St. Matthew Parish in Edmonton celebrated the inaugural gathering of its Youth Group on September 12, welcoming 30 teens, eight youth leaders, parents, and volunteers.
The morning was filled with joy, laughter, faith, and fellowship as we took an exciting first step toward forming young people who are confident witnesses to the Gospel—an important pastoral priority throughout the Archdiocese.
We began with music, prayer, and the lighting of a candle, symbolizing the light of Christ at the centre of our Youth Ministry. A special highlight was learning about St. Carlo Acutis, whose example of faith, creativity, and service deeply inspired our young people. Following his example, the teens committed to putting their faith into action through acts of kindness and service in the coming weeks—growing not only in faith, but also in the confidence to share Christ through their words and actions.
The gathering concluded with prayer and song, along with a wonderful sign of things to come: the youth left excited to invite their friends to the next gathering. With the encouragement and pastoral guidance of Father Joy Vadakkan Poulose, CFIC, , we look forward to accompanying our young people as they grow in faith, build community, and become confident witnesses to the joy of the Gospel.
—Jacqui Linder, Youth Group Coordinator, St. Matthew Parish
Sign up for The WINDOW, the weekly electronic bulletin with news from the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
