Youth meeting, Sunday, 27 Mar 2011

This morning's youth meeting was attended by Cheryl Nirmal, Ansilon Fernandes, Nikhil John, Ross Lewis, Sushma Shrivastwa.

The lectio divina was on the gospel of the day: the Samaritan Woman (Jn 4:4-42).

The accounts of the Interparish Lenten Recollection were presented. The Way of the Cross on 1 April will be practised on the day itself. The rest of the meeting was dedicated to preparing the animation for this evening's mass.

And the photos from the Recollection were uploaded... to FB. 

Youth meeting, Sunday, 5 Sep 2010

3 youth - Nikhil, Rephan and Delvin - turned up for the youth meeting. 

We read and commented on the shortest book of the whole Bible - St Paul’s Letter to Philemon. Finding this 'postcard' was the first thing - it is sandwiched between Titus and Hebrews. After reading the letter, we commented a bit on it. Philemon is written by Paul from jail at Ephesus. 

Jail (not prison) was for undertrials, and the one jailed had to even sometimes pay his own rent for the jail (as Paul seems to have certainly done in Rome), and his relatives and friends had to provide him with food, clothing, money, etc. 

This sheds light on the situation of Onesimus, a slave belonging to Philemon. Older exegetes thought that Onesimus was a runaway slave, and that Paul was sending him back to his master, with exhortations to kindness. Now some scholars tend to think that he was actually sent by Philemon to help Paul in jail. In jail, Onesimus was converted to Christ and baptized by Paul; but Paul, not wanting to detain him, was sending him back to his master, with exhortations that he be received no longer as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Paul even adds that he is ready to make up for whatever financial loss Philemon might undergo. 

Great example of Christian authority: though Paul has the authority to command Philemon, he prefers to appeal to his faith and to his love for Christ, for him, Paul, and for Onesimus.

It is possible that this is the same Onesimus mentioned by Paul in Colossians 4:9; and that this Onesimus went on to become bishop in Colossae. 

The rest of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the forthcoming picnic to Sinnar, and the Interparish Football and Throwball Tournament. It was suggested that one of our youth be contacted to organize the Don Bosco team. 

Don Bosco youth visit Satpur youth

A small group of youth from the Don Bosco sector paid a visit to Satpur this morning: Suraj, Sushma, Sophia, Mellita, Rephan and Delvin, and Bro Rickson. It was a good idea, and one that seems to have worked out at short notice. Some of the youth had never been to Satpur, some had not seen the renovated Church, and some spent their earlier childhood at Satpur. They joined the mass at 0830 and then met the Satpur youth - about 8 of them.

The Satpur youth are some 40 or 50, but some are working, others probably have things to do on Sundays.

We had lectio divina, and then a round of introductions and sharing. Sandeep Ohol, President of the Satpur group, requested more sharing of information. We said that the next event was the Marian Academy on 15 August, and invited the Satpur youth to put up an item. They readily agreed. Later, on 22 August, a youth animation program was being planned at Holy Cross Church. We also mentioned the outing to Swami Shilananda's ashram at Sinnar (10 October), the Football and Throwball Tournament (7 November), the get together (29 December), the animation program at Igatpuri (January), etc.

We exchanged emails and telephone numbers. Suryakant offered to send messages also to the Satpur youth.

A very fruitful meeting, all in all. Everyone seemed quite happy with the event. Thanks especially to Suryakant for the mobilization.

Youth meeting, Sunday, 25 July 2010

5 youth turned up for the meeting this morning: Nikhil, Kenneth, Sophia D'Souza (new), Sushma and Suryakant. Rephan turned up towards the end. Delvin and Mellita were held up by their tests (tuition classes). Bro. Rickson was there of course.

The scripture input was about the Call Narratives: we compared the Call of the Disciples in the four gospels, and found that St John's account was significantly different. However, nothing to get panicky about: the four gospels are like four photographs of Jesus, all taken by people who loved Jesus and were fascinated by him. The sessions ended with 5 minutes of prayerful silence.

