DAYBREAK JESUS YOUTH AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER July 2016 | Volume 07
Living as Missionary Disciples Cover Story on page 4
Content Daybreak JY AU S TRALIA NEWSL ETTER
Editorial Coordinator Mayrose Abraham, JY National Office Editorial/Media Contributions Anu Deepak, Jerin Joseph, Petsy Dsouza & Rosemine Roy, Design Ajesh Abraham, Servi Designs Address 140 Westbourne Grove Northcore VIC 3070
This newsletter is an initiative of Jesus Youth Australia (www.jesusyouth. org.au), produced by Jesus Youth Australia National Council.
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06
Cover Story
Pontifical Recognition
07
08
ACYF
10 Trendsetters
Fulltimership Jubilee
14
Regional News
For any comments or suggestions contact us at: officedesk@jesusyouth.org.au Jesus Youth Australia acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians in all Australian communities.
Jesus Youth Australia extends our gratitude for their ongoing support to:
"
Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are “disciples” and “missionaries”, but rather that we are always “missionary disciples.
"
(Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 120)
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From the
From the
Coordinator
Chaplain
This year the Lord has blessed our movement with pontifical recognition. Surely this uplifting news is yet another reassurance from the Lord regarding His steady guidance and beautiful plan for the Jesus Youth Movement, and a sign of the loving care of our Mother Church. This long journey began with understanding the wisdom, beauty and richness of the Church; it was time to closely witness the mysterious ways in which the Holy Spirit leads the Jesus Youth in various difficulties.
Thanks to the untiring efforts of His leadership, the Jesus Youth movement has now been granted recognition by the Vatican as an international private association of the faithful with juridical personality. This heavenly gift comes with great joy as the mission and activities of the movement are now recognized by the Universal Church. It also brings with it some fear that the some over enthusiastic members may become elated and presumptuous at this recognition and may fall into vain glory and pride. Along with this it brings greater challenges and responsibilities for Jesus Youth. As Jesus told His disciples: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked” Lk 12:48. This gift has widened the boundaries of our mission to the four corners of the world, to every periphery. With its humble origin in God’s own land – Kerala, Jesus Youth is now on a quest to make the entire world God’s own land.
Soon after the pontifical approval, I received numerous calls and messages to congratulate the achievement of our movement and it makes me extremely happy and proud to see the church’s outlook towards the Jesus Youth Movement in this Country. Over the years we have been listening to the call to be 'deepen in each individual missionary call ‘' and taking steps to respond. For this we discussed, introduced topics in programs, and developed various styles and practical gestures. Here we are now in the fullness of our Holy Catholic Church, and the journey of each Jesus Youth’s the missionary call continues. This recognition will be mutually beneficial for the Movement as well as for the Universal Church. In 2016, Jesus Youth also celebrates the Silver Jubilee of our Fulltimership Program which commenced in
1991. As our International Coordinator C.C Joseph said “The Jesus Youth movement has always seen the full-timers project as one of its flagship initiative, where volunteers contribute towards building the Church. We thank the Lord for all the blessings the movement has received as fruits of this project”. We take this opportunity to congratulate all the members those who participated in this initiative and became the salt of this earth .This year, the following quote of St. Theresa of Lissuex will be more relevant for all the Jesus Youth “I would like to be a missionary, not just for a few years, but ’til the end of time!”. Our missionary calling is not something God wants to keep secret. He desires to use each of us to reach the lost with the Gospel and bring the saving message of Christ to the ends of the earth. I pray that every Jesus Youth may be transformed by the power of Pentecost and sent forth to be true ‘missionary disciples’ of Jesus, and that we may continue to be a Missionary Movement at the Service of the Church - in the fullness of its meaning.
with the Church, and to work for the Church in complete obedience to her hierarchy. St Paul the greatest missionary, gives us a superb example of how charismatic gifts and the mission of the Church work in perfect harmony. Even though St Paul received his call and mission directly from the risen Lord, he fully submitted himself to the authority of the Church. Another wonderful example is St Thomas Aquinas, perhaps the most outstanding genius of the Church, he said: “even when I am convinced that something is white but the Church says it is black I will accept it as black”. It is my wish and prayer that the examples of St Paul and St Thomas Aquinas may guide Jesus Youth while exercising the recognition the Universal Church has granted to us.
