Novices Attend SYLC 2023

By Novice Pascal-De- Madeleine Mukuye

(Richmond, CA – June 14) – This year's Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) lasted from Wednesday, June 7, through Tuesday, June 13, at Camp St. Francis in Aptos, CA.

SYLC is a formation experience of Salesian spirituality, leadership training, and networking for young people from Salesian ministries throughout the Western United States. Since the summer of 1985, young people and adults have gathered at SYLC to develop their abilities as youth ministry leaders and to grow in friendship as members of the Salesian Youth Movement.

Approximately 80 young people between the ages of 15 and 21 attended SYLC. They were accompanied by adults who serve in youth ministry from Salesian schools, parishes, youth centers and camps. Full participation in the SYLC experience equips youth, young adult and adult leaders with skills and strategies for Salesian youth ministry.

There were 11 Young Adult Spirit Team members from different Salesian presences who animated this year's SYLC accompanied by 15 Adult Spirit Team members. The theme of SYLC was taken from the 2023 Strenna "Rise! Be leaven for the world today."

At SYLC, all the members of the Salesian Family come together to serve God in the young people. This year, SYLC was blessed to have Teaghan Dolan (Youth Animator of the Salesian Youth Movement, from Melbourne, Australia) and Mariana Cejudo (Cooperator Salesian from the Guadalajara, Mexico Province). Srs. Monica Wheeler and Valeria Jimenez, FMAs, also assisted as adult leaders. We all bring our gifts and talents together and work as one family to bring Christ to the young and the young to Christ, the Good Shepherd and the Eternal Leader.

Learn more about SYLC!