We are proud to announce the 2026 winners of the Youth Ministry Leadership Bursary: Christian Borkowski and Gabriela Macuory. 

The bursary acknowledges high school students making a difference in their parishes, schools, communities, and homes. The winners are recognized for making an impact, showing initiative, and inspiring others. Each has been awarded $500 to support their post-secondary education. 

Christian Borkowski

• School: Holy Cross Regional High School, Surrey
• Parish: Immaculate Conception Parish, Delta
• Entering: Fabrication and Engineering, Douglas College

When I found out I had won the Youth Ministry Leadership Bursary, my initial reaction was excitement. I had been a little stressed about how to pay for college, but then, as soon as I heard that I won, a significant amount of that burden was lifted from my shoulders. My reaction after the initial impact was gratitude. Gratitude for my faith community, which was the reason I won.

Youth ministry is vitally important not only for the Church's future but also for the Church right now. Forming youth into devout Catholics so they grow to become holy adults is super important, but it’s not the whole reason youth ministry matters. Youth are already active members and a vital part of the Holy Catholic Church. Young people must be encouraged to be active as leading characters in evangelization both in Catholic environments and in the secular world. Youth themselves are individuals who can bring Jesus joyfully into the world, and often all that they need to do it is a Christ-centred community to do it in.

Gabriela Macuory

• School: St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary School, North Vancouver
• Parish: Christ the Redeemer Parish, West Vancouver
• Entering: Education, Simon Fraser University

When I found out that I won the Youth Ministry Leadership Bursary, I was ecstatic! After the call, I skipped through the halls at school with a giant smile on my face. Praise God! 

Youth Ministry is important for the Church because it shapes an individual’s identity in Christ. It allows so many youth to discover what living FOR Christ really is. Youth Ministry is where young, vibrant, Catholics encounter the Holy Spirit and nurture their relationship with the Lord.