Bishop McGrath commented on the gifts which the Filipino people bring to the diocese including faith, service and rich religious culture and practices. They covered youth ministry, vocations, lay leadership formation, lay movements and organizations and ministry to seniors and shut-ins. Filipino youth will see the Catholic religion as their foundation in order to be future role models and responsible adults with family values. Youth are searching, confused, questioning, seeking independence, assertive, seeking purpose. Youth are found in school, church, family, wandering the streets and at the malls.
Youth are creative, idealistic, imaginative, energetic, open-minded, gifted and competitive.
Need outreach to youth wherever they are and need to provide opportunities for community service. Priorities for youth ministry include development of a website, leadership training, sports activities and mission work including cultural exchange with dioceses in the Philippines. The need is urgent. Help people to discern a vocation. Weaknesses include lack of witness, lack of motivation and no clear vocation campaign.