Annual Retreat Inspires Youth Leaders Across the Archdiocese

The Office of Catholic Youth (OCY) hosted its annual CORE team retreat at Scott Mission Camp in Caledon, Ontario from January 19 to 20, 2024.

There were close to 100 people in attendance at the retreat, with representatives from 11 parishes from across the archdiocese: St Mary Star of the Sea Parish, in Mississauga, Holy Family Parish in Bolton, St Patrick’s Parish in Mississauga, St Patrick’s Parish in Markham, St Bernadette’s Parish in Ajax, Chinese Martyrs Parish in Markham, St Joseph’s Parish in Mississauga, St Joseph’s Parish in Scarborough, Merciful Redeemer Parish in Mississauga, Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Etobicoke and St Paul’s Parish in Alliston. 

The annual retreat is designed for CORE team members of parish youth ministries. Core members are those who act as volunteer leaders, supporting parish youth ministers in helping bring various youth ministry experiences to their teens and kids of their communities.  The retreat this year was themed, “Time Away, tune up and testify.” The retreat was an opportunity for these leaders to grow and reflect on their relationship with the Lord and equipped them to better share and witness the Gospel to those around them.

Ken deMolle, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry at St. John Parish in Westminster, Maryland, was on hand to facilitate the retreat and was a great inspiration for attendees. Music was provided by the archdiocese's own Chico Nuguid.

The retreat also provided opportunities to participate in a workshop to help them better navigate their work in youth ministry while balancing their primary vocation and stage in life.

The annual CORE team retreat takes place each year in the middle of the ministry year and acts as an opportunity to refresh and replenish the men and women who invest their time to journey with our younger Church family members in their walk to encounter Christ.

For more information on youth and young adult ministry in the Archdiocese of Toronto, visit the OCY Website here.