November 5, 2026 — Claretian Youth Leaders Gather in Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Claretian youth leaders joined approximately 100 Catholic youth ministry leaders from across Canada for the National Youth Leadership Conference, held last month, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Organized by the Canadian Catholic Youth Ministry Network (CCYMN), the conference brought together participants from 15 dioceses to strengthen youth ministry, exchange ideas, and explore ways to accompany young people in today’s changing world.
Representing the Claretian community were Fr. Reegan Soosai, CMF, Director of Diocesan Youth Ministry; Sr. Marie Claire Ihorere, MNDA; Santiago, a Claretian youth leader from Sherbrooke, Quebec; and Fr. Frank Hernandez, CMF, from Vancouver.
Under the theme “Take Courage! I Have Overcome the World,” participants took part in presentations, prayer, and workshops addressing some of the challenges and opportunities facing today’s youth. Topics included mental health, creative approaches to youth ministry, artificial intelligence, and gender identity.
For Santiago, representing Claretian Youth of Sherbrooke was an opportunity to connect with other young people and leaders who share a commitment to faith and service.
He was particularly inspired by conversations with youth leaders from across Canada, who shared the activities and initiatives taking place in their communities.
Sr. Marie Claire also found the conference to be an opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth. As she accompanies the Newman Centre youth group in Sherbrooke in its preparation for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, the conference offered valuable insight into her mission as a youth leader.
She was especially moved by a workshop on leadership in youth ministry, which offered practical ways to better support and engage young people.
Beyond the workshops and presentations, the conference created space for lasting friendships, shared experiences, and connections among Catholic youth leaders across Canada.
For the Claretians involved, the gathering reinforced the importance of investing in young people, not only by helping them grow in their faith, but also by equipping them to become confident leaders in their communities.
At Claretian Community Impact (CCI), we believe that supporting Claretian-led ministries means investing in the people and communities they serve, including the next generation of leaders.