This recognition also demands from us greater obedience to the authority of the Church, to think with the Church, to work
Anoob Joseph
Fr Thomas Manimala
National Coordinator, Jesus Youth Australia
Chaplain of JY Brisbane
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-Cover Story-
LIVING AS MISSIONARY DISCIPLES
" Mission is no longer the domain of a few Priests or Religious. It is not about far off lands and peoples but a reality to be lived out in our neighbourhood, the university, our sporting club or our work place. Everyone has a role to play. "
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W
hen I first heard Pope Francis use the term “missionary disciples” I was excited. Why? Because it captures for me two of the most important insights emerging from the Second Vatican Council. They are the universal call to holiness and the universal call to mission. These corresponding calls are placed on us by virtue of our baptism. In times past, holiness and mission were almost seen to be exclusively the domain of priests and religious. They were the ones set apart to live holy lives and some of them would be sent to missions in the developing continents of Asia, Africa or Latin America. Vatican II gave us a more complete vision of holiness and mission reminding every baptised person that we were all called to live holy lives; to live as disciples of Jesus Christ and to take up His mission in our daily lives, wherever we may find ourselves. The term “missionary disciples” brings these insights together and demands a response from us in the way that we live. Pope Francis describes this reality well in his recent encyclical called “The Joy of the Gospel” or in Latin “Evangelii Gaudium”. He says,
live His values? Do I live in an intimate relationship with him? Does my life draw the attention of others to the person of Jesus? Whether I choose to place Jesus at the centre of my life becomes an issue of authenticity. Am I authentic in my desire to live as a missionary disciple? Authenticity is a quality that the world demands of Christians. This is something that Pope Paul VI seemed to understand in a profound way. Back in 1975, he wrote a landmark encyclical on evangelisation titled Evangelii Nuntiandi. In it he states, “ Either tacitly or aloud- but always forcefully- we are being asked: Do you really believe what you are proclaiming? Do you live what you believe? Do you really preach what you live? (Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, 76)" In the Church today, we need more than good theology or good church documents. As in every other time in history, we need men and women of faith who make a generous response to Jesus’ call to “come follow me” and who
formation both in the Scriptures and church teaching and that we have others to accompany us on our journey of faith. We have to ask ourselves, “Am I living my discipleship within the faith community?” If I’m not, then I have failed to grasp Jesus desire to make us into a people, his people, his Body. Mission quickly flows from our experience of encountering Jesus and inviting him to be the centre of my life. Pope Francis reminds us, The primary reason for evangelizing is the love of Jesus which we have received, the experience of salvation which urges us to ever greater love of him. What kind of love would not feel the need to speak of the beloved, to point him out, to make him known? If we do not feel an intense desire to share this love, we need to pray insistently that he will once more touch our hearts. We need to implore his grace daily, asking him to open our cold hearts and shake up our lukewarm and superficial existence. (Evangelii Gaudium, 264) Mission is no longer the domain of a
Either tacitly or aloud- but always forcefully- we are being asked: Do you really believe what you are proclaiming? Do you live what you believe? Do you really preach what you live? (Pope Paul VI, Evangelii Nuntiandi, 76) Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are “disciples” and “missionaries”, but rather that we are always “missionary disciples”. (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 120) It is important to understand that this isn’t just some new and trendy terminology favoured by the current Pope. This is not only about identity but also about the response we make to this identity. In the Scriptures, when Jesus says “come follow me”, He wasn’t speaking theoretically. He was actually challenging those whom He called to begin a new way of life where Jesus was at the centre. It meant leaving jobs and family, giving away riches and establishing a foundation upon which all future decisions were to be made. The early church had a slogan which captured this decision to put Jesus at the centre. Three simple words captured a profound truth: "Jesus is Lord!” The logical question that follows then “Is Jesus the Lord of my life?”. Is he at the centre of all my decision making? Do I
live that out with an authenticity that brings together faith and daily life. When the Bishops Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean began to reflect on this idea of missionary discipleship, they felt it was necessary to highlight the communitarian dimension of the term. They state, There is no discipleship without communion. Given the temptation, very common in contemporary culture, of being churchless Christians and the tendency for new individualistic spiritual searches, we declare that faith in Jesus Christ reached us through ecclesial communion and that it “gives us a family, the universal family of God in the Catholic Church”. (Aparecida Document, 2007) Discipleship immerses us into the Body of Christ. We are joined to the whole Jesus “head and members”. We have to remember that it is in the Body of Christ that we live and grow. It is in the believing community that we learn to worship, that we receive
few Priests or Religious. It is not about far off lands and peoples but a reality to be lived out in our neighbourhood, the university, our sporting club or our work place and everyone has a role to play. The makeup of Australian society is such that unless men and women hear and experience the Gospel in these ordinary places, they won’t hear it at all. The growing alienation of people both young and old from the life of the Church presents us all with an urgent challenge. Will we say yes to Jesus’ invitation to” come follow me” and respond by living and acting as missionary disciples?
