Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma (USA) Conducted Youth Ministry Training Seminar in North Carolina

Five Eparchial Youth Committee (EYC) members: Fr. Lubomyr Zhybak, head of the committee and pastor of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Youngstown, OH and St. Anne’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Austintown, OH; Fr. Joseph Matlak, Assistant Pastor at St. Josaphat Cathedral in Parma, OH; Subdeacon Joseph Zappernick of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Parma, OH; Michael Levy and Joseph Levy of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Pittsburgh, PA were welcomed by Deacon Matthew Hanes, Deacon Kevin Bezner and the parishioners of the community (the pastor of the mission, Very Rev. Mark Shuey was not present due to health reasons).

The training began on Saturday with an overview of the EYC mission that was followed by a detailed explanation of the annual youth events organized by the committee, namely the Lock-In Retreat, the Acolyte and Youth Convention and the Fall Youth Retreat. The presenters shared their knowledge and experience in planning youth activities with those present. A Question and Answer session followed the presentations.

The EYC representatives joined the English speaking community in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Saturday evening. The Liturgy was presided over by Fr. Joseph Matlak (who also delivered a homily) and concelebrated by Fr. Lubomyr Zhybak. Deacon Matthew Hanes and Deacon Kevin Bezner assisted at the altar. Subdeacon Joseph Zappernick, Joseph Levy and Candidio Labra (a young adult from the parish) served during the Liturgy while Michael Levy provided the responses. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Fr. Lubomyr addressed the parishioners and summarized the topics that were covered during the youth training seminar. Afterwards, members of the EYC and the parishioners gathered for fellowship in the adjacent room.

On Sunday, the EYC members participated in the Divine Liturgy, celebrated for the Ukrainian speaking community. Fr. Lubomyr Zhybak presided over the Eucharistic celebration, during which he delivered a homily.  Fr. Lubomyr also had an opportunity to speak to the parishioners and encouraged participation in parish and eparchial youth activities.

The parishioners of St. Basil the Great Mission were very grateful for the visit and were excited to work with the EYC in future youth projects.

Department of Information of the UGCC