Jay Marlo P. Huraño
Youth Coordinator
Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, Davao City
Last Tuesday, July 12, 2011, I attended the mass because there was something that kept on bothering me and it’s related to the youth ministry. Every time I have a problem whether it’s small or big, I see to it that I can attend the mass despite thehectic schedule just to offer my problems and worries to the Lord. I know I can stand firm in the faith despite of the many challenges that I face and I can still continue serving the youth out of selfless love. The Gospel for that day was taken from Matthew 11:20-24 and it says, “Come to me all you who labor and I will give you rest”. From that, I grabbed the chance to be in the retreat to be with the Lord and other youth ministers even though I am having my nursing review every weekend.
Our retreat master was Bishop Pol Jaucian, SVD, DD, Bishop of Bangued-Abra was one of the CBCP ECY Bishops. He shared to us his personal insights and experiences as we reflected together on the theme for the year of the youth, “Stand firm in the faith, do all your work in love”( Corinthians 16:13-14). The theme was divided into three parts: Awareness of self as a minister, stand firm in the faith. Be courageous, be strong, and do all your work in love.
Awareness of self as a minister
As youth ministers, we need to be aware of our youth ministry, and to share it with others. There were two points that struck me during this session. First, Bp. Pol said to us that, “not only Jose Rizal said this to you that you are the hope of the nation. We as a nation also believe that you are the hope of the church.” And second, one of my group mates revealed to us her favorite verse taken from John 15:16 which says, “You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name.” This is the gospel text that keeps her passion always burning for the youth despite of hardships in life.
Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous, be strong!
Despite of the many challenges that we encounter as youth minister in our different dioceses, we need to be stand firm in our faith for us to be courageous and strong. On the positive note, problems are just challenges from God to test our faith to Him and specifically to draw us closer to Him. My most striking or significant encounter with God was when I first entered the youth ministry of the parish. I consider it as a gift from God. And in addition, Bp. Pol said to us that, “The love of Jesus is calling us to be a youth minister to serve the youth. The love of God is a vocation to serve Him. It is our vocation as youth minister.”
Do all your work in love
This session was a nerve breaking session. The statement “Do you love me? Follow me.”, challenges all of us. We love Jesus by serving the youth by sharing our talents, treasures, and time. We sacrifice everything out of love for the youth ministry and sometimes we ask God, “is it not enough to express my love for You by serving the youth and the church?” Love has many forms and norms. All I can say to this is do all your work in love despite the challenges that we face every day.
Monday, November 28, 2011
DADITAMA YOUTH MINISTERS RETREAT HELD IN DAVAO CITY
By: Marjorie Joy Olea
DAYCA Davao
“You young men and women are the hope of our church.”
A simple yet meaningful line from the retreat master, Most Rev. Leopoldo Jaucian, SVD,DD from Bangued, Abra during the Regional Retreat for youth ministers of DADITAMA Region last July 15-17,2011 at Benedictine Retreat House Ulas, Davao City.
The said retreat was organized by the MSPC-YS Staff together with the Youth Directors Rev.Fr. Leif Simbajon of Davao, Rev.Fr.Rex Tapales of Digos, and Rev. Fr.Levi Mantica of Tagum. The objectives of the regional retreat were the following: for the youth ministers to engage in dialogue, and embark on a spiritual journey together; to deepen their relationship in the faith and in the ministry; and to intensify their commitment in serving the youth in their respective contexts. The retreat was divided into three sessions:
*”Be on guard…Be vigilant” –reflected on the awareness of personality as a youth minister and the reality in the ministry.
*”Stand firm in your faith” – shares about the status of the faith of the young, and what really sustains in the ministry.
*”Do all your work in love” – finding of oneself now. How the youth ministers express or manifest their love for God in the youth ministry with the theme: “PAGLINGON, PAGDIRIWANG,PAGTANAW.”
The youth ministers with their respective directors shared reflections in an honest-to-goodness way on what was happening with their respective ministries, dioceses, parishes, schools, and organizations and how do they felt about it. They responded that they encountered related situations like being inactive of the members, more time for civic and no-time for religious activities, lack of support from the leaders, and priests, conflicts within the apostolate, and some critical issues among others.
