St. Benedict the Moor - Black Catholic Implementation Team
Toni Banks moved back to Omaha, Nebraska in 2008 from Dallas, Texas. She re-joined her home parish at St. Benedict the Moor and was asked by Fr. Anyanike Vitalis to start up a Youth Group as there currently wasn't one.
Toni gratefully accepted and started doing what she does best. Here devotion to Jesus and the Youth run hand in hand.
She wasted no time getting to work over her years as the Youth leader, The Youth attended three NCYC Conference's, attended 1-2 day retreats, attended seminars on being the best version of yourself and respecting others. Many, many collaborations with other parishes in the diocese including field trips, leadership seminars, Youth led prayer services, and prayer and worship as well as mass attendance. Collaboration with the Knights and Ladies of St. Peter Council and Court #308, lead to many volunteer hours, conferences, community projects like food collections, diaper drives, as well as etiquette classes.
Toni says the highlights of her time as the Youth Leader has been being able to reach out and relate to the Youth. She provided an opportunity for a personal encounter with Jesus for each an every Youth over the years. The last and final activity with the Youth was meeting to discuss the dangers of Vaping, followed by a walk at the Cloister's on the Platte while doing the Stations of the Cross.
"It's a full circle moment when you see the Youth come back and serve and give back to the Church and the Community, reaching out to the current youth", says Toni.
While Toni enjoyed her time as the Youth Leader, her decision to step down was not an easy one. She say's it was time to step aside and let the younger generation take the mantle. Time to pass the baton!
Know that she will always be around as needed, you never really stop being an example and mentor for the youth.
Special thanks to Toni Banks and her years of service as the Youth Leader for St Benedict the Moor Catholic Church.
