On Friday, July 28th, Bishop Joseph Dabrowski paid a visit to The Crew Youth Group for the very first time.
The Crew, based at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Stratford and comprised of youth from several parishes around the diocese, has been looking forward to inviting our new bishop to attend one of their youth group nights since the announcement in April of his appointment.
The Bishop arrived with Sam Vail, seminarian and youth group leader, shortly before 7:30 and was able to meet with the other leaders of the Crew; Isabelle and Rebekah Scott, Anna Vail, Matthew Dunn, Eli and Brady Grant, Isaac Beaulac and Nicholas Brown, and was welcomed and informed about the events of the evening.
The night began with prayer and an introduction from Bishop Dabrowski about himself and his life prior to coming to the Island. Then Isabelle Scott introduced a game to the group: a photo scavenger hunt themed around mission and answering God’s call, a theme meaningful to The Crew, as this evening they would send off one of their own, Eli Grant, for a year of missionary work with NET Ireland.
As the youth set out to find the hidden photos for their scavenger hunt, Bishop Dabrowski happily spoke with group leaders and others, all while enjoying watching the game.
Next, Bishop Dabrowski sat down with Eli to talk to the youth about the importance of mission, World Youth Day, and making connections with others. He asked Sam Vail to read an excerpt from Pope Francis’ message for World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, then shared a few thoughts regarding the reading in relation to the upcoming World Youth Day celebrations in Lisbon, Portugal. He then graciously prayed over Eli, while all present also extended their hands in prayer, asking God to bless Eli on his upcoming year of mission and to work through him in all he does.
After the blessing, the group made its way into the main church for some Praise and Worship led by Anna Vail and Isabelle Scott. Following Praise and Worship, everyone received a prayer card from the bishop then proceeded to the church hall for a group photo. The evening ended with snacks and social time, during which many took the opportunity to personally thank Bishop Dabrowski for attending.
The Crew is very excited to welcome Bishop Joseph Dabrowski back after he returns from his upcoming visit with his family in Poland. They look forward to all the good work he will do with and for the youth of Prince Edward Island in the coming years.
