Opening Mass and New Leadership for Youth in Far East Rand Deanery

by Kati Dijane · February 13, 2026

By Kati Dijane – More than 200 young people from the Far East Rand Deanery in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg gathered at Kristo Inkosi Catholic Church in Kwa Thema for their opening Mass of the year on Sunday, February 8. The liturgy was led by the youth, who animated the celebration with music.

The main celebrant was Father Karabo Lephuthing, a priest originally from the deanery and currently ministering at Christ the King Cathedral. He was joined by the parish priest and dean, Father Chaka Motanyane, who concelebrated the Mass. Father Karabo, himself a young adult, attended the gathering to show support for the youth, who also held their annual general meeting (AGM) and elected a new executive committee during the event.

In his homily, reflecting on the readings from Isaiah 58:7–10 and Matthew 5:13–16, Father Karabo encouraged the congregation to be “the light of the world” by choosing obedience to God rather than striving for perfection. He also urged those present not to become a cause for others to doubt God or experience harm.

A special moment during the celebration was when Father Karabo presented Father Chaka with a chasuble.

Following the Mass, the youth convened for their AGM. Representatives from each parish shared reports on their pastoral and social initiatives, as well as the challenges and highlights experienced over the past year. The parishes represented included the Daveyton parishes of St Nicholas, St Lambert, St Martin de Porres and St Monica; St Paul in Tsakane; St Mother Teresa of Calcutta in Crystal Park; St John the Baptist in Brakpan; Seven Holy Founders in Ratanda; St Anthony Pucci in Duduza; and Kristo Inkosi in Kwa Thema.

During the meeting, a new youth executive was elected:

Katleho Hlongwane – Chairperson
Kamohelo Riba – Vice-Chairperson
Tiisetso – Secretary
Moeletsi – Deputy Secretary
Precious – Treasurer
Keletso – Liturgy
Amahle – Media Officer
Lebo and Phenyo – Additional Members

Tiiso Mosoeu, Head of Department at the Archdiocese of Johannesburg Youth Office, was also present to offer support. In his closing remarks, he encouraged the young people to remain committed in their service to the Church and to reach out to the Youth Office whenever assistance was needed. He also reminded them of the upcoming annual Blessed Benedict Daswa Youth and Young Adults gathering, scheduled to take place from 21–22 March 2026 at the Mother of Mercy Shrine in Magaliesburg.