Diocesan Youth Commission Established to Empower Young Catholics

JOHN’S, Antigua – The Diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre has launched a new Diocesan Youth Commission, bringing together young leaders from across the six islands comprising the diocese, with the primary aim of strengthening youth ministry and giving young Catholics a stronger voice in the Church.

Sr. Edita Maria Ulman SSpS, Diocesan Youth Delegate, announced the formation of the commission in a letter to priests dated November 25, 2025. The commission will consist of one representative from each country within the diocese, all of whom will be commissioned by the Bishop for a three-year term.

The youth representatives were selected following consultation with parish priests and diocesan collaborators, taking into account current realities of youth ministry, and recommendations from across the diocese. All proposed members have accepted their appointments.

The commission members are:

1. Anguilla: Sandra York Gumbs
2. Antigua: Reina Mason
3. Montserrat: Amanda Osborne Cabey
4. St. Kitts & Nevis: D Vanessa Richards Phipps
5. Tortola: Sherma O. Nicholas
6. Virgin Gorda: Cathy Ann Bascombe
7. The commission will be supported by Fr. George Wacuma (Diocesan Youth Chaplain), Morvette Thomas (Diocesan Catechetical Coordinator), and Sr. Edita Maria Ulman SSpS (Diocesan Youth Delegate).

Six Key Goals

The Youth Commission has been established with six primary objectives:

• Support spiritual growth and evangelization, fostering deeper love for Christ and the Church among young people
• Pray, discern, and listen together to identify the real needs of diocesan youth
• Develop common pastoral directions and, where possible, a shared diocesan program
• Promote holistic development of young people—spiritually, psychologically, physically, and socially
• Strengthen collaboration among islands and parishes in youth ministry matters
• Encourage young people to assume responsibility and prepare future leaders

The commission is expected to hold its inaugural online meeting on December 2, 2025. The session, titled “Called to Serve Together,” will focus on the spirituality of teamwork and the mission of working with and for youth in the Church. During this meeting, members will also discuss scheduling their first in-person gathering in early 2026, when they will begin deeper discernment and planning of the diocesan youth program.

The establishment of the Diocesan Youth Commission marks a significant step in the diocese’s commitment to engaging and empowering the next generation of Catholic leaders across the Caribbean region.

For more information, contact Sr. Edita Maria Ulman SSpS at dsjbyouth@gmail.com