Two young people from the Diocese of Cleveland are among the members of a synodal delegation from the National Youth Advisory Council who will travel to Ghana in West Africa Aug. 15-23 to deepen their understanding and to witness the Church’s efforts in advancing justice and human development.
Maria Kroger, from St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Wooster, and Noel Maddox, from St. Raphael Parish in Bay Village, are members of the council who will be participating in the delegation organized by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.
They will formally share their experience in their parish communities and at the National Catholic Youth Conference in November in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez, chair of Catholic Relief Services and NFCYM’s episcopal advisor, invited the NYAC participants to travel with CRS on the trip. The young people will have an opportunity to witness how the Church promotes justice and human development abroad, and then report back to American youth about what they saw.
“I am filled with excitement to have this opportunity to accompany a synodal delegation of young people to Ghana and have them see firsthand the work of Catholic Relief Services … I can’t think of a more powerful opportunity for our young Church to witness firsthand the transformative work of the Gospel in action. This synodal delegation will not only deepen their understanding of global solidarity and human dignity, but also empower them to become bold witnesses of faith and justice in their own communities. I look forward to walking with them, learning from them and celebrating the light they will bring back to share at NCYC and beyond,” said Archbishop Perez.
NYAC is a diverse group of young people who speak on behalf of the youth of the United States to ensure that the voices of young people are integrated into the mission and work of NFCYM. The members represent various parts of the nation and cultures.
Maria, Noel and the council will work collaboratively with their local and diocesan communities and all members of NYAC to ensure the message of their experience reaches the young Church.
Click here for more information on the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, a broad, nationally recognized nonprofit leadership alliance for Catholic youth ministry. Its mission is to support and strengthen those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ.