Archbishop expresses concern about exodus of Catholics youth

Kumasi, July 1, GNA - The Most Reverend Peter Kwasi Sarpong, Catholic Archbishop of Kumasi, has expressed concern about the exodus of Catholic youth to other churches. He attributed the trend to the opportunistic attitude of the youth who are looking for cheap means of acquiring material things and wealth.

The Most Rev Sarpong made the observation at the graduation of 45 Biblical Apostolate of the Pastoral Ministry of the Catholic Church in Kumasi. The graduands had undergone two-year training in pastoral skills and evangelisation techniques.

Archbishop Sarpong called on the youth and apostolate not to be tempted by material things and desires nor deterred by challenges that would confront them in the course of their mission. He stressed the need for them to invoke the spirit of the Lord for protection and guidance, saying, "the world is full of temptation but with the intervention of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to always be liberated from such mishaps".

The Very Rev Gabriel Acheampong, Director of the Catholic Pastoral Centre, noted that out of the 62 persons who started the training programme as apostolate, only 45 managed to eventually graduate. He commended them for their resolve and determination and urged them to extend such courageous attributes wherever they may find themselves.

Mr Robert Kofi Kyere, spokesperson of the graduands, appealed to parish priests in the Archdiocese to explore avenues for offering sponsorship to more people to be trained as apostolate to enable them help in evangelisation.