April2011
dAyBreAk JESUS YOUTH AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER
A Movement Of ‘sent Out’
Missionaries First of all, Jesus Youth is a “Movement”, not an organisation. Although we need to organise things, it’s a movement of “grace” so let the Holy Spirit organise things for us. We
10
12
Acts of the JY apostles
4
News R Aus
COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
jy families
3
Cover story
www.jesusyouth.org
can do our best but we only respond to grace. Sometimes we do so much that we haven’t got much room to consult Jesus about what He wants, so it starts in grace.
A MISSIONARY MOVEMENT AT THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH
Jesus Youth
2
I WAS SO HUMBLED TO WATCH THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S DEDICATION AND SELFLESS EFFORT TO MAKE THIS JUBILEE A GREAT SUCCESS.
from the coordinator
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
I presume the whole conference was clothed in white linen and people who attended received the power from above. The Jubilee was a great event to give thanks and praise for all of God’s blessings in the last 25 years. For me, it was so inspirational and challenging.
As a missionary movement at the service of the Church, Jesus Youth is really a gift from above. It is so attractive and fascinating. It is also a group of vibrant people around the world sharing the faith with their fellow Christians and witnessing the word of God in their work places, parishes, schools and campuses. The challenge before us as a Jesus Youth is through our daily prayer, listening to the word of God,and growing through the sacraments, fellowship and service, JY can spread the message of Jesus around the world. I wish you God’s blessings. Fr.Thomas D. Areekuzhy . M.C.B.S Pastor, Jesus Youth Brisbane
embracing the eucharist It was as an awesome experience to be one among the 20,000 Jesus Youth who came to attend the Jubilee Conference from 29 countries around the world. It gave us an emerging vision of Jesus youth movement with diverse languages, expressions, cultures, nationalities and the vibrancy of being close to Jesus Christ and His Church. This deep awareness of being a part of a missionary movement will surely lead us to greater commitment in living out a true missionary lifestyle. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”, so let us rededicate ourselves to be witnesses for Christ in this great south land of Australia. The Second Vatican Council rightly proclaimed that the Eucharistic sacrifice is “the source and summit of the Christian life”. In this context Jesus Youth Australia is initiating a 50 day perpetual adoration named ‘Hours of Grace’ during the pas-
chal time from Easter to Pentecost. Wherever Jesus Youth come together the Eucharist takes centre stage and is the source of healing and transformation for many of our young people. As we enter into lent, the movement in Australia is gearing itself to embrace the Eucharistic devotion. I hope and pray that this small initiative will be continued in the years ahead as a prayer initiative for evangelisation of Oceania. Let us dream and work towards the perpetual adoration centres and communities to evolve with in our movement. As Blessed Mother Theresa of Calcutta said, “When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host you understand how much Jesus loves you now”. Rajesh Thalappillil Coordinator JY Australia
“
Dear Brothers and Sisters, through the personal encounter with our Redeemer and through fasting, almsgiving and prayer, the journey of conversion towards Easter leads us to rediscover our Baptism. This Lent, let us renew our acceptance of the Grace that God bestowed upon us at that moment, so that it may illuminate and guide all of our actions. What the Sacrament signifies and realizes, we are called to experience every day by following Christ in an ever more generous and authentic manner. In this our itinerary,
”
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI FOR LENT 2011
“AMAZING WORK! SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!
WHAT YOU SAY
I was so fortunate to have attended the Jesus Youth Jubilee Conference in Kochi, India, 28th December 2010 - 1st January 2011. This event was truly an international Catholic Youth festival. I was so fascinated by the theme “Refined in His Fire, Renewed by His Spirit. Radiant in His Love”.
