Letter to Youth: February 15, 2026

February 15, 2026

Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dear Youth of Holy Trinity Parish,

I want to share something important with you.

Since 2022, when Janna and I first started Metanoia Youth Ministry, it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to help build this community. When we started, we didn’t fully know what it would become. But over the past few years, I’ve seen something really special take shape. I’ve seen friendships form, leaders emerge, and I’ve seen so many of you grow—not just as students, but as people.

After a lot of prayer and discernment, I have made the decision to step down from my role as Youth Ministry Coordinator here at Holy Trinity Parish, effective June 15, 2026.

This wasn’t an easy decision. This ministry means a lot to me, because you mean a lot to me. Many of you have been here since the very beginning. Some of you have been in my small group for years. I’ve had the privilege of walking with you through some really important moments of your life, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.

This year especially, many of you are graduating and stepping into something new. And that can be exciting, but also uncertain. What I want you to remember is that God is not finished with you. He is working in your life right now, even in ways you don’t fully see yet. He is leading you somewhere, and He has a purpose for your life.

Pope Benedict XVI once said, “The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” And I really believe that about each of you. Not because of what you do, but because of who God created you to be.

So keep showing up. Keep pursuing what is good. Keep paying attention to where God is working in your life. Stay close to Him, and stay connected to people who help you grow.

The parish will be hiring a new Youth Ministry Coordinator in the coming months, and I truly believe God will bring the right person to continue what He has started here.

I’m still here until the end of this school year, and I’m looking forward to making the most of these next few months together. I will still be working at the Archdiocese helping youth ministries from across Atlantic Canada build great youth groups, as well as leading the Steubenville Atlantic team - so you will probably still see me every once and a while.

Thank you for letting me be part of your life. It has meant more to me than you probably realize. If you have any questions I would be more than happy to talk, or if you just need someone to listen, I am happy to be that person as well.

God Bless,

Alex Stapleton

Youth Ministry Coordinator 2022-2026

Holy Trinity Parish

astapleton@halifaxyarmouth.org