By Daniela Salcedo, Animator for southwestern Ontario
What started as hope last summer became reality within months and reached a high point this Solidarity Sunday, April 6, 2025. The Development and Peace St. Catharines Pilot Leadership Program has now completed 10 sessions and is going strong! Led by diocesan council co-chairs Carol Berkhout and William Manrique, this pilot project was created to help grow the council and get more youths involved in the work of Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada (DPCC).
In partnership with the Niagara Catholic District School Board, local parishes and DPCC members, the program brings high school students together once a month. They learn, reflect and grow as leaders, while connecting their experiences to Catholic Social Teachings like solidarity and economic justice, and to the work of DPCC’s partners in the Global South.
A Solidarity Sunday of learning and growth
These 16- and 17-year-old students of Grades 10 to 12 celebrated Solidarity Sunday in a unique way this year. They took part in a weekend retreat led by Sr. Jacquie Keefe and Br. Bill Carothers at the Jericho House retreat centre in Wainfleet, Ont. Over three days, they opened up about their fears, hopes and personal stories, discovering just how connected we are as one human family.
On the first day, the students explored spirituality, leadership and justice through Jesus’s example as a servant leader. They reflected on how faith and action intersect in everyday life. The next day, the focus shifted to themes of transformative leadership, community building and compassion. Through interactive sessions and group discussions, the students considered what it means to lead with empathy and to create spaces of belonging. The final day was dedicated to visioning and communication. Participants reflected on their personal gifts and sharing their vision with others and evaluated the learning and growth that they had achieved through the retreat.
Their courage to speak, listen to and support each was a reminder of how powerful hope can truly be. Here is what some participants had to say about the retreat:
“The retreat was an amazing chance for me to enhance my skills as a leader. I had the chance to learn firsthand what it takes and what you have to do to be a successful leader. The retreat was a wonderful time for me to take a step away from the chaos of daily life. I was able to reflect more on who I am as a person, and all the things I am grateful for in my life. I had the chance to be apart of a team and make new friends. The experience brought me closer to God and helped me grow in my faith. I met an abundance of wonderful people and learned very many things, making this retreat something a time I will always remember.”
― Serena Hounslow
“Words cannot describe how much I loved this retreat! I don’t think I’ve been surrounded by so many kind and well-meaning people in my life; and I’m glad I got to meet so many new people. Being in a leadership position really pushed me out of my comfort zone and I can honestly say I came out of that weekend feeling more confident in not only myself, but the people around me too. If I were ever asked to come back, I’d say ‘yes’ in a heartbeat! Thank you so much for such a meaningful event.”
― Ruby Balon-Parrotto
“To me, the retreat was an incredible leadership opportunity. As someone who loves meeting new people, it was so nice to be able to meet other amazing people my age! Everyone there was super nice, and I’m so thankful for the experience.”
― Taylor VanDerGulik
“The Jericho House retreat taught me many things. I learned valuable leadership skills through quick and impromptu exercises. This pushed me out of my comfort zone, and made me comfortable talking in front of a group of people. Additionally, I made new friends from different schools, learning that we all have so much in common. I learned key insights into how to help with social justice related issues, and how having a strong faith can make all the difference. Overall, I greatly enjoyed this retreat and am very thankful to the Jericho House members for putting on such a great weekend!”
― Tessa LePera
“The retreat meant a lot to me. It was a chance to step away from daily stress, reflect on myself, and grow as a person. I learned how to be more open, made new friends, and felt more at peace. Thank you to those of you who put it all together to make this retreat happen!”
― Noella Cho
Participants will also attend the Ontario Regional Assembly from May 23 to 25, 2025 in London. As the Leadership Program approaches its final session, we ask for your prayers. We hope to keep growing the program and to share more about this incredible journey.