Bishop Jaucian also declared that in the CBCP Pastoral Letter “Bishops have optional preference for the youth…”stating their support for the young. He also explained that our unity with one another is our strength, each and every member of the youth, be it small or has a big role is important. Love is a vocation through our service in the youth, and only prayer and faith can heal all wounds of conflicts and hardships that are at hand in the ministry. As Bp.Pol also shared a part of his childhood, and priesthood, and being tagged as one of the ”Pajero Bishops”, he emphasized that amidst of the storms in life, it is God who lifts us up showing His great love for us.
On the concluding day, the youth ministers were requested to make a list of activities as to what immediate steps, long-term plans, and resolutions that can be possibly done after the retreat. The plan was designed into a Bangka (boat) from the concept of the MSPC-YC Programs. Below is the Bangka components with the corresponding programs:
Bosay- General Orientation
Layag-Peace
Katig-Bible/Gospel
Pukot- Net of Spirituality
Bugsay-Leadership
Banyera-GKK
Balod-Social Issues
The youth ministers were given a copy of pastoral recommendations from the Bishops Workshop last January 2011. The components were in the form of evangelization, catechesis, fellowship, social actions, leadership and worship for a more collaborative and comprehensive youth ministry.
For the final assert, Bp. Pol left an encouraging quote during his homily…”Be like a lighthouse, shine on! Continue to inspire others for we are all agents of unity and community.”
We are all shaped to serve God. May we use our God-given talents in the ministry for His greater glory, so that we may revive the young people of our generation, and lead them back to the House of the Lord.
DAYCA Davao
“You young men and women are the hope of our church.”
A simple yet meaningful line from the retreat master, Most Rev. Leopoldo Jaucian, SVD,DD from Bangued, Abra during the Regional Retreat for youth ministers of DADITAMA Region last July 15-17,2011 at Benedictine Retreat House Ulas, Davao City.
The said retreat was organized by the MSPC-YS Staff together with the Youth Directors Rev.Fr. Leif Simbajon of Davao, Rev.Fr.Rex Tapales of Digos, and Rev. Fr.Levi Mantica of Tagum. The objectives of the regional retreat were the following: for the youth ministers to engage in dialogue, and embark on a spiritual journey together; to deepen their relationship in the faith and in the ministry; and to intensify their commitment in serving the youth in their respective contexts. The retreat was divided into three sessions:
*”Be on guard…Be vigilant” –reflected on the awareness of personality as a youth minister and the reality in the ministry.
*”Stand firm in your faith” – shares about the status of the faith of the young, and what really sustains in the ministry.
*”Do all your work in love” – finding of oneself now. How the youth ministers express or manifest their love for God in the youth ministry with the theme: “PAGLINGON, PAGDIRIWANG,PAGTANAW.”
The youth ministers with their respective directors shared reflections in an honest-to-goodness way on what was happening with their respective ministries, dioceses, parishes, schools, and organizations and how do they felt about it. They responded that they encountered related situations like being inactive of the members, more time for civic and no-time for religious activities, lack of support from the leaders, and priests, conflicts within the apostolate, and some critical issues among others.
Bishop Jaucian also declared that in the CBCP Pastoral Letter “Bishops have optional preference for the youth…”stating their support for the young. He also explained that our unity with one another is our strength, each and every member of the youth, be it small or has a big role is important. Love is a vocation through our service in the youth, and only prayer and faith can heal all wounds of conflicts and hardships that are at hand in the ministry. As Bp.Pol also shared a part of his childhood, and priesthood, and being tagged as one of the ”Pajero Bishops”, he emphasized that amidst of the storms in life, it is God who lifts us up showing His great love for us.
On the concluding day, the youth ministers were requested to make a list of activities as to what immediate steps, long-term plans, and resolutions that can be possibly done after the retreat. The plan was designed into a Bangka (boat) from the concept of the MSPC-YC Programs. Below is the Bangka components with the corresponding programs:
Bosay- General Orientation
Layag-Peace
Katig-Bible/Gospel
Pukot- Net of Spirituality
Bugsay-Leadership
Banyera-GKK
Balod-Social Issues
The youth ministers were given a copy of pastoral recommendations from the Bishops Workshop last January 2011. The components were in the form of evangelization, catechesis, fellowship, social actions, leadership and worship for a more collaborative and comprehensive youth ministry.
For the final assert, Bp. Pol left an encouraging quote during his homily…”Be like a lighthouse, shine on! Continue to inspire others for we are all agents of unity and community.”
