By Lisa Gomes
Special to the Herald
“Being a leader is about working together and communicating,” said Jaylynn of St. Theresa Parish in Kekaha on Kauai.
She and 14 other teens learned that piece of wisdom at the annual Christian Leadership Institute (CLI) June 25-30 at St. Stephen Diocesan Center organized by the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
For Nevaeh of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Pearl City, the most important lesson to her was “how to use our leadership skills for our devotion to God.”
She said she learned that it was essential for youth to participate in the church, “as we are not the future of the church, but the now.”
During the weeklong event, the highschoolers engaged in workshops covering a range of essential leadership skills, including planning, communication, and group dynamics. They also participated in workshops aimed at deepening their understanding of Christian leadership and inspiring them to embrace their roles as servant leaders guided by Christ’s example.
Each evening, participants had an opportunity to practice what they have learned leading various components of CLI, including daily Mass. Overall, the institute equipped the teens with leadership skills, deepened their faith, and empowered them to serve their communities.
Jadelyn, of St. Joseph Parish, Hilo, expected the institute to be strict and structured. But “everything was impacted with activities that were interactive and fun,” she said, helping her better understand the lessons.
The experience included an unexpected bonus for Sophia of Holy Ghost Mission, Kula, Maui.
“I made such good friends!” she said.
Lisa Gomes is director of the diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.