Youth Ministry strengthened through Deanery workshop held in Aitape.
A one-week workshop for youth participants from Parishes within the Aitape Deanery, was held at St. Martin's Pastoral Centre from 29th January to 2nd February.
A total of 54 young men and women attended. Participants came from as far as Serra through to Yakamul and Ulau. Aitape Star was also told that it may have been the first time to get member participants from parishes further outside of the town area.
The main facilitator of the workshop was the newly appointed Diocesan Coordinator, Sr. Francesca Nama mfic.
She commented that the turnout of the members was unexpected, as initially she had expected about 34 participants.
"This is a sign to me of the desire that these youths have to know their responsibilities and the positive response to receiving new things," added Sr. Francesca.
During the week's duration, there was also a combined session for the youths and the Seminarians. Sr. Francesca also commented that this was a very positive look toward clearly showing the cooperation between the youth and the seminarians.
The theme of the workshop was 'Guiding youth on the journey towards respecting human dignity'.
Various other sessions such as those given by Sr. Betty pbvm on HIV/AIDS, DTPA (Fr. Zachary Miroi, Cecilia Haua and Dorothy Jull) and some psychology by Rori Rawah (Diocesan Caritas Coordinator) were also added as part of the workshop.
Sr. Francesca also mentioned that following from this workshop, the youth members will be expected to draw up their timeframes, identify their ministries of youth within their parishes and return again in March for another workshop from 12th to 23rd, to present their reports.
"I want to empower leadership and respect, and build a timeframe for the youth network. Mainly in the past, the central area of Aitape Deanery had access to attend such workshops, but now I have included and made it accessible for youths from other parts (east and west coast) to attend," said Sr. Francesca.
She also mentioned that the youth members were briefed on the up-coming workd event for the youth next year in Sydney, Australia.
The workshop ended on Friday 2nd February with a mass and farewell meal.