The agenda:

1. Communication circles. Suryakant has drawn up two circles, one with those who are regular for meetings, the other for those who are not. However, it was decided that he would also launch free SMSs to all. Besides, Nikhil agreed to begin a Facebook community called "Don Bosco Youth Group, Nashik". I offered to give him an updated list of youth.

2. I informed the group that I had written to Bishop Lourdes Daniel about the proposals of the Interparish Youth Leaders meeting, and that I was awaiting a reply. Copies had been sent to the Parish Priests and youth animators / leaders.

3. Suryakant said that 3 of them had met on Tuesday. They had planned for the Academy item as well as for the Mass Animation.

4. Calendar of our group for the year:

1 Aug: Outing to Satpur: 0830 mass followed by meeting with Satpur youth
15 Aug: Item for the Marian Academy
22 Aug: Interparish Youth Animation at Holy Cross.
29 Aug: Mass Animation
10 Oct: Interparish Outing to Swami Shilananda's Ashram, Sinnar. Organizers: Don Bosco Youth
17 Oct: Mission Fete
31 Oct: Mass animation
7 Nov: Interparish Football and Throwball Tournament.
16 Dec onwards: Carol Singing
29 Dec: Interparish Youth Christmas Get-together
9 Jan: Interparish Youth Animation, Igatpuri
29 Jan: Item for Don Bosco's Academy
30 Jan: Parish Feast of Don Bosco, mass animation
13 Mar: Interparish Youth Recollection at St Patrick's. Organizers: Don Bosco Youth
Lent: animation of one Friday way of the Cross
Good Friday: animation of one Station of the Way of the Cross

Pity we could not agree on a common date for an overnight picnic - perhaps to Lonavla, or if not, to Karjat. For Lonavla, if we want to go to Don Bosco, we will have to find time during the Diwali vacations. Otherwise there are the Jesuit holiday houses like Stanislaus Villa, Lonavla, or perhaps St Mary's Villa if that is still functioning... In Karjat we have a new building at Don Bosco's, with a large campus that includes a little hill... and perhaps the facility of a resort run by a parishioner from Wadala West.

Youth meeting, Sunday, 18 July 2010

6 people turned up for the Youth Group meeting: Kenneth Noronha, Nikhil John, Sushma Shrivastwa, Suryakant Shrivastwa, Delia Fernandes, and Tina Thomas. We had lectio divina on the gospel of the day: Martha and Mary. After the reading, we kept 5 minutes of silence, and then shared what happened during that time. Then time for questions on the text.

Accounts of the picnic were presented: it was decided to keep the balance for future activities.

A report of the Interparish Planning for Common Events meeting was given.

We discussed a bit about the mass animation and academy item. Bro Rickson will find a new hymn to learn. On Tuesday, at 1930, there will be a practice for the academy item.

Elections will be held when the group is somewhat more stable.

Suryakant was asked to drawn up two telephone 'chains'.

Youth group picnic

The youth group is organizing a PICNIC on Sunday, 11 July 2010, to Igatpuri. The plan is to spend a couple of hours in the swimming pool of Golden Resort, which is a rather beautifully situated place and quite reasonable in its rates, and then perhaps walk around, celebrate the Sunday eucharist in the parish, have lunch, and so on.

We are planning to take advantage of the passenger train to and from Igatpuri, which is very economical - below Rs 10.

Lunch to be carried by each one. Snacks will be provided.

We are still calculating the per head charge.

Those interested in coming please contact NIKHIL JOHN, at 93719.38798. 

Youth Outing

The youth will be going for an outing on Saturday, 29 May 2010, to Swami Shilananda's ashram, Sinnar. The departure is at 0730 hrs. Each one is expected to carry their own lunch.