from the pastor
a modern witness
I’m so proud and overjoyed at the ways God is working through various people to put this touching newsletter together! A way of recording and sharing the lives of Jesus Youth saints in today’s world!” Teema thomas, usa send your comments and feedbacks about the newsletter to jyaunewsletter@gmail. com
COVER STORY CONTINUED
“we are the movement of grace, we are missionary, we are sent out people, we are servants of God who is a servant king, and we do that in the heart of the Church”
Thirdly we are people of “Service”. We are not here for money, we are not here for fame, we are not here to make it successful. These are words we can use in a corporate world but they are undignified to use for the activity of the Lord. So when we say service, we imitate Jesus at the last supper where he unexpectedly got up on his knees and started washing their feet. Where we are foot washers, you and I are descendants of foot washing ancestry. So we are servants, servants of the lord Jesus. As He became the
servant of God the Father, we become the servant of the Father. We imitate Jesus the Servant King. Last of all, “Church”. We do this in the heart of the Catholic Church. St Therese of Lisieux said that her deepest vocation was to be loved at the heart of the Church and I’m sure all of us can say that. We are to be the love of God in the heart of Church .We Catholics believe that the Church is the body of Christ, not might be, not could be, not looks like...No! It is the body of Christ in its fullness. There are believers of God everywhere, creations and other religions, other Christians. Yet we believe in a Church founded by Jesus Christ and the Church is the servant of Kingdom of God. So this is my message for today. I offer you the four words of the Jesus Youth movement of the world which is a dynamic force as this has been given to us through the vision of 25 years and it may continue in the future that we are the movement of grace, we are missionary, we are sent out people, we are servants of God who is a Serv-
ant King, and we do that in the heart of the Church, which we often call the sacrament of the Catholic Church and most particularly in the sacraments and in the leadership of the Church we find it mostly expressive. I want to finish off by saying this afternoon; you have two Bishops here, myself and Bishop Thomas. Don’t take it for granted, a Bishop is a successor of the apostles. I’ve got a lot to do and lot of activities as you have as a missionary, but I want to make this a priority so that you feel much close in the heart of the Church. The Bishop is the centre of unity. So as we are on the beautiful jubilee airways everybody, this is your Bishop saying enjoy the flight. The Most Reverend Christopher Prowse, Bishop of Sale, Victoria [Message given by Bishop Christopher Prowse to Jesus Youth on the Jubilee Celebrations Finale’ on December 4, 2010]
every jesus youth is a missionary Have you noticed the name “Daybreak” for the Newsletter?
dAyBreAk
Daybreak means ‘the first appearance of daylight in the morning; dawn’.
When light appears, darkness fades and we see the beauty of everything around us. We hope that “daybreak” will highlight many inspiring and challenging initiatives happening among Jesus Youth in Australia. - Newsletter Team.
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
Secondly it is a “Missionary” movement. The word ‘missionary’ is like the word ‘apostle’ and the disciples are sent out. So we are a “sent out” movement not a “sent in” movement. So let’s keep that always in mind, that all our activities are expressions of a missionary movement. The light on the hill top and the salt of the earth as Jesus is sending us out is like when He went back to heaven at the ascension saying “go out to all the world and proclaim the good news and remember I am with you till the end of time”. Therefore it (Jesus Youth) is a missionary movement.
3
JY FAMILIES
Jesus our first priority!
4
Tomy: “As a cricket crazy teenager playing for the State Junior Cricket team, I breathed and thought of cricket as my very life! Then a cousin invited me to accompany him to a retreat which I reluctantly went to, but that changed the entire course of my life. I met the One who was actually my Life -JESUS! And since then there’s been no turning back.” Priya: “Racing against time, deluged by the never ending demands of year 12 and the Medical Entrance, I was all set to become a highly successful doctor, yet grappling with the highs and lows of an emotional teenager. My mother was puzzled and pained by the change in her usually calm, focused daughter becoming a “touch me not”, easily given to arguments and tears. She sent me to the nearest retreat in Patna, Bihar. I went to retreat as an excuse to get away but ended up encountering the One who really was meant to be the Dynamo of my lifeJesus and His Holy Spirit! He started an internal healing and reorganization process that changed my attitude to my struggles. To date, I believe centering my life on Jesus was the most important choice I ever made.”
“The Six pillars of JY with a special word about Fellowship: We find that the JY family is bonded by the Blood of Jesus and is a supernatural initiative of the Holy Spirit. So the bubbling enthusiasm and love for the Lord has been really contagious to us- to Live Jesus and Give Jesus! What challenges us is that it is not an organization but a lifestyle that invites Jesus into the very centre of our daily life and careers, past and future. The fellowship has also helped us to be recharged when weary, not to lose our focus, and be missionary in our outlook.”
“God moves on our behalf when we focus on Him instead of our problems, weaknesses and family crisis.”
What drives you and your family to put in so much effort for building up JY in Australia? “The Love of Christ –our Passion and Glory! Many have taken great pains to build us in this love. What a great loss it would have been to us if they hadn’t stepped out. So God has filled us with the same yearning in spite of our weaknesses and unworthiness to share this transforming person of Jesus with whoever He permits, in particular with teenagers and youth struggling to fill their feelings of chronic emptiness, worthlessness or boredom, trying to make sense of life. Christ can fill their lives with beauty as He did to ours!”
doing God’s work while balancing work, family and role as ministry Leaders? “Our family life revolves around Jesus-our first priority! The children also understand that Jesus and His missionary call comes first. I don’t see my roles as different compartments. The Holy Spirit ministers to my family as a husband and father, in my workplace and also in the ministry. When the demands of shopping, cleaning, cooking, children’s activities and social commitments threaten to eat away all the time, we ask the Lord to help us prioritise what He really wants us to do. The Lord is also teaching us to make each of these activities an act of love for Him or intercession for a precious child of His in need. He can channelise anything we give Him with love. God moves on our behalf when we focus on Him instead of our problems, weaknesses and family crisis. God has a plan for our deliverance even before the problem arrives. But we never permit Him to work, preferring to get frustrated trying all our ways. The Holy Spirit is teaching me to spend time in prayer and to seek His direction. It’s amazing how He takes us beyond our wildest expectations!” Our prayer for each family is: ‘Sweet and passionate Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for You!’ By His Grace ‘n Mercy, Tomy, Priya, Isaac, Ann and Therese
As a JY family how are you enjoying
p l 1. Find your mission related “words” on right t side of wordfind and circle once found. (see e example ‘commit’) s 2. Words can be found verticular, horizont tal, straight, diagonally both upwards and i backwards m 3. Ask your parents to help you solve the mystery word below and then find this word o n in the wordfind y every Jesus Youth is a a _ i _ _ _ o _ _ _ y Rules
r r e s i l e g n a v e
e a s e e o p a r s o s c e l n a t i i m w l p
c f g t u o t n e s i i
h g t r r w o o f n o s g i o e f m o i r t c s
o p r o f e s s k o g i
c m o i m s m s i i t o t n o e g r a y i t d P
commit go forth take gospel time is now sent out witness proclaim preach evangelise disciple testimony profess
puzzle 2
jy kids game zone
puzzle 1
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
How did you come to experience Jesus personally ?
What were the aspects in JY which nourished your growth as a person and as a family?
Mystery Question: Who is the youngest saint ever canonized by the Roman Catholic Church? (Answer in the next newsletter)
The biggest and smallest parishes in Australia The largest parishes in the country were Burleigh Heads, in Queensland, with over 28,000 Catholics, Narre Warren in Victoria, and Maroochydore, also in Queensland. Twenty-three parishes had Catholic populations in excess of 14,000. On the other hand, twenty-one parishes had fewer than 250 Catholics; Campbell Town in Tasmania was the smallest, with only 84 Catholics. [Source of data: Australian Bureau of Statistics - 2006 Census of Population and Housing]
The Church, the Mystical Body, exists on this earth and is called the Church militant because its members struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil. The Church suffering means the souls in Purgatory. The Church triumphant is the Church in heaven. The unity and cooperation of the members of the Church on earth, in Purgatory and in Heaven is also called the Communion of Saints. The word “Saint” in the modern sense means someone who has been canonised by the Church in recent times, or was accepted as such by the Church in earlier times. If a person is shown to have practiced heroic virtue--beyond what people in general do - in all virtues, the title “Venerable” is given; with two miracles by that one’s intercession, the title is “Blessed”; two more miracles can lead to canonisation and the title of Saint. [Taken from The Basic Catholic Catechism PART FIVE: The Apostles’ Creed IX-XII Ninth Article: “The Holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints”]
Where Australia’s Catholics come from? The major overseas birthplaces of Catholics in the 2006 Census were, in order, Italy, Great Britain, the Philippines, New Zealand, Croatia and other Former Yugoslavia, Ireland (including Northern Ireland), Malta, Poland, Vietnam and India. Almost 100,000 Catholics arrived in Australia from overseas between 2003 and 2006, the greatest numbers coming from the Philippines, Great Britain, the Middle East and North Africa, New Zealand, Central and South America, and India. [Source of data: Australian Bureau of Statistics - 2006 Census of Population and Housing]
Most Reverend Joe Grech It was with great sadness that the youth ministry community of Australia mourned the passing of The Most Reverend Joseph Angelo Grech (Bishop of Sandhurst, Victoria) in December 2010. Bishop Joe was a great advocate for youth in the church and provided great support for youth ministers around the country. He has also been involved with the Jesus Youth at various occasions. We will miss him greatly.
