Montréal: DBYLC Offers Retreat Day

By Fr. Richard Authier, SDB

(Montréal, QC – January 18) – During the week between Christmas and New Year's, the Don Bosco Youth Leadership Centre (DBYLC) revived its annual retreat day for its leaders. The theme was "Refresh and Renew." Fourteen activity leaders participated, animated by a senior team of five.

Besides icebreakers, goofy games, and fun in the fresh snow, our retreat had three main parts: human development, faith development, and the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. For the two development portions, we asked our young people to share their questions in their lives. In human development, the two questions were about anxiety and dealing with death, while in faith development, the two questions were, "If God exists, why is there evil in our world?" and "Do we want to be part of a tainted Church?" Volunteer leaders were asked to share their own journeys on each of these themes. The sharing in small groups that followed was open and sincere. Our third part helped the leaders to see how the love and presence of Jesus in our lives helps us to deal with our challenges and find meaning in them.

It was a wonderful day where everyone went home enlightened and enriched. Thank you to all who attended and made it possible!