ASIA/CHINA - Young Catholics doing volunteer work during school vacations for New Year's

Zhang Jia Kou (Agenzia Fides) - During the winter school holidays, young Catholics in the parish of Zhang Jia Kou are set to perform works of charity, becoming volunteers to witness to the love of Christ to all people, but especially to the youngest, the weakest, and those who are alone. On February 8, the young people, who are divided into several groups led by priests and nuns, visited the nursing home for the elderly, orphanages, and families of the elderly, who live alone and are sick. In addition to bringing goods to these people, so they can enjoy the feast of Chinese New Year, they also cleaned their houses, their clothes, and helped the children with their homework. On February 10, there was a big celebration for all the young people of the area to celebrate the New Year, with the spirit of evangelization. Many young non-Christians received a warm welcome from their Catholic friends, attending the quiz on the Bible and a show on the stories of the saints. They also shared their impressions on how to "live their life of faith." This year, the priests involved in youth ministry have also launched three meetings a week to strengthen the youth's Biblical knowledge, and so they can grow in their faith. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides 13/02/2010)