave behind your fears and begin to experience new situations you did not know before

salesianfamilyoctubre 14, 2022octubre 14, 2022

Lets save a starfish – Part III

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers The previous two weeks I shared the experience of these migrant children in the United States. They express the risks that migrant children suffer here, and also brainstorm solutions that in this Province we could consider for future ministry. It must be remembered that these children have grown up in Salesian environments and that despite not being more than … Continuar leyendo Lets save a starfish – Part III

salesianfamilyseptiembre 23, 2022septiembre 23, 2022

Lets save a starfish – Part II

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Last week we started the article “Let’s save a starfish” where I shared the experience of a migrant family arriving in this country. Here is the continuation of the experience of the children. I also am offering ideas from their parents about how we might help these children and young people. “We traveled to Los Angeles without knowing where … Continuar leyendo Lets save a starfish – Part II

salesianfamilyseptiembre 16, 2022

Lets save a starfish – Part I

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Have you heard the story of the starfish? In a preparation retreat for SYLC Fr. Itchan Laygo, SDB, narrated this story. One day an old man was walking on the beach and saw thousands of starfish dying in the sand because the tide had taken them out of the water. In front of the sea there was a child … Continuar leyendo Lets save a starfish – Part I

salesianfamilyseptiembre 16, 2022

Province Youth Ministry Team Retreat

By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant From Friday, September 9th to Sunday, September 11th, the Province Youth Ministry Team gathered in person and on Zoom for the first PYMT Retreat. The retreat began on Friday night with a welcome, social, and introductions. We ended the first day with a prayer and a goodnight from our Provincial, Fr. Mel Trinidad. On Saturday, we began the day … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Team Retreat

salesianfamilyseptiembre 2, 2022septiembre 2, 2022

“Someone else needs this sandwich more than I do”

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Month after month we have carried out our homeless outreach, sometimes it is a bit difficult to find time for this activity, however we did not want to let the summer go by without doing this experience that always helps us to be more empathic with our brothers and sisters. On this occasion, the volunteers who came from Spain … Continuar leyendo “Someone else needs this sandwich more than I do”

salesianfamilyagosto 19, 2022agosto 19, 2022

“For you I study, for you I work…”

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers As you may have heard, in January the Salesian Family Youth Center joined the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. We have had the opportunity to meet, learn, participate, and collaborate in different committees, meetings, and councils to make the difference in the world of formal and non-formal education. On July 25, a unique opportunity was presented to me … Continuar leyendo “For you I study, for you I work…”

salesianfamilymayo 27, 2022mayo 27, 2022

Homeless Outreach on Skid Row: A different way of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Sunday, April 17, some of the Salesian presences in the Los Angeles Area decided to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus in a different way: bringing not only food and clothing to our homeless brothers and sisters on Skid Row, but also moments of prayer and letters (with blessings and motivational messages) written by the young people of the … Continuar leyendo Homeless Outreach on Skid Row: A different way of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus

salesianfamilymayo 6, 2022

Summer Assignments 2022

Dear All, I greet you with fraternal affection in this month of May, the month of our mother, Mary Help Of Christians,hoping that all your communities, families and pastoral activities bear excellent fruit. I am writing to all of you at this time to communicate and share with you the assignments for this summer 2022.This process was carried out, considering the evaluation made last year … Continuar leyendo Summer Assignments 2022

salesianfamilymarzo 25, 2022mayo 5, 2022

Being “living waters of hope”

By: Andres NeriaSocial Communication and Media Coordinator This year’s RE (Religious Education) Congress certainly felt different with the limited number of attendees and exhibitors. Despite that, for those who were in attendance (physically and virtually) there was a sense of hope that it’s still possible to gather, be formed, and share in community our living faith with others. Participants and organizers support one another while keeping … Continuar leyendo Being “living waters of hope”

salesianfamilymarzo 11, 2022marzo 11, 2022

Monthly Homeless Outreach at Skid Row

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Sunday, March 6, we have carried out our monthly Homeless Outreach, but this time it was a little different, since we have had the presence of almost 30 volunteers to give food, toiletries, some clothes and time to our brothers and sisters less fortunate ones on skid row. This experience was impressive because we have had the representation … Continuar leyendo Monthly Homeless Outreach at Skid Row

Notícias de la Inspectoría, Volunteers

Welcome Saul Silva, our newest volunteer!

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers We are happy to share that Divine Providence has sent us a new volunteer. His name is Saul Edwin Silva Duran, he is 25 years old, and although he and his father were born in Brazil, Saul grew up in Bolivia, where he has known the Salesians since he was ten years old. Saul is the third of four … Continuar leyendo Welcome Saul Silva, our newest volunteer!

salesianfamilyfebrero 25, 2022mayo 5, 2022

salesianfamilyfebrero 4, 2022febrero 4, 2022

Happy Feast Day from Saint Anthony’s Youth Group!

