OYM Team Hosts DEC North

By Fr. Steve DeMaio, SDB, Province Vocation Director

(New Rochelle, NY – December 4) – On Sunday, November 24, the office of youth ministry (OYM office) animated a regional gathering of the Salesian Youth Movement called DEC (Day Everybody Connects) North. Participants included over 50 high school students from Don Bosco Prep, Mary Help of Christians Academy, and Salesian High School, as well as 11 young adults who served on the core team.

We began the day by celebrating the Solemnity Mass of Christ the King and finished the evening with adoration and confessions. Bro. Rafael Vargas and the core team helped animate competitive games between team Don Bosco and team Mary Help of Christians. After the games, we enjoyed some time for reflection in small groups, followed by some delicious food.

It was a beautiful gathering of the Salesian Youth Movement, and the joy of the oratory was most definitely felt. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, many students brought a pair of socks or two to donate to the Midnight Run organized by Don Bosco Prep.

A word of thanks to Sr. Lise Parent, Sr. Pamela Rose and the community at Mary Help of Christians for the warm welcome and allowing us to use the space at the school. Thanks also to Fr. John Langan of Don Bosco Prep and Mr. Francis Badillo of Salesian High School for helping to organize their students.

We hope to animate another DEC North in the spring!