Youth Leaders Equipped at Training of Trainers in Prayagraj

Prayagraj, August 18, 2025 – The Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Sadhana Sadan, hosted the Training of Trainers (TOT) programme for parish, zonal, and diocesan youth office bearers. The three-day gathering focused on strengthening youth leadership and ministry across the diocese.

The first day began with an evaluation of youth ministry at both diocesan and parish levels. Representatives from different parishes voiced their concerns and challenges, offering constructive suggestions to enhance ministry and reach out to young people disengaged from the Church. The day’s highlight was the election of the new Diocesan Executive Committee (DEXCO), with the following office bearers chosen:

• President: Mr. Preetam Toppo (Khrist Jyoti Ashram, Asnaband)
• Vice President: Ms. Deepti Topno (St. Joseph’s Mission, Shankargarh)
• Secretary: Ms. Neha Pushpa Toppo (St. Joseph the Worker Church, Chakeri)
• Joint Secretary: Ms. Emma D’Cruz (St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Prayagraj)
• Boy Representative: Mr. Robinson Cutting (St. Mary’s Church, Muirabad)
• Girl Representative: Ms. Prisca Topno (St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Ashok Nagar)
• Event Coordinator: Ms. Elisa Toppo (St. Joseph the Worker Church, Chakeri)
• Media Secretary: Mr. Bibin David (St. Mary’s Church, Muirabad)
• Graphic Designer: Ms. Vinny Horo (St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Ashok Nagar)
• Liturgical Secretary: Ms. Jacinta Tirkey (St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Prayagraj)

To support the DEXCO, zonal representatives and animators were also appointed. The newly elected members took their pledge during the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Louis Mascarenhas the following morning. The formal inauguration featured a solemn Bible procession, lamp-lighting, and the release of the ICYM Allahabad flag, which was handed over to the new DEXCO along with Youth Director Fr. Joel Fernandes. Outgoing office bearers were also felicitated.

Bishop Mascarenhas, the chief guest, urged young people in his address to read, reflect, live, and spread the Word of God, making it central to their lives. Other guests included Fr. Eugene Mascarenhas, Director of Sadhana Sadan, and resource persons Ms. Judy Cyrill and Mr. Ajith Dahanga.

Over the next two days, Ms. Cyrill and Mr. Dahanga led workshops, group activities, and praise and worship sessions on the theme “Leading with Compassion.” They equipped participants with leadership tools, while a special session on prophetic intercession encouraged collective prayer. The training concluded with a Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Eucharist on the final day was celebrated by Msgr. Reginald D’Souza, Vicar General of the Diocese. Expressions of gratitude were shared by Ms. Deepti Topno and Fr. Joel Fernandes, while Diocesan Youth President Mr. Preetam Toppo thanked the organisers.

Seventy youth leaders participated in the TOT, which ended with the singing of the Diocesan Youth Anthem.

By Ms. Neha Pushpa Toppo

Secretary, ICYM Allahabad

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