By: Peter NguyenYoung Adult Leader On Sunday, January 30th, 2022, Saint Anthony’s Youth Group welcomed novices Michael and Thomas Nguyen along with Brothers Khoa Pham and Damien Ho to celebrate the feast day of St. John Bosco. We started a fun day of joyful festivities by playing steal the bacon by splitting up the group into two sides and as we witnessed our kids chasing … Continuar leyendo Happy Feast Day from Saint Anthony’s Youth Group!

salesianfamilyenero 21, 2022enero 21, 2022

Monthly Homeless Outreach at Skid Row

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On December 19th, 2021 Salesian Volunteers, representatives from Saint Joseph Salesian Retreat House and Restless Hearts Foundation had our monthly Homeless Outreach. In the Province we have our Missionary Animation Team that coordinates the various missionary volunteer activities. I am proud to introduce Tamara Tran, who is an educator and active member of the Saint Joseph Salesian Retreat House. … Continuar leyendo Monthly Homeless Outreach at Skid Row

salesianfamilyenero 21, 2022enero 21, 2022

Salesian Family Youth Center members of the LA Chamber of Commerce

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On January 12, members of the Salesian Family Youth Center were present for the first time in the Los Angeles area Chamber of Commerce! A couple of months ago Juan Carlos and I went to the streets of Boyle Heights to visit local businesses and attract benefactors, we made some contacts, but they do not compare to the number … Continuar leyendo Salesian Family Youth Center members of the LA Chamber of Commerce

salesianfamilyenero 10, 2022enero 10, 2022

Fifth Homeless Outreach at Skid Row

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On November 23rd, on the eve of Thanksgiving, Salesian Volunteers together with R.IDEA, an organization of women dedicated to helping the underserved and homeless communities reach their goals and regain footing back into a functioning society, went to serve our most needy brothers on Skid Row. It is impressive to see how different organizations want to come together and … Continuar leyendo Fifth Homeless Outreach at Skid Row

salesianfamilyenero 10, 2022enero 10, 2022

Second Former Volunteers Gathering (MEG) Experience

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On December 2nd I had the opportunity to participate in the discussion of former Salesian volunteers in my Province of origin: Mexico-Guadalajara (MEG). The discussion was led by Margarita, the coordinator of the Salesian missionary volunteering of the Province of MEG. This event was via Zoom, and we began with a reflection on the beginning of Salesian missionary volunteering … Continuar leyendo Second Former Volunteers Gathering (MEG) Experience

salesianfamilyenero 10, 2022enero 10, 2022

Salesian presence at the Guadalupe Procession

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Bishop Mora Salesian High School participated in the annual Guadalupe procession held in East Los Angeles on December 5th. The Salesian Letterman Society, the Bishop Mora runners led by coach Gabriel Medina, and the school’s Campus Ministry Team represented the school. This year’s event was the 90th anniversary of the procession. The parade began at Cesar Chavez Avenue. As … Continuar leyendo Salesian presence at the Guadalupe Procession

salesianfamilydiciembre 10, 2021diciembre 12, 2021

Youth Night in Boyle Heights

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Youth Nights have become a monthly tradition in the Salesian community of Los Angeles. The overall intention is to unify forces among the youth ministries of each of the Salesian presences in Los Angeles. Each month we’ve had Youth Night, where members of the Confirmation program from Saint Mary’s, Saint Isabel, and young leaders from the Salesian Family Youth … Continuar leyendo Youth Night in Boyle Heights

salesianfamilynoviembre 19, 2021noviembre 19, 2021

Youth Night and Collaborative Team!

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Friday, October 22, the 3rd Collaborative Team Meeting was held at the new Salesian parish of Santa Isabel in Boyle Heights. Representatives of the Confirmation Program from St. Mary’s, St. Isabel and some representatives from the Salesian Family Youth Center participated in this meeting. Participants included: Fr Marcos Castillo, Mrs. Elizabeth Villanueva, Juan Carlos Montenegro, Miriam Hernandez, and … Continuar leyendo Youth Night and Collaborative Team!

salesianfamilynoviembre 19, 2021noviembre 19, 2021

“Everything can be expected from a grateful heart.”

