Our Lady Flight Into Egypt ~ Mary is honoured as the Chief Patron of our Diocese of Port Elizabeth. In accordance with the official liturgical Pastoral Guide it is therefore elevated to a solemnity (big feast) for the local church and celebrated on the Sunday that occurs on 4th February or between the 4th and 10th February each year.

meet the Port Elizabeth Diocesan Youth Council (PEDYC) Executive

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Gail Smith: Chairperson
Email Tel: 043-700 6040 Fax: 043-743 3687
Parish/Deanery: St Andrew’s Breidbach, King William’s Town Youth Deanery
Birthday: 25 August
Favourite Scripture: “For the fig tree is not going to blossom, nor will there be any fruit on the vine, the yield of the olive will fail, the fields afford no food, the sheep will vanish from the fold, nor will there be any cattle in the stalls. But I will rejoice in Yahweh, I will exalt in God my Saviour. Yahweh my Lord is my strength, He makes my feet as light as a doe’s, He sets my steps on the heights.” Habakkuk 3: 17-19
One interesting fact people may not know (and would like to know) about you:
The highlight of my spiritual journey came last year at WYD 2008 in Sydney Australia, I was asked to be the sponsor for Benedicta Kara Vala who was confirmed by Pope Benedict XVI, there are not enough words to describe the feeling!
How long have you been involved in Youth Ministry?
I’d say close to 10 years and counting
What is the most rewarding part of being involved in Youth Ministry?
Being able to grow and develop with the young people that I serve, though they make me crazy at times, I love them all as if they were my own children.
What is your vision for the PEDYC and the youth/young adults of our diocese?
The ideal would be for us to grow closer as a diocese of young people; answering our call when it comes. Daily we lose young people from our church, thus we must continue to create more awareness and appreciation for the rich culture and traditions of our church; while trying to create an atmosphere in which young people can feel “at home” in the church.

Deon Wright: Treasurer
Email Mobile: 082 929 6542
Parish/Deanery: Church of the Assumption- Somerset East
Birthday: 26 July
Favourite Scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
One interesting fact people may not know (and would like to know) about you:
I run the Two Oceans Marathon every year, and I completed the Comrades Marathon in 2001.
How long have you been involved in Youth Ministry?
It would be from around 1993, that’s also when Melissa and I first met in Somerset-East!
What is the most rewarding part of being involved in Youth Ministry?
To form part of the top structure of the PEDYC and to serve the young people of our diocese
What is your vision for the PEDYC and the youth/young adults of our diocese?
It would be for us as leaders to become more involved in the youth groups that are less fortunate so that we can uplift and encourage them to become a sustainable youth ministry.

Chantel Rennick: Secretary
Email
Parish/Deanery: Holy Spirit in Arcadia, Port Elizabeth Youth Deanery
Birthday: 20 August
Favourite Scripture: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
One interesting fact people may not know (and would like to know) about you:
The fact that I converted to the Catholic Faith after I got married, but today I feel as if I was born Catholic. I enjoy and love the Catholic Faith. It was a bit difficult in the beginning, but today I can say I am proud being Catholic and happy to belong to a Catholic family.
How long have you been involved in Youth Ministry?
It has been 3 years within Catholic Youth Ministry
What is the most rewarding part of being involved in Youth Ministry?
To see how the youth are growing in numbers and spiritually (forming a family); and this is spiritually fulfilling to me and I feel at home with the youth.
What is your vision for the PEDYC and the youth/young adults of our diocese?
I would like to see the youth listen to God’s voice and calling and that they would grow more spiritually because they will be leaders of the church.

Runaine Radine: Outgoing Public Relations Officer (P.R.O)
Email
Parish/Deanery: St. James-Schauderville, Port Elizabeth Youth Deanery
Birthday: 6 September
Favourite Scripture: “I can do all things with the help of the One who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
One interesting fact people may not know (and would like to know) about you:
I was one of the 1st (and youngest) members of the Diocesan Youth Council, when it was formed in 2005, leading to many growth opportunities, such as World Youth Day 2008, National and Provincial Conferences of Youth, etc.
How long have you been involved in Youth Ministry?
I've been involved in youth ministry for 7 years now
What is the most rewarding part of being involved in Youth Ministry?
To be part of a communion of vibrant young people, ready for any challenge, with fun (and learning) as a reward!
What is your vision for the PEDYC and the youth/young adults of our diocese?
My vision for the PEDYC is to be a good role model for the young people we serve. Likewise, that we may be a Christ- Centred Youth; actively participating in the life and mission of the local church/parish youth ministry, thus assisting in our vision of becoming a self-sustainable Diocesan Youth Ministry.

Annual diocesan youth rally

Article submitted by Runaine Radine (outgoing P.R.O)

More than 200 young people, from all parts of the Diocese, made their way to Grahamstown for the fourth Diocesan Youth Rally. It was a truly wonderful experience, to be remembered by all the participants.

The highlight of the weekend for most of us was participating in the many experiences of prayer in different formats (Adoration, Rosary Procession, Praise and Worship, Confession, Reflecting on Scripture).

The Association of Catholic Tertiary Students (ACTS), from Rhodes University, facilitated the team building exercise and it was great fun!

We salute our Bishop Michael Coleman for the time spent with us: consoling us in confession; listening and responding to our questions/concerns in a very fruitful “Question and Answer” session; and celebrating the Holy Mass.

Congrats to all those who benefited from the Bishop's give-away of the book: “Our joy in being Catholic.”

SINCERE THANKS to the Diocesan Youth Council Executive and the Midlands Deanery Youth for all their efforts in making the Grahamstown Rally a success.

We are looking forward to the next Youth Rally in EAST LONDON during 2010!

Isaiah 40: 30 -31: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young people stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

YOUTH CHAPLAINS

Port Elizabeth
Fr Dominic Griego OFM Cap, P.O. Box 15685, Emaerald Hill 6011
Tel: 041 367 1930 Fax: 041 368 7187

Border
Fr Thembalethu Mana, P. O. Box 254, King William's Town
Tel/Fax: 043 683 2445 Cell: 083 365 4129 Email: tmana@mighty.co.za

Midlands
Fr Lyndon Bagley, P.O. Box 89 , Cradock, 5880
Tel/Fax: 048 881 2776 Cell: 083 463 7466 Email: lyndonjb@mweb.co.za

East London
Anthony Daniels
St Francis Xavier and St Mardtin de Porres, East London
Tel: 043 745 1112 Cell: 073 408 6840 or 073 598 8707

photographs of recent activities

Please click on
pictures to enlarge

Participants carry the Diocesan Youth Cross during the Rosary Procession at the Annual Diocesan Youth Rally in Grahamstown. The theme of the 2009 Youth Rally was: "This is my faith, This is my life!"