Accompanied by the Youth Ministry Team comprised of well-prepared and dedicated volunteers and Salesian priests, brothers and sisters, the young people are provided with value based sexuality education that aims to help them appreciate and understand their gift of sexuality and its role within marriage. The team is further supported by various experts and guest speakers and during the 100th week the youth were fortunate enough to be enlightened by among others, Dr. Heinz Wirz and Sr. Burgie Ireland who presented on the gift of fertility and the painful consequences of premature sex. Basil and Belinda Balkison, a young married couple shared on the sanctity of marriage and Pippa Jarvis from TLC Ministries spoke on the value of life, the plight of abandoned babies, and living for a cause.
Participating in the milestone week, which took place from June 25 - 29, were youth from All Saints parish in Ennerdale, St. Luke`s parish in Maputsoe, Moya and St. Matthew`s parishes in Tembisa as well as groups from Vlakfontein and Soweto. Amidst the sessions, the fun, and a
surprise snowfall, a lot was gained by the young people present. As they absorbed the abstinence message and realized that sex does not equal love, one participant noted "I will now be able to help friends make better choices." Another, while recognizing the value in their own self, mentioned that we all must "be the change we want to see in our surroundings."
The week was concluded with an invitation to every young person present to commit to the "True Love Waits" pledge, which is a promise to abstain from sexual activity until marriage. This was followed by the celebration of the Eucharist and a festive lunch hosted by the Centre and enjoyed by all.
Publiched 13/07/2007
