Our
History...
In May 1989, the National
Convention of the Haitian Apostolate
requested that all Haitian pastoral
agents to do more for the Haitian
youth.
On
September 3rd, 1989, 257 young
people got together from diverse
parishes and named youth leaders
from their communities. From this
meeting Ms. Maud Percy facilitated
another gathering for the youth
leaders in Sacred Heart, Cambria
Heights on November 12, 1989.
A
new committee was formed, which is
now AJHC, for the distinct purpose
of working toward a new generation
of young Haitians Catholic.
AJHC was given the task to contact
youth groups in Brooklyn (Holy
Cross, St. Francis, Our Lady of
Refuge, St. Matthew, St. Therese of
Lisieux, St. Teresa of Avila, Holy
Innocents, St. Jerome), St Joachim &
Ann (Queens), Holy Name in
Manhattan, St Leo and St. Matthew in
Massachusetts, St Patrick and St.
John in New Jersey.
Following these contacts another
meeting of youth leaders was held in
Queens in April 1990 when a decision
was made to plan a weekend retreat
as a first experience to build upon.
The first youth Congress was held
the weekend of June 29, 1990 at
Pawling, NY (upstate NY).
Sixty-seven people representing the
following faith communities
Massachusetts, New Jersey, St.
Francis, Our Lady of Refuge, St.
Ignatius, Sacred Heart (Cambria
Heights, and St Mary Star of the Sea
(Far Rockaway) attended. Thus
started the call to gather Haitian
youths from across the nation
annually for a Congress.
The
second Congress took place in June
1991 at the Inn of the Spirit with
60 young people. The theme was; "Who
is Jesus in your life?" Subsequent
themes have included: "Live like
Jesus lived in today's world", "Give
God a chance."
