OLPH Youth Ministry hosts retreat for SEA students, parents

Coming out of a Youth Ministry meeting held in January, where questions were raised on how the parish can attend to the needs of its people, The You.Ser.Ve Youth Ministry of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH) RC Church, San Fernando decided to host its first Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) retreat for both pupils and parents, March 5. An invitation was extended to the private, government and government-assisted primary schools in the area and was attended by Catholics and some non-Catholics alike.

The retreat featured a presentation to the parents by former Principal of St Joseph’s Convent, San Fernando, Jennifer Manwarring on preparing a child for SEA and beyond. Members of the parish’s youth ministry, led by Matthew Howell-Paul and Maria Callender, led the children in a separate engaging discussion on God’s plan for their lives and their future. The retreat concluded with a time of prayer and reflection.

Pupils and parents wrote and exchanged letters with each other expressing their love, fears, and worries. While this vulnerable moment brought some tears, many parents expressed gratitude for this opportunity to really connect with their children and to reflect on their vocation as parents.

This event is the first of many in a step towards catering to the needs of young people and their families at all stages of their life.

—Mark Howell-Paul,

You.Ser.Ve. member