Shayne Bennett is the Manager
of FX (Francis Xavier) Mission Teams, a new university outreach and Director of Mission and Faith Formation at the Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane.
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O
n the 7th of April, 2016, many JYs from across the country awoke to the glorious all awaited news from the Pontifical Council of Laity (Vatican). It was officially announced that Jesus Youth is now recognised as an “International Private Association of the Faithful with Juridical
PONTIFICAL Recognition
personality”. It has come for us as a beautiful gift in the year of Mercy. On May 20th, Bishop Josef Clemens, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, presented to Jesus Youth a Decree of the Recognition. The same decree gave approval to its statutes.
KRAKOW16 Here we come WYD preparations are without any doubt well under way! Jesus Youth Australia is blessed to have taken part in all the WYD’s and pilgrimages since 2005: • • • • •
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Cologne, Germany, 2005 Sydney, Australia, 2008 Madrid, Spain 2011 Rio, Brazil, 2013 Krakow, Poland 2016
This year, for the first time, we have more than 30 young people who have registered from across Australia including 4 priests and 3 elders. There is a lot of preparation involved that is taking place now, so if you get a spare moment, please say a prayer for these young ones. Stayed tuned in the next edition for all the updates!
AUSTR A L I A N C ATH OL I C YOUTH F ESTIVA L 2015 ACYF is an all Australian gathering of young Catholics. It was established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference in order to provide young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus; to give them that hope to be empowered to be disciples and celebrate the Church in Australia. The first Festival was held in Melbourne, December 2013 and Jesus Youth was very blessed to be actively involved in the conference. In Dec 2015 JY’s again attended the Festival hosted and returned home new in Him.
What a blessing to be a part of a Eucharistic adoration where 3500 young people silently sat with Jesus. It was truly amazing. The festival also cemented my vision for youth and refreshed my zeal to pray and work with them. Being part of the JY Music Ministry gave me an opportunity to meet some wonderful young people with a passion for music and Christ. I can't wait till the next ACYF in Sydney. -Jethin Thottan, Adelaide
I was a part of the JY stall. We entertained the youth with 'Bible Dip' and it was an amazing experience watching the reactions of young people who picked verses that touched them. I was in awe of the number of young people praising and being led to God at ACYF. ACYF stirred my heart to want to see young people come to Christ and be able to proclaim His name without fear. I highly recommend all young people to attend the ACYF in Sydney to experience the euphoria of so many people worshipping the One True God. -Lydia Langlin, Adelaide
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ST OR Y OF T H E FULLTIMER
-A look-back at the year of its jub
It was in the year 1991; a Jesus Youth had an inner call to commit one complete year, keeping behind all his academics and career for the service of the Lord within the Jesus Youth movement. On consultation of the inner plan with the leaders and the elders in the movement, he courageously completed the term, travelling across, touching young minds within the campuses and parishes of Kerala. This
gradually evolved into a well-designed training bringing forth almost 50 trained graduates every year. With every passing year, the Fulltimers take up the responsibility of identifying, training and building a new batch. Subsequently, all the Fulltimers [so far around 1500] continue their life time mission taking the key role in their respective parishes, dioceses and
wherever they are, being a visible presence of the movement, domestically and internationally. Upholding the Jesus Youth lifestyle and faithfully practicing the “6 pillars”, these life time missionaries strive to motivate people, young and old, giving Jesus even to the peripherals of the society. Many a times, they have become the role models and an inspiration for many to take up this lifelong commitment.
Australia has been blessed with many fulltimers! Here’s what some of them have to say.
