Hai Duong Parish in Vietnam marked the Second Sunday of Lent with a day of formation for its Eucharistic Youth, emphasizing catechesis, missionary discipleship, and devotion to local martyr.
According to the Hai Duong Parish Communications Office, the program held on March 1 gathered members of the St. Joseph Nguyễn Duy Khang Eucharistic Youth Group for Mass, doctrinal review, team activities, and faith-based competitions.
The children began the day by participating in the Sunday Eucharist in a solemn and prayerful spirit. In his reflection on the Gospel, parish priest Fr. Joseph Nguyễn Văn Vang encouraged them to deepen their understanding of the Word of God and to translate faith into concrete daily actions.
He invited them to transform themselves each day through concrete actions in both their spiritual and daily lives, such as faithfully attending Mass, diligently listening to and reading the Word of God, nurturing the desire to dedicate themselves to God, helping their families, studying hard, and living virtuously in every environment.
Before concluding his homily, the priest reminded the children to continue participating after Mass in catechism classes, games, and competitions in a spirit of honesty, joy, and excellence.
Following the liturgy, the youth took part in an early spring formation program consisting of team-building games and academic competitions covering catechism, Sacred Scripture, prayers, and the history of the Hai Duong Martyrs.
The parish communications office described the catechism, Scripture, prayer, and martyrs’ history competition as the highlight of the day, noting that it reviewed lessons from the first semester. Questions were randomly distributed, and participants drew lots to answer.
The report emphasized that learning the catechism, the Word of God, and the example of the Holy Martyrs is essential for growing steadfast in faith and love for the Church.
The event was guided by parish priest Fr. Joseph Nguyễn Văn Vang, assistant priest Fr. Peter Bùi Văn Tuyên, the parish seminarian, religious sisters, catechists, parish council members, assistants, parents, and benefactors.
On the same Sunday, the parish altar servers also held their regular monthly formation session under the theme: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
Guided by Fr. Peter, the children reflected on listening to the Word of God and the vocation of the prophet Samuel while strengthening their sense of service and responsibility in their liturgical ministry.
