Trans Youth Ministry - Archdiocese of Toronto

Transfiguration Youth Ministry

The Transfiguration Parish Youth Ministry program has been up and running for over 6 years. The parish has over 100 youth in their database and they range from youth in grades 1 to those in University. The key to their success has been the implementation of a youth council which stresses the importance of youth mentoring youth.

Led by Emanuel Pires, coordinator (and an Advisory committee consisting of Paulo Pires, Luisa Ritacca and Frank Sanginesi), the youth ministry program is poised to go ahead with some exciting programming in 2006. The youth ministry has managed to create a core group of young people who are active within the parish and school communities. Council members for 2006 include Alicia, Stephanie, Cynthia, Joanne, Daniel and Vincent.

Logo

Reflecting our mission and our motto, the logo resembles the Blessed Sacrament, the Body and Blood of Christ, which is central to our faith. It is composed of a "T" and a "Y", the initials of "Trans Youth". It can also be taken to be two young people joined together forming the Body of Christ, which is what we are called to be.

Mission Statement

We are called by the Holy Spirit to minister to, and offer a place for, youth to come and ripen in their spiritual development. We welcome the youth in the parish community to participate in the sacraments and serve as followers of Christ, with knowledge and love in their hearts.

Trans Youth Programs

The Transfiguration Youth Ministry program runs many successful activities within the community. Every year in the summer months, members of the council run a retreat for the youth of the community at Mount Alverno Retreat Centre for youth in grade 8 and up.

For the younger generation, Youth in the parish run a program called Growing with Jesus which entails a day of crafts, stories, and games revolving around a central theme from the bible. It not only gives an opportunity for the kids to understand the bible in a simpler form, but it also allows older youth to mentor the kids and give back to the community.

One of the other popular events for the group, is a Movie Night held occasionally in the parish hall where everyone is invited to attend. This program is run to allow people to socialize and just get to know one another within the group.