Q:why can’t the women be priests?
ask deacon bony The 21st century women have put their hands on everything. Therefore it can be an ache even in the heart of faithful Catholics as to why women are not ordained to the priesthood in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church has always been constant in her teaching, that the priestly ordination is reserved to men alone. In the Catholic tradition we believe that divine will is revealed through Scripture and Tradition (the teachings, customs, leadership methods, ways of worship and life styles handed down by the apostles and the early Church). The Church has always been faithful to Scripture and Tradition. When it comes to the question of ordination of women, we see in Sacred Scripture that Christ chose his Apostles only from men. The living tradition of the Church (starting from early Church till now)
has always held that the exclusion of women from the priesthood is in accordance with God’s plan for his Church. The Congregation of Doctrine of Faith (CDF promotes and safeguards the doctrine on the faith and morals throughout the Catholic Church) teaches that the Church does not consider herself authorized to admit women to priestly ordination. In other words the church is doing exactly what Christ did. Church does not have the authority whatsoever to go against Christ’s action and the faithful teaching of the tradition. It is not that the Church is deliberately discriminating women but simply the Church do not have the authorisation to ordain women to priesthood from Christ and her living tradition. [Got a question for Deacon Bony? Email your question to jyaunewsletter@gmail.com]
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
explore my church
catechism revisited
5
teens events
UPCOMING EVENTS melboune:
Connect - A 4 day live in program for young people in year 10, 11 and 12. Dates: 9th to 12th April 2011. Venue: Edmund Rice Centre ‘Amberley’, 7 Amberley Way, Lower Plenty Vic 3093
Sydney:
Come Alive - A 3 day live in retreat for teens from age 13 to 18. Dates: 12th to 15th April 2011
Brisbane:
Venue - Mount Schoenstatt Retreat centre, Mulgoa.
Teens Discipleship training program - A 6-day live in program for young adults (aged 14-17 years). This program will help to mould youth to be Christian youth of quality and purpose.
Contact: Justin - 0432050821
From -15th to 21st April 2011
Contact: Ajesh 0411167155, Lijo: 0430178710, Preetha: 0451487189
Venue - Ephesus House, 688 Nudgee Rd, Northgate, QLD. Contact: Vijoy Paul: 0449239963
National Leaders retreat
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
A Growth Retreat for Jesus Youth Leaders Date: 1st to 4th Dec 2011. Venue: Goyura retreat centre, Lysterfield, Melbourne. Main Speakers: Fr. Fio Mascarenhas SJ & Raiju Contact: Rajesh Thalappillil 0422215855
6
Varghese [JYIT Coordinator]
Family retreats A live-in retreat for families in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Dates: August - September 2011 Resource Persons - Fr George Kumblimoottil Contact: Reji Kottukappillil - 0437925946
Hours of Grace
& Elvis Koottaran.
To make this paschal season more unique and grace-filled, Jesus Youth Australia is organizing a perpetual Eucharistic adoration from Easter Sunday, April 25th to Pentecost Sunday, June 12th for 50 days across different parishes in five cities of Australia.
Dates & Venues
Sydney: 24th April 7.00 pm - 05th May 9.00 pm Perth: 05 th May 7.00 pm - 14 th May 3.00 pm Brisbane: 14th May 8.00 am - 23 rd May 8.00 am Adelaide: 22 nd May 6.00 pm - 29 th May 10.00 am Melbourne: 29 th May 9.30 am - 12th June 01.00 am For details please contact your local Jesus Youth Coordinator.
jesus youth missionary commitment day Jesus Youth, in more than 25 countries around the world will be observing this Pentecost (June 12th) as their Missionary Commitment Day, renewing their commitment to the mission that the Lord has called them for.
UPCOMING EVENTS
JYIAT ’11
JYIEP ’11
25 June 2011 to 22 July 2011
26 June 2011 to 09 July 2011
12 July 2011 to 23 July 2011
The Redemptorist Center, Pattaya, Thailand
10-19 June 2011 St. Norbert Bhavan, Bangalore, India
The Redemptorist Center, Pattaya, Thailand
The Redemptorist Center, Pattaya, Thailand
JYIFT 2011 will be the sixth batch.