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers “Everything can be expected from a grateful heart.” On the eve of gratitude in November, various organizations such as Mission Animation, Salesian Volunteers Program, Saint Joseph Salesian Retreat House, and Restless Heart offered food, vitamins, masks, and clothing to our less fortunate brothers on Skid Row. This experience has been the third Homeless Outreach for the Salesian Volunteers Program. … Continuar leyendo “Everything can be expected from a grateful heart.”

salesianfamilynoviembre 5, 2021noviembre 5, 2021

Thank you, Salesians

By: JC Montenegro, PhD, Delegate for Mission Animation Twenty years ago, around this time, I arrived in Los Angeles and since then I have been involved with a wonderful Salesian family here. I’ve had delightful moments as well as challenging moments. In my heart, there is nothing but gratitude going out to each of the Salesians who have been part of my uniquely fantastic journey. … Continuar leyendo Thank you, Salesians

salesianfamilyoctubre 29, 2021octubre 29, 2021

World Mission Day in the LA Archdiocese!

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Sunday, October 24, two members of the Missionary Animation Team of the Province were present in two Archdiocesan of Los Angeles Parishes to speak about the missionary work of the Church in the world and invite parishioners to be part of the Mission of the Church through prayer and economic cooperation. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has contacted … Continuar leyendo World Mission Day in the LA Archdiocese!

salesianfamilyoctubre 29, 2021octubre 29, 2021

First Homeless Outreach at Skid Row

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On September 26, three organizations: Salesian Volunteers, St. Joseph Salesian Retreat House and Restless Hearts went to our monthly homeless outreach activity in Skid Row. Tamara and Juan Guzmán helped us organize the Homeless Outreach by gathering clothes and preparing hot food for our brothers and sisters in need. First we had our Eucharistic celebration at 9:30 am, then … Continuar leyendo First Homeless Outreach at Skid Row

salesianfamilyoctubre 1, 2021octubre 1, 2021

Promoting Social Justice among our young people

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Sunday, September 29, we had the opportunity to do a volunteer experience feeding the homeless at Venice Beach. The event organizers were Restless Heart Foundation, who prepared the food packages, Tamara (St. Joseph Salesian representative), representatives from the Salesian Volunteers Program, Martín (volunteer from Ecuador), and Br. Freddy (SDB from Venezuela). We began with a Mass celebration at … Continuar leyendo Promoting Social Justice among our young people

salesianfamilyagosto 6, 2021agosto 6, 2021

Missionary Experience

By: JC MontenegroDelegate for Mission Animation On July 29, the delegate for Missionary Animation and the preferential option met with 4 young SDBs in initial formation to evaluate their missionary summer experience in two summer camps that are held year after year in Southern California: Camp Savio based in Saint Dominic Savio, Bellflower and Camp Salesian based in Boyle Heights in Los Angeles. At this … Continuar leyendo Missionary Experience

salesianfamilyagosto 6, 2021agosto 6, 2021

How do I see God in the Salesian family youth center?

By: Bro. Dang-Khoa Pham, SDBSalesian of Don Bosco I was assigned to the Salesian Family Youth Center to serve the children at the summer camp program in the low-income community of Boyle Heights in Los Angeles. I was a quite nervous with plenty of curiosity and expectations. You may ask yourself, why? I have been in the US for almost two years, and this was … Continuar leyendo How do I see God in the Salesian family youth center?

salesianfamilymayo 21, 2021mayo 28, 2021

Meet our two newest Salesian Volunteers!

By: Alejandro Martinez and Martin NeiraSalesian Volunteers. I am Alejandro Martínez Casanova. I was born in Bogota, Colombia in 1989. I made the decision to become a Salesian Volunteer with the purpose of enriching my personal project of life. Since I was 9 years old, I grew up surrounded by music in a Salesian High School in Bogota. Today, I am a professional choral and … Continuar leyendo Meet our two newest Salesian Volunteers!

Notícias de la Inspectoría, Salesian World News

First Doctoral Thesis based on the Salesian Volunteer Program

By: JC Montenegro Delegate for Mission Animation Yes, it is the first time in the history of the congregation that a Doctoral Thesis was dedicated to research what is happening with the Salesian Volunteer Movement at the world wide level. The research focused on the personal development that a volunteer goes through when a long term service takes place in our Salesian communities. The author, … Continuar leyendo First Doctoral Thesis based on the Salesian Volunteer Program

salesianfamilymarzo 4, 2020marzo 4, 2020Dejar un comentario

salesianfamilyenero 18, 2020enero 18, 2020Dejar un comentario

Salesians helping homeless in East Los Angeles

By: Johnny Martinez & J.C Montenegro For the last year, the Salesian Family Youth Center has been the place where once a month, homeless meet and share God’s love. Johnny Martinez, the group leader, started this group to serve God among the less fortunate. The meetings begin at 7 PM with a welcoming and opening prayer, then they read the Bible with a sharing process … Continuar leyendo Salesians helping homeless in East Los Angeles

