United States - Empowering Youth and Lay Leaders

06 March 2023

Los Angeles, United States - March 2023 - Last Sunday, a conference on “Youth Empowerment” was held at the Religious Education Congress, featuring Doctor Juan Carlos Montenegro as the keynote speaker. The conference was held in the framework of the “Strenna” of the Rector Major of the Salesians entitled “AS THE YEAST IN TODAY’S HUMAN FAMILY: The lay dimension in the family of Don Bosco.” The event was attended by more than 600 lay parish leaders, including those in charge of catechism, youth ministry, and religious education. During the conference, Doctor Juan Carlos shared some practical tools of the Don Bosco Educational System, specifically the Preventive system, which emphasizes the importance of winning the hearts of children and young people. Doctor Montenegro emphasized the need for young people to feel responsible for the local Church, beyond meeting the requirements that their families demand of them. He stated that it is the responsibility of lay leaders in the Church to trust young people, give them responsibility, discover their gifts, put them to serve, and accompany them.

Doctor Montenegro’s words resonated with the conference attendees, and more than 30 catechists approached him after the conference to express their gratitude and seek his help in updating their ministries. The conference provided a valuable opportunity for lay parish leaders to learn from an expert in the field and gain new insights into how to empower young people and promote active participation in the Church.

The Don Bosco Educational System has a proven track record of success in educating and empowering young people. Based on the principles of reason, religion, and loving kindness, the Preventive system aims to create a positive and supportive learning environment that fosters the holistic development of young people. Through a focus on individual strengths and interests, the Preventive system aims to inspire young people to become active participants in their communities and take ownership of their own education.

The conference on “Youth Empowerment” at the Religious Education Congress was a valuable opportunity for lay parish leaders to learn from an expert in the field and gain new insights into how to empower young people and promote active participation in the Church. By following the principles of the Don Bosco Educational System, lay leaders can create a positive and supportive learning environment that inspires young people to become active participants in their communities and take ownership of their own education.

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