Subject: 'austraLasia' #314
SPYS AT WORK!
Paul Formosa
(Ed's note: no, not a misspelling; read on! I thought this was an
excellent example of Salesian Youth Spirituality at work and good stuff like
this should be put before all of our readers in any region)
SLIEMA 19th March -- The months since the beginning of this scholastic year
in October 1999 have been another busy time for the Salesian Pastoral Youth
Service (SPYS). And this has also been the first experience as animators
for the 10 new young leaders. These new members are giving the group new
energy, fresh ideas and further reach.
As preparation for their pastoral work, the new leaders attended a training
course organized by SPYS. The course explored themes related to
communication and organizational skills and the Salesian spirit. The
animators were all chosen from among the young people who had participated
in the Spys programme. There are now 23 leaders ready to give of themselves
for the benefit of other young people.
So far we have organised three weekend seminars: Touching Lives Through
Sport - October 1999
Take a Lead - November 1999
A Time to Relate - February 2000
The 3 weekends were very successful. Judging by the feedback given by the
participants, a lot of good has been done to those who attended and those
who will be in contact with them.
Another two weekend seminars are taking place the coming weeks:
Touching Lives Through Sport - March 2000
Hajti Skop u Holm - April 2000
As from last year, Touching Lives Through Sport has been included as part of
the programme for students in the Faculty of Education in the University of
Malta. It has been greatly appreciated both by the students and the
University administration. We hope that for the next scholastic year
another Spys seminar on leadership will also be approved as part of the
University programme.
The fortnightly Youth feature on the Times of Malta is being well received.
Quest- exploring life issues with the young is read by many young people and
just as many adults especially those involved in youth work.
This very regular feature requires a lot of work and any articles related to
the world of youth are considered for inclusion. Please, share your ideas!
In the month of March we are leading sessions in centres for youth on the
island. We have already participated in discussions on national radio
programmes promoting the need for a holistic education for young people.
Last week we also took part in a discussion on the value of education to be
televised on Education 22 television. The programme will also include a
feature on our work.
Then we are visiting three youth centres in Attard, San Gwann and the
Salesian Youth Centre in Sliema animating their weekly encounter.
In Fleur-de-Lys youth centre we are animating three evenings of spiritual
encounters.
In March we are also participating in the Gharfien Nazzjonali Zghazagh.
This is the National Award given to a youth organisation for its work in the
community during 1999. SPYS has been chosen from more than 80 youth
organisations as one of the 10 finalists. An encouranging event.
We are also preparing for the Easter week celebrations. These will include
the church services, prayer meetings, as well as a Jewish Pascal Meal which
is a favourite with the youth. All young people who have in any way
participated in our programme will be invited for these activities.
The following activity will be the celebration of Pentecost. As in the past
few years this activity will bring together a large number of young people.
It will include a liturgical celebration as well as a celebration of the
family spirit which is at the heart of all our work.
We are always searching for new ways of reaching the young and helping them
experience the joy of the Gospel message. Please do not hesitate to share
your ideas with us.
Thank you for your interest in our work.
SPYS
P.S Visit our web site spys@geocities.com