It is meant to train and equip key leaders to help facilitate the movement’s growth globally. Each batch is limited to a maximum of 30 participants. JYILT 2011 will be the fourth batch.
It is meant for lay animators, priests and religious who are interested in animating a youth ministry and in helping young families to grow in Christian maturity. Possible future animators are also welcome. Each batch is limited to a maximum of 25 participants. JYIAT 2011 will be the fourth batch.
It is meant for upcoming young leaders to get a deeper exposure to the Jesus Youth lifestyle and spirituality. A team of key leaders from the movement will accompany the group throughout their training. JYIEP 2011 will be the second batch.
if you are interested in joining any of these trainings contact your local jy coordinator or Lijo george at 0430178710
August 11 - 14,2011
11 1,20 2 6 ust 1 Aug
cont for act mor ajes h 04 e info 1116 7155
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
It is meant for prospective young people who have a desire to grow in the Lord and dedicate their lives for the Kingdom of God. We encourage people who can set apart valuable time for the Lord’s work in their countries. Each batch is limited to a maximum of 30 participants.
international exposure program
JYILT ’11
international animators training
JYIFT’11
international leaders training
international fulltimers training
JESUS YOUTH INTERNATIONAL TRAININGS 2011
7
witnessing history “AN AURA OF FESTIVITY AND IMMENSE JOY HUNG OVER THE ENTIRE RAJAGIRI CAMPUS AS FINALLY THE DAY OF THE JESUS YOUTH JUBILEE CONFERENCE DAWNED!
@ the jubilee conference
The biggest to the tiniest details were being prayed about and meticulously planned. Volunteers could be seen running around making last minute arrangements. Participants from different countries sauntered around in their
traditional attires. And all were headed in one direction. After long hours of prayer, months of preparations, the biggest celebration is on - The Jesus Youth Jubilee Conference!
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
sharings from few jesus youth who attended the mega jubilee conference
8
For me, the sensational cultural performances with Rexband performing live was like an icing on the cake. The speakers were very inspiring and logical. The presence of 20,000 people from around the world ignited the event with bubbling everywhere. I wonder how the 50th will be like? Michael, Brisbane I was inspired to see how big a movement we are. Also how God could just turn the initiatives of 3 or 4 people to something beyond imagination. I was truly inspired to see a lot of selfless people devoted to God. Shaan Gomez, Brisbane
Jubilee Compendium. The Complete Jubilee Experience Now packed into 116 enriching pages.
I was in the middle of 20,000 people I didn’t know. I wasn’t sure if I’d meet anyone I knew at all. Being in the teens group I was at the constant fear of being alone. Yet as always it is true that the “Lord works wonders”. It was just great to be dancing and praising Jesus with other JYs. I realised that the true foundation of Jesus Youth was found in our Catholic Values. It was truly amazing to see how everyone in unison had started praying the rosary on the last night when it began to rain. It was quite amazing too that as soon as we had finished the fifth decade of the rosary, the rain had stopped. The Jubilee had surely started a flame in me but as always I need to be careful to keep it alive and save it from being blown away by the strong winds.”
joel Gigimon, Melbourne
The Jubilee Compendium is an exclusive, limited edition, once-in-a-lifetime collection of the complete set of essential documents of the Jesus Youth movement, unforgettable photographs of the Jubilee celebrations, reports of landmark events, expositions by senior Jesus Youth leaders, exciting coverage of the Jubilee Conference, responses of the Church to the Jesus Youth movement, the viewpoints of global Jesus Youth leaders and a lot more.
What touched us most was the faith and hope of a lady who attended the conference with her 10 month old baby. When she was pregnant, doctors informed her that the baby had complications with one of the heart chambers and that baby would not live more than a few days after birth and asked her to terminate the pregnancy. She said that she would have the baby as long as God would let her have it and continued with the pregnancy. God had different plans. Baby lived way beyond the doctors’ prediction. When we met her, the baby was 10 months old and was scheduled to have a surgery, few days after the Jubilee Conference in early January. She shared the story with lot of peace and happiness to us. All in all, truly a refining and renewing experience!
Ann Sebastian & Paresh Paul Melbourne
The Highlights The Church Speaks, Journey of Joy, JY Scrolls, Picture Book, Memorabilia, Responses, Timelines.