For those coming in the parish jeep, the charge is Rs 100 per head. For those getting their own vehicles, the charge is Rs 50 p.h.

Swami Shilananda is a Spanish Jesuit who lives in an ashram in Sinnar, called Sanjivan Ashram, which he has practically built with his own hands. He is well over 80, and certainly one of the historic figures of the Nashik church. It would be good for our youth, and even our parishioners, to meet him and listen to him.

Farewell for Bro Johnson

The youth of our parish met at 0930 hours yesterday, to practise for the coming Sunday's singing, and more importantly to bid farewell to Bro Johnson Bhuriya. Sharol said a few words of thanks and appreciation to Johnson, and then Johnson replied, welcoming the youth to Dakor where he is being posted.

Youth Group meeting, Sunday, 7 March 2010

Last Sunday, 7 March 2010, we had a very small youth group meeting. 5 youth turned up, and the meeting was animated by Bro Johnson Bhuriya. The lectio divina was about the following of Jesus: I have come not to bring peace but the sword. I have come to set son against father, daughter against mother... He who loves father and mother more than me is not worthy of me. All hard sayings. But the beautiful thing was Bro Johnson's sharing his own life story, his conversion story. He shared how he was Hindu by birth, and how, attracted by the life of a neighbouring family, he had felt drawn to the Catholic faith. His father and mother had, after some initial hesitation, allowed him to follow his heart. But they had to face the incomprehension, opposition and sometimes the hostility of their villagers. The youth were struck by this fact, that one among them had actually faced the truth of the words of Jesus: the opposition for the sake of his name, the choice of him above all else.

Other items on the agenda was reporting about the Interparish lenten youth Recollection; and planning for the Good Friday stations of the cross.

Youth meeting, Sunday, 3 Jan 2010

Only 3 members turned up for the youth group meeting on Sunday, 3 January 2010: Sharol James, Sushma Shrivastava, and Tina Thomas.

Points discussed:

1. Igatpuri Youth Session, 10 January 2010. Members present will contact others and get their commitment. The train fare comes to about Rs 100 going and coming, and the fee for the session is Rs 50.

2. Training for Youth Animators, 23-24 January 2010 at Matunga. As of now, no one seems to be interested in going.

3. Suggestions for future sessions: tithes; smoking and drinking. Fr Edison has agreed to give us an input on "Addictions" Sunday, 17 January 2010.

Youth meeting, Sunday, 22 November 2009

Both Bro Johnson Bhuriya and I will not be able to attend the youth group meeting on Sunday, 22 November 2009. However, the meeting will take place at the scheduled time. It will be conducted, as is normal, by Jackson Fernandes and Aaron D'Souza, President and Treasurer. Ross Lewis and Sushma Shrivastava will be there as animators. Fr Vinod will conduct the scripture reading and prayer at the beginning, and also take singing practice for the Sunday evening mass on 29 November which the youth will animate.

The agenda:
1. Items for the Marian Academy, 8 December
2. Carol singing
3. Crib, star, etc.
4. Youth Rally organized by the Salesians, at Don Bosco Borivli, 10 January 2009
5. Confessions in preparation for Christmas
6. Animation of the mass on Sunday evening, 29 November
7. Etc.

Mass animation by the youth group

Fr Vinod conducted the weekly meeting of the liturgy committee at 1800 hours yesterday, 16 November. The planning was for Sunday, 29 November 2009, and the group in charge of the animation was the youth. Unfortunately only Nikhil, Sushma, Jackson and Brandon turned up, though all had promised to come.

The theme has been selected, and the hymns chosen. Fr Vinod has promised to come and teach new hymns on Sunday, 22 November 2009, at 1030 hours. All are requested to be there on time. I will be away in Ahmednagar for the Altar Servers Rally, and will be back only in the evening. Bro Johnson has exams on Sunday and will not be able to attend the meeting. However, the President will conduct the meeting with the help of the animators (Ross and Sushma).