It has been 16 years and I can still say that it was the most precious and fruitful year of my life. The training helped me recognise my call while the first year of formation helped me to grow in sacramental life . I felt the Holy Spirit guiding
me throughout my mission on Campus and Parish ministries. God worked through me miraculously during that year. I joined fulltimers training without much understanding of a lifelong commitment, yet I soon realised that that
very commitment helps me in my spiritual journey. I thank God and JY and for giving me a wonderful GOD experience and tremendous support.
I’m Deepa and I’m from Perth. I live with my husband Siby and our 3 children – Adriel, Daniel and Anna. I realise everything that happened during that one year commitment was a training for the years to come. It trained me in such a way, it made me God’s Hand in everything. Over the years I went through ups and downs: 2 migrations, Adriel’s health issues,
financial difficulty and the premature birth of Anna. Doctors suspected during my pregnancy that Anna had Downs Syndrome and had a low blood supply. They had many doubts but we decided against amniocentesis as we were ready to receive what the Lord had planned. Anna was born at 33 weeks and weighed 1140 gm. It was miracle watching her
breathe by herself. After 2 months Anna came home and was weaned out of her tubes. As she is a special needs child, we see many little miracles and it is a cause for us to rejoice in HIM. I look back now. It was that 1 year of formation that helped me prepare to accept His will and His way.
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Betty Sunil ( Delhi batch, India, 1999-2000)
Deepa Mariadas 12th batch (Kerala, India)
Australia has also had a number of fulltimers who have come from other countries and served Australia for you and for me! Get their take on their experiences down under!
My base was Melbourne. I spent a lot of time meeting different people, prayer groups, helped out in events and also was very blessed to visit other cities (Sydney, Canberra and Perth) to do the same. Throughout my time, there was only one goal for me that was to grow in a deeper personal relationship with Jesus. I must confess it was not easy for me. I faced many challenges. My most memorable moment is when I had given up nearly everything but held on to one thing and found it far too hard to let go of it and when I eventually had let go. I felt completely broken. I spent time in prayer and it was during this time that I experienced this unconditional love of my God and the assurance that no matter what happens or how alone I am he is there with me forever. It was down to me to choose him. I invite and challenge you to not give up on God. No matter how many times we fail he is just one step behind us. Always keep turning to him because God is the only way, the truth and the life, BUT REMEMBER THE CHOICE IS YOURS. Lester Fulltimer 2013/2014
RSHIP PROJECT
bilee-
One of the hardest part of fulltimership is trying to figure out what God wants you to do. It is often very hard to foresee what you are supposed to do, but in hindsight you can really see how God was guiding you the entire time. What challenged me were two things. First were the families who were so committed and invested in the life of the youth, often prioritizing it over their own families. As a youth, I had the privilege of experiencing all of their love while living and spending time with them. Second were some of the youth in JY, who in the midst of their busy lives with work and figuring out their career, was ready to invest their time and energy and money to reach out to other youth, again prioritizing this mission over other things. I now live in and work in Chicago as a Software Engineer and am involved in JY here. Life seems to have slowed down a little bit since fulltimership. I miss the uncertainty of what I will/should do tomorrow versus now having a set schedule for life. JY still helps to keep me on my toes at times, and now I have another reason to be on my toes. I
got married last month. Praise God! If you are an adrenaline junkie and love things like skydiving then fulltimership is for you because it is a year when you give up control of your life and make a leap of faith trusting in the Lord. But if you are a person who hates taking risks and would drive 5 miles under the speed limit to be safe, then also fulltimership is for you, because you are in the safest hands possible, which is not your own, but God's. For me fulltimership was the time when I had the blessing to say yes to making this leap of faith. And through it I experienced the beauty of trusting in God completely, which I couldn't have done to the same degree otherwise. I was able to see the joy of fully trusting in the Lord and experience the abundance of his care and love. And to top it all off you will meet some amazing people in the Jesus Youth movement and will be challenged and inspired by their lifestyle and commitment. Joe Emprayail Fulltimer 2011/12
1991:
JY’s inner call to life of mission
1992:
27 young graduates from Kerala, India, took a one year commitment after a 40 day training
1995:
Participants from outside Kerala take part and commit
95-97:
Training expands to Calicut (Kerala) and Delhi (Capital of India)
2003:
First Hindi batch
2006:
First International batch
2015:
Fulltimers training for Africa
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TRENDSETTERS -2016Trendsetters is a 10 day live-in program, designed for university students who have already undergone prior teens retreats and received a personal encounter with Christ. It helps form them, transform them to have a better relationship with Jesus and equips and challenges them to be stronger disciples. This year it was held in Adelaide, SA and we had 40 young people from across Australia who took part in TS16. It has now been a few months since and here are some of their precious words.