EXCLUSIVE DVD OF LIVE JUBILEE COVERAGE: Copies are limited. So book your copies right away by email : australia@jesusyouth.org
HOW STATDID T OF TIONS HE CROSHE BEGIS N?
Since Lent is a season of penetential preparation for Easter, the Stations of the Cross, which follow the path of Christ from Pontius Pilate’s praetorium to Christ’s tomb have been a popular devotion in parishes. In the 16th century, this pathway was officially entitled the “Via Dolorosa” (Sorrowful Way) or simply Way of the Cross or Stations of the Cross. This devotion has evolved over time.
ZoNETeeNS
Tradition holds that our Blessed Mother visited daily the scenes of our Lord’s passion. After Constantine legalized Christianity in the year 312, this pathway was marked with its important stations. St. Jerome (342-420), living in Bethlehem during the later part of his life, attested to the crowds of pilgrims from various countries who visited those holy places and followed the Way of the Cross. Actually, the devotion continued to grow in popularity. In the fifth century, an interest developed in the Church to “reproduce” the holy places in other areas so pilgrims who could not actually travel to the Holy Land could do so in a devotional, spiritual way in
their hearts. In 1742, Pope Benedict XIV exhorted all priests to enrich their Churches with the Way of the Cross, which must include 14 crosses and are usually accompanied with pictures or images of each particular station. A plenary indulgence is granted for those who piously exercise the Way of the Cross, actually moving from station to station where they are legitimately erected and while mediating on the passion and death of our Lord (“Enchiridion of Indulgences,” No. 63). [Taken from “How Did the Stations of the Cross Begin?” Saunders, Rev. William, Arlington Catholic Herald.]
website review Love hip-hop? love animations? love games? http://www.phatmass.com is the site to check out for. They produce Catholic hip-hop music as a creative method of communication to the youth and urban culture. They advocate praying the rosary and provide a meditative prayer aide over the internet with their sister web site, 59Beads.com. They also design, manufacture and sell clothing and merchandise with strong Catholic messages, promoting a “culture” of orthodoxy. If you are interested in participating debates, discussions or ask a question about the Catholic church, their ‘phorum’ is a good place to visit.
movie review From Grassroots Films of Brooklyn, New York (the same guys who produced ‘Fishers of Men - a short movie promoting vocation) comes THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE – the story of a band of brothers who travel the world in search of the answers to the burning questions: Who am I? Who is Man? Why do we search for meaning? Their journey brings them into the middle of the lives of the homeless on the streets of New York City, the orphans and disabled children of Peru, and the abandoned lepers in the forests of Ghana, Africa. What the young men discover changes them forever. Through one on one interviews and real life encounters, the brothers are awakened to the beauty of the human person and the resilience of the human spirit.
will you
stand for life?
Are we Pro-Lifers?“This duty (of protecting the life of an unborn child) , however, does not only concern the medical profession and health-care workers. The whole of society must defend the right to life of the child conceived…” (Pope Benedict XV1 in his address to the Pontifical Academy for Life on Feb, 2011) Are we responding to this call?
JY has taken a special interest to stand for life from 1996 onwards. Joining the many JY pro-lifers across the world, JY Melbourne has taken an initiative to begin JY Pro-Life ministry. Anoob Joseph, the Coordinator of JY Melbourne is thinking about how to connect to the 100’s of Nurses in Hospitals, to join in this initiative.
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
www.phatmass.com
9
news Raus
an update of JY Australia events
jesus youth australia jubilee celebrartions finale’ 4th dec 2010 JY Sydney Christmas Celebrations
perth Jesus Youth Perth Teen’s Ministry
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
JY Perth Teens ministry has been active since the spirit filled teens retreat last year. Many teenagers have joined the ministry and the main focus is on prayer, networking, and fellowship.
10
Teens Gathering Regular monthly prayer meeting takes place at Holy Name Catholic Church. The gathering at AMF bowling club helped create fellowship among the members. Christmas Celebration Christmas celebrations were held on 12th December with more than hundred participants. Holy Mass with an inspiring homily celebrated by Fr. Johnson Malayil, Parish priest of St. Jerome’s Church, Spear Wood. Special intercessory prayers were held for Australia and Jesus youth all around the globe. Carol singing by elders, inspiring skits by the teens and the tableau by the Angels Army brought in the true spirit of Christmas. The day concluded with an inspiring message by Fr. Thomas VC.