salesianfamilydiciembre 11, 2019diciembre 11, 2019

English Volunteer Program Collaboration

By: JC Montenegro Delegate for Mission Animation On December 2, 2019, Lauren Hichaaba (Cagliero Project – Australia), Adam Rudin (Salesian Lay Missioners – USA East), and Jc Montenegro (Salesian Volunteers – USA West)gathered online to catch-up and discuss ways to accompany each other while leading the volunteer program in their respective provinces. Several important topics were discussed during the hour-long meeting. The first conversation was … Continuar leyendo English Volunteer Program Collaboration

salesianfamilydiciembre 4, 2019diciembre 4, 2019Dejar un comentario

Salesian Volunteers Visit Asylum Community Center in Tijuana

By: JC Montenegro Delegate for Mission Animation As part of the Mission Animation Promotion on Thanksgiving weekend a group of young adults from our province visited the Salesian Community in Tijuana. This is an opportunity for young adults to experience and see firsthand social issues and to educate and raise awareness of what is happening in the world. Young people are challenged to become agents … Continuar leyendo Salesian Volunteers Visit Asylum Community Center in Tijuana

salesianfamilynoviembre 5, 2019noviembre 21, 2019Dejar un comentario

Annual Thanksgiving Tijuana Mission Trip

By: J.C Montenegro Savio Youth Ministry’s Annual Thanksgiving Tijuana Mission trip is an awesome opportunity for you. In 2002 St. Dominic Savio and St. John Bosco, created the Salesian Missionaries to Tijuana program. They saw the need for a deeper formation and understanding of the catholic social justice for young people who were involved in youth ministry programs. In 2003 St. Dominic Savio extended an … Continuar leyendo Annual Thanksgiving Tijuana Mission Trip

salesianfamilyoctubre 1, 2019octubre 8, 2019Dejar un comentario

New Salesian Volunteer for the province

By: J.C Montenegro Delegate for Mission Animation Margie Cottrill is the new Salesian Volunteer who is coming from Massachusetts to spend one year of her life serving the youth of Boyle Heights. An 18 year-old teen, Margie has decided to discern her vocation with the Salesians. She is living in community with the Salesians Sisters at St. Mary’s. Her community experience has opened her eyes … Continuar leyendo New Salesian Volunteer for the province

salesianfamilyoctubre 1, 2019octubre 8, 2019Dejar un comentario

Fighting for Justice at Migrant Farmworkers Assistance Fund

By: Izzy Shahmirza St. Francis High School Alumni I am the proud daughter of immigrants–my mother is from Jalisco, México, and my father from Tehran, Iran. My parents immigrated to the United States with the desire to embrace new opportunities, however, their journey was filled with imposter syndrome, hardships, and adversity. My mother settled in rural Watsonville, California–a predominantly Latinx, agricultural town, known as … Continuar leyendo Fighting for Justice at Migrant Farmworkers Assistance Fund

salesianfamilyseptiembre 19, 2019septiembre 26, 2019Dejar un comentario

Inter-America Social Services Network

By: J.C Montenegro Delegate for Mission Animation From September 6-16, 2019 the Core Team of the Inter-America Social Services Network for youth at risk gathered in Dominican Republic to analyze and evaluate the 2014-2020 Strategic Plan to update it, promote the bases of networking in the region, and to prepare for next year’s gather where all the delegates from the region will gather. Thanks to … Continuar leyendo Inter-America Social Services Network

salesianfamilyseptiembre 4, 2019septiembre 11, 2019Dejar un comentario

Thank you, Sr. Gloria!

By VIDES+USA Volunteers In Development, Education, & Solidarity After 15 years as being the Director of VIDES+USA, Sr. MaryGloria Mar is passing on the reigns to Sr. Sydney Moss. Sr. Sydney recently made her perpetual vows and originally met the Sisters when she was a VIDES missionary! She spent almost two years working in El Salvador with the Sisters while discerning her vocation. She is … Continuar leyendo Thank you, Sr. Gloria!

Notícias de la Inspectoría, Inspector

Provincial Council, Delegates, and Coordinators Meeting

By: Andres Neria On Thursday August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, our Provincial Fr. Ted and his council met with the delegates and coordinators of the province. The purpose of this meeting, and future meetings to come, is to explore and implement better ways to serve our province at all levels. This idea was presented at this year’s Provincial Chapter and came out as … Continuar leyendo Provincial Council, Delegates, and Coordinators Meeting

salesianfamilyagosto 20, 2019agosto 27, 2019

Formation, Notícias de la Inspectoría

Candidate TJ Summer Experience

By: Christopher Green Hey everyone, I hope all has been well with you in the past week. Happy memorial of Saint Junipero Serra! I’d like to use this opportunity to let you know about my first week in Tijuana. When I left Los Angles on Saturday of last week, I was excited about this opportunity to clarify my understanding of God’s vocation for me through … Continuar leyendo Candidate TJ Summer Experience

salesianfamilyjulio 3, 2019julio 10, 2019