Youth Expo to “inject Catholic ethos”

Preparations are being made for the third Catholic Youth Expo to be held on June 23 at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya. This year’s theme is Called to Serve.

Through this expo the Catholic Youth Commission hopes to expose youth and young adults to an array of opportunities within the Catholic and secular community which provide authentic and integral human development.

Speaking on April 10 Breakfast with the Deacons, Episcopal Delegate for Youth, Winston Garcia explained the format of the expo. He said it will showcase three villages: Encounter with Christ, Formation, and Mission. Ministries from throughout the Archdiocese of Port of Spain will be stationed at the appropriate villages.

Garcia described the expo as a means to “inject true Catholic ethos”.  He commented, “At the expo we want to find ways to stimulate the religious imagination of our youth. We want to put the seed of excitement in them that serving God is the best thing you could do with your life.”

Attendees can expect a parish parade, local celebrities, “praise shower”, giveaways, drama and musical performances. Garcia has also opened an invitation to Catholic schools to have a booth so they may showcase what their schools are doing.

He noted the 2018 expo is a continuation of where Archbishop Harris left off, sensitising persons on the importance of mission. Archbishop Jason Gordon will be present and Garcia commented, “His Grace is eager to fan the flames of youth and young adult ministry in the archdiocese”.

Breakfast with the Deacons host, Rev Derek Walcott asked Garcia whether he had seen growth among the youth since the last expo in 2015. Garcia remarked, “We have seen growth in pockets where there are committed leaders but these leaders need more support.” He plans to have discussions with the archbishop to support their needs. –Renee Smith