New JY Sydney Service Team
Jesus Youth Perth Teens
sydney Jubilee celebrations Jubilee celebrations were held on 27th Dec 2010 at St. Thomas Becket Church, Lewisham with more than seventy participants. Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. George Condookala (Pastor for Jesus Youth Sydney), ‘Kids carols,’ an initiative of the music ministry, exciting games for the young and old were the main highlights of the celebration. Service Team Reconstitution Jesus Youth Sydney had its reconstitution of the Service Team on 27th February. The new team is lead by Siju Mathew as Coordinator, Justin Joseph as Asst. Coordinator, Fr. George Condookala and Benny Poulose as animators. Fr. John Aravankara and Mr. Rajesh Thalappillil helped in the discernment process.
Jesus Youth Australia had its Jubilee Celebration Finale’ on Saturday, 4th December 2010 in the presence of its patron,The Most Reverend Christopher Prowse, Bishop of Sale, The Most Reverend Les Tomlinson, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne Archdiocese along with members of the national team. The evening featured inspiring messages, prayers and Holy Mass. This also marked the end of the Journey of the Cross in Australia before it was taken to Kerala, India for the International Jubilee Conference. The celebration brought together youth and families from across Melbourne and ended with prayer and fellowship.
news Raus
an update of JY Australia events
New Brisbane Service Team
JY Christmas Celebrations Jesus Youth Adelaide celebrated Christmas on December 26th at Mater Dei Church, Woodville Park. The celebration included games, exchange of Christmas gifts, singing of Christmas carols and dancing to the rhythm of the Jubilee song. Dr Priya shared on God’s love and how it manifests in each one of us. Leaders Training Program Leaders training took place in Adelaide from February 12 - 13th . The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Navin Thomas and Mr. Rajesh Thalappillil from Melbourne. Twenty Jesus Youth members participated in this training program. Fr Alex Vickers and Fr Tommy celebrated Holy Mass during the program.
brisbane Reconstitution Jesus Youth Brisbane had reconstitution of the Service team on 27th of February. The new Service team is lead by Vijo Paul as Coordinator, Shaan Gomez as Asst coordinator , Fr Thomas Areekuzhy as pastor and Fr Michael Grace & Gigi Joseph as animators.Navin Thomas former Asst. International Coordinator helped with the discernment process. The reconstitution day was attended by around 40 families & youth. Night Vigil The Jesus Youth family is coming
JY Melbourne walk with the Jubilee Cross through the streets of Melbourne
together every first friday of the month for prayer, Holy Mass and reflection on the Word of God. The night vigil was held on Feb 4th lead by Fr. John Aravankara, National Pastor of JY Australia. The night vigil held on March 4th was lead by Deacon Bony MGL from Canberra who shared the Word of God and Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr Sylvester from Bowen Hills parish. Prayer for flood victims Jesus Youth Brisbane organised 24 hours of adoration on Jan 22nd for the flood affected victims. The Jesus Youth members prayed for the local communities that they may pass through their hardship with oneness in Christ.
melbourne Jubilee Walk As part of the journey of the jubilee cross, 12 JY’s from Melbourne decided to walk with the Jubilee Cross through the streets of Melbourne on Saturday, 21st November 2010 praying for the city and its people. There was fear, excitement and also a sense of pride to walk with the cross attracting the attention of many in the city. It was a beautiful way for them to express the Catholic faith amidst many criticisms. It really transformed many lives and made them stronger in the faith. Monthly Intercession Day JY Melbourne Intercession team will be organising a monthly intercession prayer day in Melbourne. This event
will take place every 4th Saturday of the month with Holy Mass and Eucharistic adoration. Venue : St. Francis De sales Church, Oak Park. March for Life Jesus Youth Melbourne has joined Prolife ministry in the March for Life which commenced at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 26th Feb 2011. Around 15 Jesus Youth from Melbourne joined another group of 75 at the cathedral for Holy Mass followed by a rosary procession to an abortion clinic. City Prayer Group Anniversary The 6th anniversary of Melbourne City Friday prayer group was celebrated on Saturday, 5th March 2011, at St Francis Church, Lonsdale St., Melbourne. The day was blessed with the presence of Fr. Tony McSweeney SSS, Fr. Peter Collins SSS, Fr. John Aravankara and Fr. Peter Kavumpuram MST. 100 days of Grace As a preparation to the re-commitment day, Jesus Youth Melbourne is celebrating 100 days of Grace. The first 50 days will be a time of self purification focussing on daily Eucharist, Gospel reflection and fasting with the following 50 days (after Easter) on prayer initiatives for the city of Melbourne with outreaches, Jericho prayer & intercession. The 100 days of Grace will conclude on June 12th with 15 days of perpetual adoration, Novena to the Holy Spirit leading to the day of Pentecost.