Some participants sharing their experience of Trendsetters: When I first heard of Trendsetters, I wasn't too excited to attend it. But now that I look back at it, saying no would have been the biggest regret of my life. During Trendsetters, I came to know God personally, in a deeper level than before, and a lot of my questions were answered. One of my biggest highlights were the fact that I now have amazing people (who I consider as my own family) to help me through my spiritual journey, and always support and pray for each other. Trendsetters also taught me about my true identity in God, and helped me become a better person. While we were there, we all experienced the peace and serenity of the Holy Spirit. The last day was a tearful one and none of us wanted to leave. I recommend it, because it was one of the best experiences I've had, and I promise that you won't regret it. Sheetal, VIC My experience was truly one of a kind and I will forever be grateful to all the people who encouraged me to attend. Packed with talks, sessions and ‘games’, Trendsetters impacted my life in a way I would have never thought possible. I learned to view both myself and others in a completely different way, allowing me to build my self-esteem as well as appreciating God’s blessings in all the little things! Although, we came as individuals determined to return home
as soon as possible, we left as a close knitted family who knew and had experienced God’s love. This experience has shaped the way I live my life and prioritise things, always being aware of God’s constant presence and love. I have grown both emotionally and spiritually and gained confidence to take initiatives, including starting a prayer group along with some friends at our university. However, the best thing I took away from this retreat is the peace I’ve found with myself by letting go, allowing me to fall in love with God more and more with each passing day. Tanya, QLD For so long, I had been searching for something, and though it took some convincing, I knew deep down inside, that this was what I needed. Once I found it, it seemed like there was no going back. I made a decision to be strong; to place my complete trust in the Lord, and to hope for the best. I made promises to pray, and to turn to the Lord during times of distress. I promised myself, that I would never be ashamed or fearful of being Catholic at university ever again, and wear my identity with courage, with faith. I began to question, and to ask the Lord for answers when I needed them. For the most part, with the help of a very close friend, family, friends at the university, and those amongst the JY group, I am finding the courage every day to fight hard against
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everything I gave up that week at Trendsetters. Though it hasn’t been easy, and I am far from ever being perfect, I have fallen so deeply in love with Christ that no matter what happens, I trust him, and I know that he’ll take care of me. He’ll send people for me, like he always has, and like he did. Anonymous I really wanted to go to Trendsetter 2015, as all my friends were going, probably not the right reason to go; hence why I believe I didn’t end up going also because my parents were so opposed to the idea of a one week retreat out of state. So when the time came for the 2016 Trendsetter, I didn’t even bother asking my parents, until two JY elders were kind enough to come over to my house and ask my parents in person, which I believe is the sole reason I was able to attend Trendsetter. I will forever be grateful for that. Also this reinforced my beliefs in trusting in God’s will. I was watching a sermon which was directed at God’s will, in it there was a quote ‘’If the time is wrong, God says slow..’' ‘’If you are wrong, God says grow..’' If you and the time is right, God says go. ’’All directed at actually going One of the most important thing I have learned through the completion of Trendsetter is each time I do fall away from the path of God’s will, I don’t have to be afraid to come back and ask for forgiveness. Prior
I would have high’s and low’s in my spiritual journey, which I thought was the best way to go about it, but post trendsetter I have realised the importance of creating a stable spiritual life, and the importance of actually putting into action what I gain from the word of God. I made simple changes into my life that aids in my spiritual growth, such as incorporating a set time for personal prayer every day. I see personal prayer as something I want to do, instead of something I have to do every day now, which has helped me immensely in my spiritual growth. Aleena Sunny, NSW This experience not only helped me get closer to God but taught me other aspects in life that can be changed in order to be a better person. The hosts and youth leaders helped us to feel safe and guided us with their experiences too. This one week experience will never be forgotten; I changed a few of my personal habits such as praying often, using time management planning and more. Due to this change, according to my friends I "seem happier". Some of the special moments I would take away is friendship, relationship with God and certain skills (like presenting). I would encourage other young adults to take part in TS, because this experience guides you to view your life on earth and it is worth it! Colleen Tauro, NSW
S R E T T E S D N E TR 7 201
Venue: Benedict XVI Retreat Centre 347 Grose Wold Road GROSE VALE NSW 2753 Date: 31st Jan 2017 to 7th Feb 2017 ( Tuesday to Tuesday)
BE A TRENDSETTER! LEAVE A MARK!
