News from the Philippines – From Youth Leader – John Wraith

Over the past few years we have had a very active group of young people, all received as Youth Mercy Associates. Our work has been involved mainly with poor families and supporting very poor children to continue their education, in a country where over five million children do not attend regular classes.

My young people are moving on to pastures new this year, so I shall be recruiting new young people to help in our work. There are Mercy Sisters in the Philippines, but not in large numbers, so there is some curiosity about the Englishman with the Mercy badge! I can openly tell you that Catherine is truly with us here and always supporting our mission, never too little, never too much, just enough. Trusting in Providence is my great support! Always there when really needed!

Catherine lives!

North Shields YMA

There are 14 absolute regulars in the North Shields YMA group. We meet every Tuesday. Recently we had a visit from Geraldine the postulant.
Bag-packing at Morrisons again this month - half the proceeds will go to children in need, at the request of the YMA. The group went down to Hartlepool to hand the proceeds over to the BBC, “Children in Need “ appeal. All those who bag-packed were taken to the Panto in the city centre, and had a good time. Before Christmas the group went Carol singing around the wards at Royal Victoria infirmary in the city. Other activities included the collection of chocolate bars for the people’s kitchen in Newcastle, where they feed the disadvantaged every day and the filling of a shoebox for operation Christmas child.
It is wonderful to have children helping children.

YMA sorting clothes for the homeless

Maghull YMA Group

8th December 2009 – A group of five Year 8 YMA students set off for “Coolock”, Newcastle Under-Lyme in the school minibus driven by Mr Varey. On arrival they received a warm welcome from Sr. Bridie and Sr. Betty and given a tour of the Chapel and beautiful Christmas garden. Following lunch, Sr. Bridie met with the young people and discussed the enrolment service before returning to the meeting room where the five members received their YMA T-shirt and badge and were officially enrolled. Sister Augustine from the next-door community joined the group. After the ceremony the children were given a tour of the garden and they were excited to see the memorabilia connected to Catherine McAuley and her generation.

The Maghull YMA Group enrolment at Coolock

The group meet weekly at lunchtime with Maria, the School Chaplain; Miss Hargreaves, Sr. M. Teresa and a senior YMA Sixth Form student. Currently they are preparing a scrap book for Mr. Varey, Mr. Naughton and Mrs Pinnington to take to St. Raphael’s school in Sierra Leone when they visit in February.

Preparing a scrap book

Date for your Diary:

25th March 2010 - 10th Anniversary of YMA Foundation