100 Days of Grace Innauguration and 6th Anniversary Celebration of Melbourne prayer meeting
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
Adelaide
Leaders Training Program Adelaide
11
ACTS
Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter April 2011
12 year’s old – YEAR 7 – Preteen running a small group in Adelaide “I decided to start a prayer group in my school, after attending the JY Teens Retreat. I started praying for that and
12
my family also prayed and encouraged me. I went directly to my teacher and requested permission to arrange a prayer meeting. Eventually I had to go to the Principal’s room with my teacher. I waited for 2 weeks and finally the principal granted permission. I was really happy. My Sister and I invited many people and we started with 6 people. We are helping them on “How to pray the Rosary”. It seems like a new thing for them and they show a lot of interest in it. We try to pray in our own simple way to Jesus” - This inspiring story is by Shallet,, Aged 12 and is daughter of Shaji Joseph, JY Adelaide. Stretching to the extremes Going the extra mile, The present JY Melbourne Co-ordinator is running very
of the JY apostles
fast but clearly the Holy Spirit is slightly faster than him. He manages to make it to meetings with Family, Youth, Teens, Intercession ministries along with the Monthly Adorations, Service Team Meetings, Communications with all the JY’s and the Church. Anoob is a Nurse working at the Alfred Hospital, is married with two small children. JY’s often ask how this guy prioritises his duties in order to be available for all JY meetings and Anoob responds with a humble smile. Passionate Designer Do you know a person who works tirelessly till 3 or 4 AM after putting his little one to sleep despite having to be at work before 8.30 a.m? He is the mastermind behind the designing of JY National Newsletter and many brochures and posters of JY. May be God speaks to him in different ways before sunrise! This person (not a designer by profession) developed his skills in design over a period of years, doing simple tasks for JY. It’s great to know there are JY’s, working late nights to ensure that they give their best to the Lord! Father of Luke...Guess who? Once in a month, be in the City for Jesus This is what echoed during the JY Leader’s Gathering in Adelaide “Going into the city for Jesus at least once a month to share His love with others”. Everyone welcomed this idea to become intercessors like the Prophet Moses for the people of Adelaide.
“Sharing our experience of Jesus in 3 minutes to a person” and “BBQ’s and Youth Mass to reach out to the youth” are a couple of plans of Lijesh, JY Coordinator, Adelaide. from the streets of new york to brisbane Jesus Youth Fulltime volunteer SPaippy a.k.a Swapna Paippy from New York is currently on mission in Brisbane working with teens and small groups and is mobilising and preparing the teens for the upcoming Teens Training program to be held from April 16th to 22nd in Brisbane. Allnighters Shaan and few of the JY’s in Brisbane are spending their precious time at night with their Boss! They have taken slots like 12.00 – 1.00 am,
1.00 – 2.00 am every week, to worship the Lord at a perpetual Adoration Centre in the city. It’s really inspiring to see how JY’s live a different life. You raise me up.. to more than I can be. A dedicated missionery from Perth has been known to be on-the-go for the past 3 years, building young missioneries, standing side by side with the Church. He is known to the families and young ones of Perth as the one and only “Bobby Chettan”. His trust and firm faith keeps him, his wife and his two little children to walk the stormy seas.
Saint Mary MacKillop Prayer God of all pilgrim people, you raise up women and men to meet the needs of every age. In Mary MacKillop, we celebrate a journey of deep love and sensitivity to your will. Like her, may we learn to grow in appreciation of the fullness of your love and the depth of your mystery. Help us to transform the ordinariness of our lives as we reach out to others through the daily challenges of our journey towards you. Amen
This newsletter is an initiative of Jesus Youth Australia (www.jesusyouth.org/ australia), produced by Jesus Youth Australia National Team. for any comments or suggestions contact us at jyaunewsletter @gmail.com