Jackson, Aaron, Ross and Sushma: please note that we will be meeting at 1800 hours, Thursday, 19 November 2009, to plan for the Sunday meeting. We have to plan for our item for the Marian Academy (8 December); Carol Singing; and a possible Advent recollection with confessions in preparation for Christmas.

Youth Group notes

On Saturday, about 9 members of our youth group participated in a day-long recollection organized by a layperson at Bhagur. There were some speakers from outside Nashik; a debate on the pros and cons of pre-marital sex; prayer; and religious music by a music group. There were 35 persons in all, some coming all the way from Manmad. Three brothers from Divyadaan also participated - probably because their youth from St Patrick's were participating.

Last month the same layperson had done 'counselling' for our youth, and encouraged them all to go for confession; almost all of them reportedly went for confession to the Shrine.

As per the decision of the Parish Council, the youth volunteers for the Mission Fete were offered lunch at the Parish House yesterday, Sunday, 15 November 2009. About 13 youth turned up.

A reminder: all the members of the Youth Group are to be present this evening at 1800 hours, for the meeting of the Liturgical Committee, to plan for the Sunday evening mass animation, 29 November 2009.

Youth meeting, Sunday, 4 October 2009

The Youth Meeting has just concluded. I had given up hope since there was no one in sight at 1000. Ross phoned from Mumbai saying he was delayed there, and could not come.

About 10 youngsters turned up, 8 boys and 2 girls. Jackson, the President, chaired the meeting for the first time, leading the prayer, getting the minutes read and passed, and working out the agenda.

The first point on the agenda was the Interparish Football and Throwball Tournament. Jackson reported the Interparish meeting of 2 October, and said the date, 1 November, had been reconfirmed. He also said the boys preferred a rolling trophy to a cash prize. Sushma said the girls would not like a rolling trophy; so it was decided to invite girls from each parish for the next Interparish meeting on 20 October. The meeting is scheduled for 1730 hours, but the girls might turn up by 1800 hours or so.

The second point was the Mission Fete. The youth are expected to man the games stalls. Almost all present committed themselves, but 8-10 youth are too few, so it was decided to call in the Satpur youth. Bro Neville D'Souza was called in for the meeting, and he agreed to ask the Satpur youth. Jackson and Craig will attend the Satpur Youth meeting at 1000 hours the coming Sunday, and explain things to them. Fr Nelson was also invited to our meeting, and was requested to invite all the Satpur parishioners to the Mission Fete. Jackson and co. will go there on Tuesday to put up the posters.

In the meantime, it was also decided to invite Mr Claude Noronha to our Meeting of the coming Sunday, to explain things to the youth, etc.

'How to Animate a Youth Group' session at Don Bosco Nashik

The 'How to Animate a Parish Youth Group' session was finally held yesterday, 22 September 2009. Frs Blany Pinto, Edwin Colaco and Greg D'Cunha came up from Virar-Jyoti and kept a large group busy for over 3 hours.

The group consisted of 2 youth from Devlali, 4 youth and 3 animators from Holy Cross, 4 youth (Jackson, Quincy, Philbert, Yannick) and 4 animators (including Sushma and Ross, that is) from Don Bosco, 1 animator from Satpur, the STI novices, the SHTC novices, the MPh and the Third Year students of Divyadaan, a senior citizen from Nirmala Home, 2 sisters from Kilbil, besides Frs Nelson and Diego from Don Bosco - more than 50, I think. Which made for an extremely crowded AV room! But the sessions were lively, concrete, helpful and very interesting.

The team began with an AV prayer, and went on to talk about how to begin a youth group in a parish: official announcement by the Parish Priest, getting a list of names and contacts, sending a letter of invitation to each youth, visiting youth in their homes. Then there were suggestions about vision, registration (interesting set of details besides name, address, phone number and email id), how to plan the meetings (the agenda prepared by the coordinating committee and posted on the notice board in advance; minutes), the structure of the youth group (priest coordinator, lay and religious animators, president, vice president, secretary, joint secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer; the various groups - social, spiritual, entertainment, media). There was even a list of suggested activities and charts for planning activities (what, who, when, for whom, etc).