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Hours of Grace at Murdoch University, WA.
HOURS OF GRACE 2016
‘Hours of Grace 2016’- Round the clock Eucharistic Adoration was present in 40 parishes across 8 cities around Australia, from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost Day. Hours of Grace was initiated by JY Australia in the year 2011 as a preparation for the Year of Grace. We are blessed that we could continue this for 6 consecutive years. It is hosted in different Parishes to bring local communities & parishioners under one roof, united in prayer. It is a time of peace and serenity, a time for healing and a time of receiving. The Hours of Grace shines light unto all who come to worship Him and simply to be in His presence.
In 2016, hosting of Hours of Grace was expanded to a number of universities in Australia
NEW DESIGN
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You might have already noticed the new design of the Daybreak newsletter. The design and layout has changed. Our movement is growing by the help of Holy Spirit. Newsletter is embracing the growth and trying to be relevant to wider reach of people. The new fresh design is minimalistic, fresh and uses more white space. This encourages more readership and gives a new perspective. It makes it more youthful/elegant and attractive.
A J OUR N EY TH A T C H A N G E S Y O U -MISSION PNG 2016-
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation (Mark 16:15) On the New Year’s Day 2016, I traveled to PNG on mission along with Sojin (Darwin), Roby (Canberra) and Niju (Canberra). Throughout the program we were blessed by the powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit. We were overwhelmed with the response of the participants. We witnessed many physical healings and had to intervene and stop the endless testimonies. Some people approached parish priests and said they gave up drugs. A number of young people communicated their strong desire to become priests. During ordination many parish priests communicated their surprise and joy about the changes in the youths in their parish after the convention.
When you say 'yes' to a mission trip God uses you in a powerful way to build the Kingdom of God. However the most important thing is the changes happen in you. You will no longer be the same person. How shallow is our faith? You of little faith, ”he said,” why did you doubt? (Matthew 14:31) There were many times during the program I felt that they are evangelising me rather than the other way around. I was challenged by their faith. Fr Thomas and Bishop shared the incident of the sudden death of a youth who was very active in the parish. He was such a good person that his parents refused to mourn as they know their son is in heaven.
Importance of Discipline During the mission days we woke up at 4:30. We spend one hour together in praise and worship before we started the program. Regardless how late we were in bed, we woke up in time. The Lord gave us the grace to live with it. I believe a disciplined life is one of the most important aspect if you want to be a true follower of Jesus. It was a wonderful journey witnessing the wonders of God in each step where we walked in his protection where I am reminded of the verse "Even if I walk through the valleys of death I fear no more". Sojin, Darwin
Antony Kalapurackal, Adelaide
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R EGI O N A L E V E N TS
Thrive Melbourne
8 -10 April 2016 | Belgrave Heights Convention Centre
Thrive was a growth retreat for 35 Jesus Youth aged 18-30. The main speaker was Fr.George Kumblimootil - an international preacher. Thrive was aimed at helping young adults focus on Jesus as their friend in the context of the modern world and its ideologies. Silence was maintained throughout the retreat which was helpful in strengthening the spiritual bond between God and self. Minu Joseph
Thrive helped me mend the relationship I had with God. I was really pushing myself to church on some days but after the retreat I had a burning love for Jesus. The prayers started making sense and I took time to say them while trying to mean what I was saying. I was once ashamed to take out my rosary and pray at a public place, now I do it with confidence. The confession had a good impact in my life, I really enjoyed the freedom I received from confession I made. There were small instances during the retreat that made me reflect on my life and how I was hurting
Instagrace Canberra
Based on the scripture “you are mine” Is 43:1, Instagrace was an opportunity for teens to encounter and experience the love of the Lord through a stay in program initiated by Jesus Youth Canberra which aimed at helping them walk with Jesus in their day to day life. Held at Green Hills Centre Stromio, ACT, Instagrace participants were led through the retreat by the vibrancy
and dynamics of Fr Bony Abraham, MGL. The retreatants were from year 9-12 and thoroughly enjoyed the music and games, talks and testimonies, personal time and time with nature. Above all, one of the biggest blessings was the presence of Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn and Patron of Jesus Youth Australia, Most. Rev. Christopher C Prowse DD STD.
