Youth We Can Be Proud Of
Our media often focus on what is negative in our society. I guess it sells newspaper and increases the viewer ratings for the radio and TV. In this climate the constant negative focus on our teens is understandable, but it’s deplorable. It is particularly devastating to the reputation of black teenaged males. At our recent North Carolina Black Catholic Conference, we honored two black teens, Ms. Sarah Chapman and Mr. Hayden Dawes, who demonstrate the goodness to be found in our youth.
Ms. Chapman is a member of St. Ann Parish, Fayetteville. She has served on the Diocesan Youth Board and given leadership in Back To Earth, Jamboree and the Youth Convention. She has been active in the Ambassador of the Word Program, a
national program based on Scripture. She sang in the Ambassador of the Word Choir, and plans to enter UNCG and major in music. Her parents are William and Maurizia Chapman, and her younger sister is Christine.
Mr. Hayden Dawes is a member of Good Shepherd Parish in Hope Mills, where he has served in the ministry of cantor at Mass. His parents are Cedrick and Jennifer Dawes. Hayden is majoring in Vocal Performance at UNCG. In 2007 he plans to attend the Institute of Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, focusing on Liturgy. He will be the second member of our Diocese to do so. (Fr. Marcos Leon is the first.)
The brief stories of the lives of these youth so far show what a strong family and an involvement in the parish will do for our young people. African Ancestry Ministry and Evangelization under the excellent leadership of Mrs. Martha Bailey, has given a strong emphasis to youth and young adult ministry. Interestingly, the young adults in our ministry in their turn give strong leadership to our youth outreach and a fine witness to the Catholic faith. God is good! Always, all the time!