The whole session was spiced up with action songs and games - which the animators insisted were important to keep the group lively and relaxed.

One of the lovely things about this session was the ability of the animators to break into Marathi and Hindi (some impressively fluent and others 'apunka'), seeing that there were some youth from the Marathi-speaking group too. It was a real pity that once again the Satpur youth did not turn up.

The team had prepared themselves for hands-on sessions for youth, but in the end there were more religious than youth. Still, the focus was on the two parishes that turned up, Don Bosco and Holy Cross: they were busy creating action songs, games, drawing up agendas, planning activities, and so on. Not that the others were left out. At any rate, a new term has been coined: 'religious youth' and 'non-religious youth.' Which has nothing to do with the piety or spirituality of either group.

I saw our youngsters furiously taking notes, and from the body language I think we can expect good things!

Anyone wishing to have copies of the power point presentation can approach me. Fr Edwin has been most generous with his stuff.

Two comments: (1) a somewhat livelier prayer session. As for the songs and games, the youth could be involved in planning and creating prayer moments. (2) More on catechesis. How is this to be done, really? And what kind of year long program? Does anybody have schemes drawn up? In my (brief) experience, this is by far the most difficult part of running a youth group. I really ought to draw upon my experience with the Rovers in Rome... They had a sort of program, and also some creative techniques. Thus, e.g., sex education was done by means of a 'chapter': literally the youngsters planning the topics, dividing up the work, doing research, and presenting them week after week to the whole clan, with ensuing discussions, etc. Extremely effective. Then again the 'vigil under the stars': extraordinary in its beauty and effectiveness. The catechesis during the monthly outings, in fact, was always planned and executed by the group itself.

Elections in the Youth Group

The Youth Group had its elections this morning.

Jackson Fernandes was unanimously elected President, Aaron D'Souza Treasurer, and Philbert De Souza Secretary.

We also had a sort of lectio divina / reflection on the gospels on the passage of the woman washing the feet of Jesus: the self-possession and inner strength of Jesus, and so on.

The Inter-parish Football Tournament had to be anticipated (preponed is the current word among the youth, including our brothers) to Sunday, 11 October 2009, because College exams have been postponed to early November.

Football with St Patrick's

No youth meeting this morning. The guys had a friendly football match with St Patrick's, which I hear they lost...

The elections (President, Secretary, Treasurer) have been postponed. Watch this space for further news.

In the meantime, don't forget the Session on how to animate a youth group by Frs Blany Pinto, Edwin Colaco and Greg D'Cunha, 1700 hours, Tuesday, 22 Sep 2009 - for ALL who are interested - youth as well as youth coordinators.

Mass animation by youth

The youth group of our parish animated the Sunday Evening Mass yesterday. Several of them had come for mass already in the morning, but were good enough to turn up for the preparation and singing practice at 10.00 a.m. and then again for the mass in the evening.

Jackson, Aaron and Sharol stayed on in the morning and well into the afternoon to redecorate the statue of Our Lady near the altar.

Brandyn accompanied the singing, while Sushma chose the hymns and was in general the moving force behind the singing.

The youth sang "I Love Him" (from Sister Act II) after communion. They had sung this at the Marian Academy.

Most of the boys come for the Sunday morning mass, so there is some discussion whether the youth should request a morning mass animation instead of an evening one...

Youth meeting, Sunday, 16 August 2009

The informal Sunday youth meeting has just concluded. About 11 young people turned up - Delia, Annette, Tina, Allen, Quincy, Ansilon, Craig, Philbert, Yannick, Jackson, Rochelle... I might have missed out someone.

