October 2014
Page 3
VOL Parishioner Selected to Develop New
Archdiocesan Program
By Christie Bourg
But it isn’t all recreational.
VOL Extraordinary Minister
Members of the Youth Ministry take
of the Eucharist Carlina Doubleday
ownership of the group and plan its
had no way of knowing that her
direction by helping to organize their
involvement in her children's
own activities and forming common
schools 20+ years ago was the first
goals. Planning and directing on their
step in preparing her to answer a
own help the youth to develop
calling to help our community’s
leadership skills, boost confidence, and
Hispanic youth.
strengthen their faith. For example, the
After years of participating
group decided that it wanted to dress in
in her children’s (and their friends’)
costume for Halloween, but instead of
activities, Carlina developed a
doing the traditional candy thing, the
strong connection with the youth.
members plan on visiting Children’s
She began mentoring to her
Hospital to raise spirits of young
children’s friends, and although
patients.
they are now adults, some of them
Carlina feels that she has been
still rely on Carlina’s guidance.
called to help the youth and young
After her children were
adults and has ambitious plans for the
grown Carlina still felt called to
PHOTO BY CHRISTINE BORDELON | CLARION HERALD
ministry. She hopes to add catechesis
serve. She became an active
VOL Parishioner Carlina Doubleday has
for the parents so they can better teach
volunteer in the Hispanic
been named the new director of the Hispanic
their children about the faith. Other
Apostolate Pastoral Youth Ministry
Apostolate of t he Archdiocese,
plans include adding a service
assisting in conferences, Masses,
component to the ministry, developing a recreation
fundraising events, and many other activities. She is
room, and forming a soccer team.
also an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist at
Getting a new ministry off the ground is not
VOL’s 7pm Mass.
an easy task, and although she may have the support
Her experience with various events in the
of those in the ministry, it’s not enough to achieve her
Spanish-speaking community and her connection
many goals. Her wish list for the ministry includes:
with the youth made her the perfect candidate for the
new Hispanic Apostolate Pastoral Youth Ministry.
More volunteers
This past summer, Carlina was named director of the
Donated items to be used in raffles to raise funds
new ministry by Dominican Friar Sergio Serrano,
Refreshments to be used at weekly gatherings
director of the Hispanic Apostolate.
Sports equipment
The new Youth Ministry was formed for
Inspirational speakers
Spanish-speaking youth of all faiths, to give them a
Catholic Bilingual teaching materials
strong sense of community, leadership skills, and a
A van to transport the youth to various functions
good faith foundation.
The ministry includes two age groups. The
Ambitious? You bet. But so is Carlina. Being
adolescent group is for youth aged 10-17, and the
a room mother and driving kids to soccer practice
young adult group includes ages 18-35. The groups
may not sound like a calling from God, but we never
meet weekly for games, activities, refreshments, and
know what His plans are for us.
discussions about faith. Carlina has even organized a
trip to a water park, and hopes to add teaching social
“For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.”
skills (such as proper dining manners) to the
program.
Romans 11:29
The Hispanic Apostolate Youth Group meets on Fridays from 7-9 pm at the Hispanic Apostolate, 2525 Maine Ave. in Metairie. If you are
interested in joining, volunteering, or making a donation, contact Carlina Doubleday at 467-2550.