We are all shaped to serve God. May we use our God-given talents in the ministry for His greater glory, so that we may revive the young people of our generation, and lead them back to the House of the Lord.
MSPC-YS conducted Relief Operation and Feeding Program
It was June 28,2011 at 11 p.m., almost 3 hours of heavy rains poured in the city of Davao which had caused rivers to overflow particularly Talomo river and flash floods came which was up to 10 meters high. Villages affected were Matina Crossing, Balusong, NHA Bangkal and Matina Pangi. Consequently, there were 13,000 families affected with 31 dead mostly children and old ones and a total of 649 houses were washed out.
Responding to the said unpredicted calamity, the MSPC-YS initiated relief operation for two times in Km. 8, Matina Pangi. Many agencies and generous people responded to the MSPC-YS’ call for assistance intended for the flash flood victims in said villages and became partners for relief operation. Used clothes, mat, blankets, kitchen utensils, groceries and sacks of rice were distributed to the village.
Meanwhile, the feeding program was conducted by the MSPC-YS last Aug.6,2011. Recipients to the said programs were 60 graders in Matina Pangi who were victims of flash floods. Presently, they are students under the Children’s Catechesis, an on-going program of the GKK San Isidro Labrador. I Chef School in Davao City co-sponsored the feeding program. After the children were fed with lugaw and drank milk, a parlor game was held. The said program successfully ended with the children’s drawing activity where they freely expressed their gratitude to the assistance given to them. Distribution of goods and school supplies was done.
Responding to the said unpredicted calamity, the MSPC-YS initiated relief operation for two times in Km. 8, Matina Pangi. Many agencies and generous people responded to the MSPC-YS’ call for assistance intended for the flash flood victims in said villages and became partners for relief operation. Used clothes, mat, blankets, kitchen utensils, groceries and sacks of rice were distributed to the village.
Meanwhile, the feeding program was conducted by the MSPC-YS last Aug.6,2011. Recipients to the said programs were 60 graders in Matina Pangi who were victims of flash floods. Presently, they are students under the Children’s Catechesis, an on-going program of the GKK San Isidro Labrador. I Chef School in Davao City co-sponsored the feeding program. After the children were fed with lugaw and drank milk, a parlor game was held. The said program successfully ended with the children’s drawing activity where they freely expressed their gratitude to the assistance given to them. Distribution of goods and school supplies was done.
Butuan Hosted CABUSTAM Youth Ministers Retreat
By: Sweet Kristine Ace Adorio
Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate
Cagayan de Oro City
The Archdiocesan Youth Apostolate spent 3 days encounter with Jesus Christ during the CABUSTAM Youth Ministers Retreat last July 14-16, 2011 at San Lorenzo Ruiz Formation Center, Butuan City. The objectives of the retreat are as follows: to dialogue with the youth ministers and to embark on a spiritual journey together; to deepen the relationship between the ECY Bishops and the youth ministers; and to intensify the commitment of youth ministers in serving the young in their respective dioceses/ organizers.
The retreat master ,Bishop Precioso Cantillas, SVD member of ECY Bishops come from the Diocese of Maasin. He unfolded the significance of having the retreat.
The participants experienced deep joy & had the chance for deeper consultation with each other regarding ones purpose in serving the youth ministry. There was a realization that the future of our church lies in the youth ministry’s ultimate goal. The sharing sessions, Bishop’s statement of synthesis, inputs, workshops & moments of prayer helped the participants identify their specific tasks in the ministry. Thus, every young person is duty bound to uphold the integrity of the church and to become a better person in the community.
The CABUSTAM Youth Ministers Retreat, indeed, had a fruitful renewal of commitment with the challenge to continue the journey of the youth by becoming agents of SOCIAL TRASNFORMATION.
1 M Trees Planted as CBCP Year of the Youth is celebrated
One of the significant activities of the in the celebration of the CBCP Year of the Youth was planting I M trees. The said activity was a concrete expression for the need to care and nurture Mother Earth and strengthen the commitment of young people to protect the environment as stewards of God’s- given gift of the environment.
The objectives of the activity: educated the minds and formed the hearts of young people towards “ care for Mother’s Earth ”; deepened faith by embracing the commitment as stewards of God’s creation; translated the tree planting activities to a lifestyle that cares for Mother Earth concretely expressed in daily life through protecting and preserving the environment.
The participants and linkages: Episcopal Commission of Youth (ECY), Diocesan Youth Ministry offices and member-organization of the Federation of the National Youth organization (FNYO), youth ministers and leaders and youth in general.
The efforts were coordinated and networked with government and private agencies specifically:
The Pres. of the Republic of the Phil who was requested to proclaim Sept. 08, starting this year, as National Tree-Planting Day; the Dept. of Education (DepEd), through its dept. Secretary, which was requested to issue an Inter-Office Memorandum requiring all pupils in Grade V and VI and all secondary school students in both private and public schools all over the country to participate in the simultaneous tree-planting activities the National Tree Planting Day, the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) which was requested to provide planting materials and assist the technical aspects of the tree-planting efforts at the diocesan and parish levels; the Dept. of Interior and Local Govt.(DILG) through its Provincial, Municipal, Barangay Councils and SK requested to assist in facilitating the nationwide simultaneous tree planting; the CARE Foundation which is an agency that helps in the protection and preservation of the environment and Corporate Partners (private institutions) that supported the tree planting program.
There were three (3) phases for the activity: First, Pre-Planting which included the site, date and program, procedure, coordination and networking and preparation for planting. Dwellers in the site for tree planting were also involved. Second, Planting. It included first a short program for education and formation on the environment followed by suggested elements for a meaningful program. Each region had estimated no. of seedlings with a total of 1,360,476. This means that more seedlings were required to be planted because not all of them may grow into trees. And third, Monitoring and Preservation. This phase shall be tasked to the diocesan youth ministry office or FNYO with a regular visit to the planting site to ensure proper care and inventory of the planted seedlings. Also, documentation and recording shall be done as crucial part of the monitoring phase. A systematic and accurate as well as honest documentation in all the phases shall be required. A n on-going continuous formation program during visitation to the planting site shall be conducted to ensure the growing of the trees and the deepening of the awareness of the youth leaders and ministers involved in the program.
Youth Commitment: It’s Possible…It’s Happening Now! MJ Olea
“Dialogue means total giving of oneself. It starts from God, and brings people back to God.”
These words marked in my mind as I recall the very 1st Life-In-Dialogue Youth Camp that
I’ve attended here in Mindanao, last October 20-22, 2011 at King Mars Garden Mintal, Davao City.
The 1st LID-YC is a gathering of young Muslims and Christians from the different schools and
communities in Davao. The camp was organized by Silsilah Forum of Davao, with Fr. Hermes Larry
Sabud,SM (Christian Coordinator) and Ms. Nor Asiah Adilao (Muslim Coordinator).
Silsilah is an Arabic word derived from Sanskrit which literally means “chain or link”. The
movement uses the word “Silsilah” as a “spiritual chain of humanity” as created by one God. It envisions a Life-In-Dialogue for all Muslims, Christians, and peoples of other living faith in respect, trust, and love for one another and moving together towards a common experience of harmony, solidarity and peace.
On the opening ceremony of the camp, Archbishop Fernando Capalla gave us some tips that we ought to acquire: the quality presence of oneself and the eagerness to learn within the camp, and the power of listening with the heart, with the words, its meaning, and with the person speaking Abp. Capalla also emphasized the attitude towards the interfaith dialogue of friendship. He stressed that listening with the heart is important, for without listening; words lose their meaning. Without listening; speaking cannot heal, and without solitude, one cannot share his very self to others. Subsequently, we had our groupings. At first, everyone seemed different but in one way or another, the dialogue just began.
As we commenced in a unique way through a significant object that symbolized our individuality, we also discussed the reality bites of the Mindanao Youth nowadays. We realized that the “family” has a big impact or role as to what the youth of today are. As days went by, we came to know the different customs and traditions among Muslims and Christians, and we fully appreciated what dialogue was all about.
The LID Camp created a venue for us to listen, pray, learn, play, and to be
enriched with our commonalities and differences.The activity truly built-up friendship founded with
faith among our Muslim and Christian brothers and sisters, understanding the basic foundation of
the spirituality of Life-In-Dialogue, and being an active witness of dialogue and peace.
Life-In-Dialogue is a great key to broaden up peace with our fellow brothers and sisters whether Muslim, Christian, or Lumad they may be, and to end up chaos and discrimination that impedes harmony and unity among the people.
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