We evaluated the Marian Academy. The compere (Annette), the stage manager (Sushma), and the backstage crew (largely Philbert and Jackson) were appreciated for the way they did their work. All the youth who helped out with the stage work, getting items, coming for practices, etc. were thanked. Bro. Johnson was thanked specially for the backdrop and for his patience. Delia was thanked for her patience, for all those hours of waiting for practices and the guys not turning up. The youth item went very well, thanks to Brandyn's music, Dean's drumming, and everyone's singing. Unfortunately there was only half a crowd by the time the youth item came up (which was last).

The main gripe was about involving non-parish children in items: their parents choose to walk out as soon as their item is over. This time, since their item was towards the end, the compere and stage manager were continually harrassed with requests for anticipation.... So that's a good lesson. And there are plenty of items anyway. The enthusiasm of the parish was appreciated. The Divyadaan item was liked very much, except that it took the better part of half an hour, and no one wants to sit two and a half hours for a program...

Information was given about the Youth Program, Media and Youth, being organized by the Holy Cross Youth on Sunday, 23 August, at Divyadaan, from 0930 to 1600 hours. Several of those present said they would attend. Since there is mass included in the program, it will be convenient.

The Vocation Sharing Day on 22 August: several youth will find it difficult to attend, because of tuitions, work, etc (Rochelle is already working, for example). Hopefully there will be at least 15 people. Each one volunteered to call and invite and remind 2 or 3 others.

The input session on how to conduct a Youth Group by Fr Blany and Fr Edwin: the youth said it was difficult for them to make it on a weekday evening, so that might have to be called off.

The idea of having an inter-parish Table Tennis Tournament, and then a similar Football and Throwball Tournament, was floated.

Some planning and distribution of work was done for the Sunday evening mass, 30 August, which the youth have to animate. Tina and Chelston will do the readings. Philbert and Craig will look after the offertory procession (bread and wine; and if the youth wish to, some offerings for the poor; no commentary). Yannick will write a small introduction with Bro Johnson's help. Jackson will contact Brandyn for the accompaniment, and Sushma will choose the hymns. There will be a singing practice perhaps after the coming Sunday's youth program, at around 1600 hours, but certainly on Sunday, 30 August, in the morning, during the Youth Meeting.

As Delia is leaving Nashik for Bangalore on Saturday, 22 August, she was asked to say the concluding prayer, while all of us prayed for her. All the best, Delia!

Our youth group...

We had a first, rather unplanned, youth group meeting last Sunday. About 10 youngsters were there. What we did was a sort of getting acquainted, taking addresses, ids and telephone / mobile numbers. We also brainstormed about the goals of the youth group. Four came up: formation, recreation, helping in the parish, outreach. Suggestions about lay animators: Mr Claude Noronha, Ms Beverly Homan, Sr Anelfreda Miranda, FMA, Mr Ross Lewis....

Forthcoming activities:

12 July: Charismatic Prayer Meeting, 1400 hours, Holy Cross
9 August: Marian Academy
22 August: Vocation Sharing Day
30 August: animation of the Sunday evening mass

Today we had a meeting at 1130 hours, with Fr Nelson present. The group readily took up Fr Nelson's suggestion about taking charge of the Marian Academy. Keith was appointed coordinator, with Quincy as assistant coordinator. Royston will compose a letter of invitation for items. Keith, Craig, Philbert and Ansilon will go round the religious houses inviting items. Quincy will ask for an item from Zone C, Yannick from Zone B, and Philbert from Zone A. Keith will ask Bro Neville to get an item or even two from Satpur. A notice regarding the academy will also be put up on the Parish Notice Board.

A meeting was fixed for 1000 hours, coming Sunday, 19 July, to follow up the planning.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL YOUTH OF THE PARISH:

26 July 2009: formation session. More details awaited. You are all invited, even if you do not want to belong formally to the youth group. Parents, do encourage your children to take part.