The Claretian Youth Ministry in Sri Lanka was started on the 27th of October, 2017 at Hulstdorp parish, gathering the youth mainly from Claretian mission parishes, namely: Hulstdorp, Namunukula and Aligambe, and from some other places where our Claretian mission is active. Since then, there has been a series of programmes focusing the different needs of the present day youth. On the 13th and 14th of January, 2018, the office bearers together with the Youth Animation Team met at Ballaketuwa Church to make the plan for the year 2018. Accordingly, three main programmes were listed on the card for the year 2018.
The first of these was held at Kandasena estate in Ballaketuwa parish from the 7th to 9th April, 2018. It was to help the youth develop their leadership skills. Nearly 60 youth attended from different parts of the country. The programme had a meaningful and a successful end.
The Youth Ministry team also organized a blood donation camp together with the parishioners of Kirulapone where 86 people came forward to donate blood, helped the poor school-going children with necessary stationaries, visited and helped the sick who are admitted in hospitals, attended the sports festival at VAROD, and helped them. Through all these endeavours the team tries to inculcate among youth the necessity of being effective and urgent under different situations in life.
The ministry team is positive about their involvement and the personal growth they have gained in engaging in this ministry. They are also happy to receive the cooperation and support of the RMI Claretian Sisters in carrying out this ministry.