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Jesus while committing the smallest sins. I am now more aware of myself in any situation. I enjoy peace with God and everyone else around me. I came to Australia for my studies last year and to find such close knit friends like family is a wonderful gift. I thank God for all the graces he showered upon me through the retreat. Jesus said, Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink (John 7:37), and It is only through him that I can fill all the emptiness I have in life and feel full again. Rohit Johnson Thrive 2016 was indeed a
wonderful weekend in the presence of God and an experience that cannot be confined to words. Not only was it enriching for the soul, mind and body, but made me realize how we easily get caught up with worldly wants and desires and fail to acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit, who is constantly in and around us. The sessions by Fr. George were truly engaging and inspiring. It was amazing to witness how he built a personal connection with each one of us and thus helped us to rebuild our personal connection with God. Petcy D’souza
R EGI O N A L E V E N TS
New
Regional Councils JY Australia has two new regional councils. Melbourne and Perth. These two were selected as per the newly approved Statutes. "A Regional Council governs the association in the Region and the National Council governs the association in the country." Statutes 33.
New JY Regional Council -Perth
This election saw Mayrose Abraham, chosen as the first female JY Regional Coordinator of Australia.
The New JY Regional Council Melbourne: Mayrose Abraham (Coordinator), Sachith Thomas (Assist .Coordinator), Shijo Joseph, David John, Jobin Mathew, Binu Joseph, Jincy Joseph, Dr.Abish Antony ( Animator) New JY Regional Council -Perth: Ebin Joy (Coordinator), Siby Varghese ( Assistant Coordinator) , Sarath Jos, Ashok Baby( not in the pic), Tom , Shiju joseph, Betty Sunil, Anu Deepak , Joju (Lay Animator) , Bobby Jacob ( Lay Animator) and Fr. Sabu Jacob ( Priest Animator).
New JY Regional Council -Melbourne
New JY Regional Council -Sydney: Early in February this year we had the election of a new regional council for Sydney. Lejan James (Coordinator), Aleena Augustine (Assist. Coordinator), Sheena Jomon, Varghese Mulakampilly, Aswin James, Justine Joseph, Jinu Mathew, Simi Martin, Sachin Richards (ex-officio- Youth team Coordinator) Animators -Jomon Varghese, Siju Mathew Chaplain- Fr. Joshy Joseph Parappully.
New JY Regional Council -Sydney
Witness
Youth & Teens Retreat, Brisbane 31 March -2 April 2016 | QCCC Tamborine QLD A spiritual growth retreat for youths from Year 11 and above led by Fr. George Kumblumootil along with other local resources. This retreat helped the participants to
be a true witness of Christ. Most of them had a great encounter with Christ and many great testimonies were shared as well during the retreat.
Daybreak - JY Australia Newsletter | July 2016 Volume 07 15
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The association promotes and practices a spirituality beginning with a personal and experiential encounter with Jesus Christ through ‘Baptism in the Holy Spirit; which is a personal renewal of Baptism, and the use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in prayer and apostolate. 11.
The members commit themselves to a life of holiness through the practice of the Six Pillars of the association.. 12.
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JY STATUTES
SPIRITUALITY
CONTRIBUTE Every year, Jesus Youth reaches out to hundreds of youth and teens across not just Australia, but also in our mission places in PNG and Nauru. By the grace of God, these young people are able to encounter Christ, grow in discipleship and ultimately experience the beauty of the Church, through our many initiatives. We are forever grateful for all the prayers that are offered on our behalf. We also encourage you to consider a regular financial contribution to the Movement, so that we may be able to continue reaching out and spreading the Good News. Our account details are Name: Jesus Youth Australia BSB: 063105 Account: 10246450
This Daybreak newsletter is printed on 100% recycled paper using nontoxic inks, benign press chemicals and solar power. Proceeds from this print help support campaigns to protect Australia’s native forests.