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