MEET THE TEAM!
The Diocesan Youth Ministry is entrusted with the mission of supporting young people as they grow in
The Diocesan Youth Ministry is entrusted with the mission of young as in The Youth Ministry supporting young as they grow in faith, embrace their identity as Catholics with confidence, and share that faith with others faith, embrace their identity Catholics with confidence, with embrace their Catholics confidence, faith
FEBRUARY
Rooted in faith, the 21st Annual Bible Quiz began with an encouragingshowofparticipationfromacrosstheDiocese.Thisyear’s journey of learning and growth was centered on the Gospel of Matthew, inviting young people to deepen their understanding of Christ’s teachings and mission In preparation for the competition, a Pre–Bible Quiz Seminar was hosted to equip both youth and catechists for the experience ahead. During this session, facilitated by Fr Joel Thompson, SJ, participants were guided through an overview ofthe Gospel ofMatthew,the selectedtext forthisyear’squiz,helping themtoapproachtheirstudywithclarityandpurpose
Teams were also introduced to the Kahoot platform, allowing for a hands-on experience with the digital format that would be used during the competition. This interactive session created space for participants to ask questions, raise concerns, and become more confident with the process. Together, these efforts set a strong foundation for a quiz experience that is not only competitive, but deeply rooted in faith formation.
YouthWebinar:Called to ConversionandReconciliation
TheLentenseasonbeganwithanonlinewebinarthatbroughttogether nearly 80 young people from across the Diocese, all preparing to enter into a meaningful Lenten journey. Centered on the themes of conversion and reconciliation, the session created a space for reflection, dialogue, and spiritual growth Fr. Santiago Lantigua, SJ, and Fr. Joel Thompson, SJ, both deeply engaged in youth ministry, guidedthediscussions
Fr SantiagoLantigua,SJ,invitedparticipantstoseeLentnotsimplyasa time of fasting, but as a true transformation of life through prayer and reconciliation.Fr.JoelThompson,SJ,challengedtheyouthtoreflecton the power of their daily choices, especially in the face of temptation. Together,theirmessagesencouragedyoungpeopleto remain faithful to God and intentional in living out their faith.
HighlightsandMoments
21stAnnualBibleQuiz2026-AJoyfulCelebrationofFaithand Fellowship
The21stAnnualBibleQuizbroughtnearly200youngpeople from 30 churches across the diocese together for a period of faith,learning,andfellowship TeamsfromRegions1,2,3,4,6, 8and9competedthroughthreerounds,testingtheirknowledge of the Gospel of Matthew, sections of John’s Gospel (Young Adults), the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church, and Scripture-based hymns. The competition, held in three age categories Junior (12–14), Senior (15–17) and YoungAdult (18–25) proved to be far more than a competition: it was a powerful idea of youth formation, encouraging discipline, and a deeperloveforScripture
Theeventconcludedwithanafternoonawardsandappreciation ceremony, recognizing participants’ dedication. The New Testament Resource Identity: Identified – Navigating the Challenges of Life was presented to each participant, complimentsoftheGuyanaBibleSociety
The text invites young people to reflect on questions of identity, purpose, and belonging, offering reassurance that theyarenotalone RootedinGod’slove,itaffirmsthedignityandpurposeofeachpersonandencouragesreadersto findstrengthandguidancethroughScripture,faith,andcommunity.Certificateswerealsopresentedtoallcontestants ingratitudefortheireffortandcommitment Trophieswerepresentedtothetop5participants
Top 5 Participants.
Junior (12–14): 1st -St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, 2ndHoly Spirit; 3rd - Our Lady of the Mount (Meadow Bank); 4th - St. Robert Bellarmine (Aishalton); 5th - St. Ignatius.
Senior (15–17): 1 -St. Joseph, Husband of Mary; 2 - Holy Spirit; 3 - Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; 4Sacred Heart; 5 - St. Ignatius.
th
Young Adult (18–25): St. Joseph; Diamond; Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception; Holy Spirit; St. Francis Borgia (Potarinau); St. Bernard (Monkey Mountain) a tie for third place.
For more pictures, visit “21st Annual Bible Quiz.”
HighlightsandMoments
For more pictures, visit “Lenten Youth Outreach.”
OnFriday,March20,2026,the Roman CatholicYouthOffice hosted a YouthStations ofthe Cross,Adoration, and Holy Mass at St.Teresa’s Church, Campbellville.The Stations were prayerfullyledbytheyoungpeople. Following the reverent praying of the Stations of the Cross, Adoration of the Blessed Sacramentwasheld,duringwhich Msgr. Terrence Montrose, CCH, heardconfessions. Holy Mass was then celebrated by Msgr. Montrose. In his homily, he reflected on the Sixth Station, Veronica wiping the face of Jesus. Like Veronica, he reminded us that each of us is calledtodowhattheLordasksofus.
He offered a stark reminder that at times our young people may look to the crowd and become afraid, but we must still respond with courage and faith.This challenge, he noted, is very real in our world today He encouraged the young people to step away from the crowd and remain faithful to the call and commandments of Christ.
For more pictures, visit “Youth Stations.”
HighlightsandMoments
RupununiYouthConvention–OurCulture,OurFaith,OurJourney
For more pictures, visit “Rupununi Youth Convention 2026.”
Membersofthe Diocesan Youth Team journeyedwithyoungpeoplein the Rupununi for the Youth Convention held in Potarinau Village, South Central Rupununi, Region 9, from March 27–29 under the theme “Our Culture, Our Faith, Our Journey.” The gathering began withMasscelebratedby Fr. Cristóvão Primo, SJ followedbyavibrant cultural procession showcasing the rich heritage of the region. Youths participated in engaging sessions on faith in daily life, mental health, socialmediaawareness,andpersonalwell-being,alongwithinteractive reflectionsonencounteringChristintheirlives.
One of the most profound experiences was the Palm Sunday walk up Orange Mountain led by Fr Edwin Anthony, SJ. The steep and demanding climb became a powerful spiritual symbol of walking with Christ, and as the youths and team members persevered together, the journey offered a glimpse into what the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus on the road to Calvary might have been like. The group reached the summit, where Palm Sunday Mass was celebrated by Fr. Edwin Anthony Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of God’s creation, it becameatrulysacredmoment,oneofreflectionandgratitude.
The convention was more than an event; it was a lived experience of walking the journey of faith with our young peopleandencounteringGodtogether
HighlightsandMoments
A P R I L
As part of ongoing efforts to reach young people where they are, the Diocesan Youth Team continued its mission through a Youth Health Talk held in Nappi Village and surrounding villages, aimed to equip young people with the knowledge and tools to live healthy lives, make responsible choices, and grow as leaders within their Church and community.
The first session focused on reproductive health, helping youths understand the physical and emotional changes they experience, as well as the risks associated with neglecting their health. Practical guidance was also provided on when and how to seek help This session was led by Dr. Theresa Mansingh, Obstetrician/Gynecologist.
Participants were then engaged in a session on drug and alcohol awareness, which explored the types of substances accessible to youths andtheeffectsonthebodyandoverallwell-being Thiswasfacilitatedby Dr. Paige Carter. Ms. Leah Casimero followed with a session on entrepreneurship, encouraging youths to identify their talents and transform them into opportunities for income and growth. She also introduced the church’s synodal process, offering a simple demonstration andupdateonitspurpose The faith dimension of the day focused on the Sacrament of Reconciliation where youths were guided on its importance, how to prepare for it, and why it is especially meaningful during Lent. This presentation was delivered by Sr. Beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father, SSVM., followed by a question-andanswer session by Fr. Joel Thompson, SJ, via Zoom. The youths were encouraged to go to confession at least once a month. If a priest has not visited their community within that time, they are encouraged to travel to St. Ignatius, where a priest is more likely to be available, in order to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Although confessions were not heard, the youths participated in a symbolic burning of letters, writing personal messages to Jesus expressing repentance and releasing their burdens. Approximately 60 youths participated in the event, which was warmly received and deeply appreciated. The Youth Health Talk served as a meaningful step in empowering young people to live with purpose, lead with confidence, and thrive in both faith and life.
For more pictures, visit
Youth Health Talk.”
HighlightsandMoments
GoodFriday–StationsoftheCross
InjourneyingthroughtheLord’sPassion,membersoftheYouthTeamjoinedtheChurchcommunityof St. Bernadette, Moco Moco, led by Mr. Ramserran, Chairman of the church team, for the Stations of the Cross. Together,youngandoldwalkednearly8kmtoandfromthemountain,prayerfullyreflectingontheStationsof theCross.
It was encouraging to witness a strong youth presence actively leading the stations At the summit, Mr. Joshua Van-Sluytman, Communications Officer and Youth Team member, sharedthesignificanceofGoodFriday.This experiencewasapowerfulexpressionoffaithamongyoungpeoplejourneyingwithChrist.
HighlightsandMoments
fromtheYouthDesk
C O N C L U S I O N
Aswereflectonthesemoments,wegivethanksforthecontinuedgrowthandwitnessof ouryoungpeople.Maytheseexperiencesinspireevengreatercommitmentaswe journey together, forming missionary disciples rooted in faith, service, and community.
ConnectWithUs
Weinviteyoutoshareyourstories,achievements,andmemorablemomentsandwewill featuretheminthenextissueofHighlightsandMoments.
MRS. ANGELA ABRAHAM-PARKS
MS. GRAZIELLA ABRAHAM
MR. JOSHUA VAN-SLUYTMAN
REV. FR. JOEL THOMPSON, SJ
MR. JUSTIN THOMPSON
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