Hi…it feels a little strange having to write down my personal profile to introduce myself and tell you who I am and what I do. I think introductions are always better ‘face to face’ and understanding what someone does is always easier when you see them in action first hand…but that’s not possible…so, I am just going to have to trust that you will believe the written word…and if you are not convinced, then come and see for yourself!

My name is Sr. Connie and I am trained in Youth & Community Work and have worked with young people for as far back as I can remember. It’s my passion. I have worked in schools, youth clubs, parishes, residential retreat centres and many other youth work settings. I too, like our founder Don Bosco, believe that every young person is good...my job as an informal educator is to help them recognise it and draw out their goodness. Not always an easy task but, worth working at! My favourite little saying is, “search for the diamonds!” Seeing a young person’s face light up when they do something that they never ever thought they were capable off is what makes all the ‘hard work’ worth while. This, I believe is at the heart of my mission. Helping young people to grow and develop in their understanding and acceptance of self, others and the world around them.

At the moment I live and work in Croxteth, Liverpool. I work part-time in our Secondary School, St. John Bosco Arts College. I began in September 2007 and I love every minute of it! I run a short course in Salesian Spirituality for our Year 7 & 8 pupils and Sixth Form. It is great being able to share our Salesian story with them and to help them recognise their place within our Saleisan Family. I also run a CAFOD group with Year 10 & Sixth Form pupils and a Youth SVP group with Year 9 pupils. There is never a dull moment.

Back in September, along with Sr Pia and Anne Frances (Postulant) we also set up a youth group for 10-11 year old boys and girls in the local area (with the aim of expanding it every year). The response from the young people surprised us all! It obviously met a real need. It is an informal educational activity based programme offering sport, dance, games, art & craft as well as team building sessions and group work sessions. We have local young people and VIDES volunteers working alongside us...it’s a real family affair!

Informal education is not just something I do...it’s what I believe in. Don Bosco reminds us time and time again in his writings, “it is not enough to love the young, they must know that they are loved.” And how do they know? Well, I believe that being with and journeying with young people shows my love. It is what I feel called too, daily. I am not just doing a job...I am entering into a relationship of trust, support, challenge, and growth. I couldn’t think of any other better way of spending my time or giving my life to God for...being there for the young!