Diocesan Youth Week 2020: Message from the Archbishop of the West Indies, Primate and Metropolitan and Bishop of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands

TO: THE YOUTH OF THE DIOCESE

As you come together for another week of activities, albeit virtually, let me extend Greetings on behalf of the Diocese as well as my own, to you all, as you observe and celebrate Diocesan Youth Week during the week November 15-21 this year.

I believe your Theme for this year “Together Encouraging and Nurturing Disciples” is quite relevant and captures two of the Communion’s Marks of Mission “To teach, baptize and nurture new believers” and “To respond to human need by loving service”. This year has brought to the fore the needs of so many of our neighbours and ourselves, and our responses testify to the movement of God’s Holy Spirit seeking to reconcile our world. I, therefore, challenge you to be steadfast in your witness to the Faith as you encourage your peers in these ‘different times’. Do not be daunted by the road that lies ahead, but rather press on in the Name of Him in whom we will run and not grow weary.

May the guiding Hand of Christ, which navigates the path of His Church and indeed, His children, continue to guide you through the many challenges youths face today, and may your week of activities be blessed and your work for Christ and His Church be effective and fulfilling.

I leave you with the words of the hymn by Richard Gillard:-

“We are pilgrims on a journey, and companions on the road;
We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.”

God bless you all during this week of celebrations.

Yours in His Service

++ Howard Jamaica and Cayman Islands
The Most Rev. Dr. Howard K. A. Gregory
Archbishop of the West Indies, Primate and Metropolitan
And Bishop of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands