Report of Youth Working Committee of 20 Oct. 1981 (BJEP007)


REPORT OF THE YOUTH WORKING COMMITTEE.

        The committee was appointed by the K.S.T. on the 9th September 1981 to study the needs of the Youth in Kerala and to suggest the possible outreaches. Edward was appointed as the Convenor and Augustine, Philomina, Alicelatty and Fr. Sebastion Mundancherry as its members. It was asked to present a detailed plan of action in the October meeting of the K. S. T.

        The Committee met thrice in order to assess the condition of the Youth in Kerala in general and those who have come into the renewal in particular. The group Youth will be understood as the University Students and those who are in the age group of 18 to 35 years.

11th OCTOBER GATHERING:

        To get a clear idea about the needs of the youth in the renewal and to plan out some programmes, the youth in the Cochin area were called together for a one day gathering on the 11th of October. More than 150 gathered at Vdyanikethan auditorium with some elders and the invited representatives from the other regions. Through the messages the Lord seemed to say that there will be a lot of difficulties but we must show our readiness and give our potentialities to him. One other message was that he will unfold his plan only step by step. There was a general feeling in the group that we are starting off with something momentous.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE OUTCOMES OF THE DISCUSSIONS:

        We feel that an active but disciplined youth force could be a very powerful instrument in the hands of the Lord. A creative development of the youth power will bring in a spontaneity and sincerity which will surely help the growth of the Church.

        In order to activate the youth the first step is to bring together and use those young people who are already initiated into the renevel. Programmes are to be orgenised to help them grow in faith and commitment.

A GENERAL OUTLINE OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE:

Guidance about Christian Life in general and about some particular problems like

Sex, Submission, Social responsibilities, Relationships, etc.

Discover and develop the potentialities to help the growth of leadership among the youth.

Encourage charisms and develop ministries among the youth

Opportunities to come together and plan and do something creative.

Opportunities to Co-operate with the elders and receive sympathetic correction.

Opportunities for commitment and growing under submission.

THE ACTIVITIES CAN PROCED AT 3 LEVELS.

Select youth leaders and give training

Form pastoral terms

Develop and co-ordinate various ministries and outreaches such as 

        Christian University out reaches

        Good news through music, art and literature 

        Teaching, intercession, etc.

        Social outreaches - slums, rescue homes, hospitals, workers, etc.

        Active involvement in Parish

       Working as leaven among various youth groups.

IMMEDIATE PLANS

    YOUTH GATHERING

PARISH (PRAYER GROUP) LEVEL:

        Youth of the same sex in each group should be encouraged to gather once in a fortnight. It is advisable to have a core team and pastor for each group.

AREA (ZONAL) LEVEL:

        Once In two months the youth in the renewal in each zone are to be called together for a day of prayerful fellowship.

        A zonal youth committee could be formed at each zone in order to promote and co-ordinate the youth renewal programmes.

STATE LEVEL

        In all Kerala Youth Convention is desirable. But its planning is left to the discernment of K. S. T.

        At the state level K. S. T. can form a central youth Co-ordinating committee to plan and co-ordinate the activities of the several Zones.

        OTHER SUGGESTIONS. 

ALL KERALA LEADERS CONFERENCE

        Selected leaders from each zone will gather along with the pastors from January 22nd eve to 26th eve at Manjummal. Animators from the national level could be invited. This will be a training cum planning gathering.

        The leaders and postors con come with the experience of one or two zonal gatherings to help definite planning. These gatherings could be planned and conducted by an adhoc committee which is to be appointed now.

THE ZONAL LEADERS GATHERINGS:

        The participants of the state conference organise Youth leaders programme in their own zones.

        The zonal youth renewal committees are to be formed in the January conference.

        We suggest that during each convention youth must be given some time to come together.


Ernakulam                     EDWARD A. EDEZHATIH, 

                            CONVENOR

20th Oct. 1981.     THE KERALA CHARISMATIC YOUTH WORKING COMMITTEE.

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