RE: A Mothers’ Retreat
Ven. Margaret Ochienna, the mother of St. John Bosco, known as ‘Mama Margaret’, was known for her passion for raising saints, working hard, and trusting in God’s providence. It is believed that she played a central role in Don Bosco’s growth in sanctity and the foundations of the Salesian order.
At the Don Bosco Centre, Walkerville, the Salesian mission, while focused predominantly on the formation of youth, has a rich history of family ministry. Having hosted family gatherings through the MARFAM, Catholic Engaged and Marriage Encounters, and Retrouvaille movements, as well as the recently established Archdiocesan Meeting of Families (AMOF), the Salesian mission values the role of family in the lives of the youth.
In light of the upcoming annual Mother’s Day celebration and in response to the challenges faced by mothers in contemporary times, the Don Bosco Centre will be hosting a retreat for moms, simply titled Mother, on 9 May 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Mothers of all backgrounds and ages are welcome to come and encounter God and each other. The cost of R250 pp includes materials, tea, and lunch. Mothers who wish to attend can REGISTER HERE.
The Salesian missionaries look forward to encountering and serving you.
In Christ,
The DBC Team
SAVIO LEADS YOUTH LEADERS CONFERENCE
St. Dominic Savio is among the most popular young saints of modern times. A famous quote of his, “…let me die rather than be so unfortunate as to commit a single sin”, also stated as his motto, “Death, but not sin!”, has made him known as a young person who had a profound passion to be a saint.
Savio was a student of St. John Bosco who took him into the Don Bosco Oratory at age 12 to prepare him for the priesthood. He died, however, on 9 March 1857, at age 14. Pope Pius XII canonized him on June 12, 1954, upholding him as a model of heroic virtue for young people. He is the youngest non-martyr saint in the Catholic Church, and proves that holiness is achievable at any age.
We are proud and excited to introduce the Savio Leads youth leaders’ conference, a Catholic youth leadership gathering aimed at empowering young leaders with leadership skills and formation based on the principles of “Reason, Religion & Loving Kindness”, the three pillars of the Salesian Preventive System, an educational method developed by St. John Bosco to guide youth through understanding and dialogue rather than coercion, or blind obedience. This system has the potential to foster inner responsibility, meaning, and faith in young people, and aid leaders in building a culture of sincere love within a safe space for those they minister to. As we seek to focus on practical youth ministry rooted in authentic discipleship (the “why” of ministry), our pillars include:
1. Faith
2. Finances
3. Advocacy
4. Technology and Marketing
Herewith, we extend an invitation to all youth leaders, aged 13 to 25, who would like to explore youth leadership from this angle. Savio Leads will take place 30-31 May, from 08:00 to 13:30. The cost of R750 pp includes accommodation, meals, and materials. Our Salesian missionaries, together with our youth ministry team, are eager to lead you through an empowering program.
You can REGISTER HERE. We will contact you with further details to confirm your registration.
We look forward to hosting you!
“In every young person, a point of goodness is accessible” – St. John Bosco
Yours in Christ,
Don Bosco Centre
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Workshop with the Leaders from Various parishes, current and future volunteers
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On the 6th December Don Bosco Centre welcomed Pam Stenzel and Monica Kelsey who gave a 2 hour talk to the youth who attended and later conducted the workshop with the Leaders from Various parishes, current and future volunteers
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Johannesburg:
Thursday 5 December
– Divine Mercy home for pregnant teenagers – Brakpan (East rand)
– Divine Mercy home of older pregnant women – Ruimsig (West rand)
Friday 6 December:
9h00: Bosco youth centre – Walkerville – Sex has a price tag followed by an address to youth leaders. Br Mojela (011 949 2961, 073 372 1790) Nhlanhla Lucky Mdlalose (076 566 1224)
18h30 for 19h00: Sex has a price tag – Reddam College, 28 Smith Rd Bedfordview.
Saturday 7th December
10.30-12h00 – praying and roadside counseling outside Marie Stopes abortion mill -18 Peter Place, Sandton
13h00 – 14h00 Holy Hour – Cathedral of Christ the Kingside chapel
14h00 – addressing the culture of life team, Theology of the Body members, and youth leaders
Sunday 8th December
9h00 – Mass at St Peter Claver, Pimville, 457 Morobadilepe Street, Zone 7,
Pimville, Soweto
Followed by tour of Soweto
14h00 – Soweto youth – St Peter Claver (Pimville) Sex has a price tag. Dorcas (074 962-0153)
Schedule for Cape Town:
Tuesday 10 Dec afternoon Living Hope teens club at Capricorn. Other churches and youth to be invited. This will be as part of the Holiday Bible Club.
Tuesday 10 Dec evening information evening/session for youth leaders pastors, parents, and teachers.
Wednesday 11 December afternoon Living Hope teens club for Masiphumelele, Ocean View and Red Hill. This will be as part of the Holiday Bible Club.
Wednesday 11 December evening. Youth groups from the Valley and further afield to be invited to King of Kings.
Thursday 12 December. Pam Stenzel at Mater Domini. Any Friend of Mater Domini is welcome to attend.
http://awestruck.tv/groups/pam
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We are called for a holy and noble purpose! You were put on earth to make a contribution.
You were not created just to consume resources, to eat, breathe, and take up space. God designed us to make a difference with our life.
You were created to serve God- the Bible says, in Eph. 2:10b. God has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do” (Col. 3: 23-4; Matt. 25: 34). These good deeds are your service. Whenever you serve others in any way, you are actually serving God (Eph. 6:7). What God told Jeremiah “Before I made you in your mother’s womb, I chose you. Before you were born, I set you apart for a special work” (Jer. 1:5). You were placed on this planet for a special assignment.
You were saved to serve God, the Bible says. “It is He who saved us and chose us for His holy work, not because we deserved it but because that was His plan” (2 Tim. 1:9). God redeemed you so you could do His “holy work.” You are not saved by service, but you are saved for service. In God’s Kingdom you have a place, a purpose, a role, and a function to fulfill. This gives your life great significance and value.
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