YLTP Participants Give Thanks

"I am thankful,” was the phrase that best captured the three-year experience of one participant in the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP). And this sentiment is not unique among program participants, as reflections by those who are just entering into this opportunity and those who are finishing up the program this year indicate. 

After another successful and deeply fulfilling year of the program, Su McLeod, Program Consultant for Children, Youth & Family Ministries, notes that "it is a beautiful thing to see, the awakening and empowerment of the young people in our midst, as they learn who they are, in themselves, and grow to live wholly in their communities, with integrity, creativity and joy." And she adds that for staff and volunteer leaders "we are thankful to be gifted this opportunity to share in the journey."

This year’s YLTP gathering took place March 15-18 at a new location in Wainfleet. Jericho House is a youth leadership, social & ecological justice, and spirituality centre in the Niagara Region and worked well for the program.

While this year's residential program has concluded, the work of YLTP continues through the support, encouragement and mentoring of parents, clergy and lay leaders throughout the diocese. Such support is crucial to the success of the program and makes a real difference in the lives of the participants knowing they are supported in a variety of tangible ways, and upheld in prayer.

The commitment, questions and creativity of participants is a gift not only to their home parishes, but will undoubtedly further God's Way of Love in the years ahead. A special service to commission those who have completed the program will take place on October 3 at Canterbury Hills.