SYLC 2010 Kicks Off

                Over the next few days, the participants will be learning about their own style of leadership and putting it into practice. While they are working on their own leadership skills, I along with about 20 other young people are working behind the scenes to make sure that everything is going well- we call ourselves the Spirit Team. Our job is to support and be a resource for the participants. Over the next few days, we ask that you keep these young people in your hearts and prayers, these are long days and we are learning so much! Each day we get closer and closer to being Just like Jesus, and it is largely because you guys are thinking about us and sending prayers our way.

                My own particular journey with SYLC began eight years ago at SYLC 2002- the theme was Cast your nets into the deep. It was here that I really met and encountered what it means to be Salesian. I started to develop my own leadership skills and I was blessed to be able to put them into use at Camp Pala Rey. Eight years later, I am taking part in my fifth SYLC and getting ready to make my commitment to the Salesians formal- I entered the Salesians of Don Bosco in January of 2009 and just like in 2002, I get to put my leadership skills (the same ones I learned at SYLC) into practice at San Luis Rey Parish in Laredo, Texas. My role will be different, but the skills remain the same. After that, I get to develop my leadership and spiritual skills and go even deeper, but this time it will be as a novice in Port Chester, New York. The journey that I started eight years ago is going in a brand new direction, but the skills and the Salesian Spirit remain the same- so keep praying for the participants here at SYLC. You never know where God may lead them. This journey is just another milestone on the path to holiness, and who knows, some day someone else may be writing an article talking about how their life’s path has turned into making a formal commitment for God!