An Experience of Salesian Family

By Amy Stockinger, Office Support Manager, Province Offices of Vocations and Youth Ministry

(New Rochelle, NY – March 14) – The Salesian Leadership Retreat (SLR) was held from Friday, March 3, through Thursday, March 9, at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point, NY. The retreat was led by 13 young team members and 11 core team members with, Vicky Weekley serving as the retreat director. In addition to Fr. Lou Molinelli, who served as chaplain, and Fr. Steve DeMaio, who served as young team coordinator, the core team included a Salesian Sister, a Salesian Brother, two men in formation, and four Salesian school alumnae/young adults. Ten schools sent participants from across the SDB and FMA provinces.

The participants were given the opportunity to attend Mass, Reconciliation, Adoration, and other creative moments of prayer. The participants also listened to witness talks, received brief formation, and were able to share in small and large group settings in addition to moments for journaling. No experience of the Salesian oratory would be complete without plenty of time for fun, including structured games and unstructured recreation time.

As always, the invitation of the SLR was not only to experience the oratory but also to become Valdocco and be sent back to their school communities in order to continue the mission of Don Bosco.