Dear Friends
This month the Jesus youth UK were in full swing in tune with the Summer holidays, with pilgrimages, summer camps and youth fellowships in the form of day outs and gathering. Hope you have as much fun reading through as we had in compiling this newsletter for you.
Presenting the August edition of the Deo Gratias for you hope you enjoy it !!!!!
God bless, love and prayers
Jocelyn (London) and Christy (Birmingham)
A report on the UK Pre teens Ministry this summer
"And now let us never slacken in doing good; for if we do not give up, we shall have our harvest in due time" (Gal 5:9)
I thank God for using me as a channel, in spreading good news to the little children and in fact it is our responsibility to bring children to Jesus. The pre teens ministry were able to do 3 summer camp and also helped in a few retreats during this month. Through the camps we were able to reach nearly 350 kids and build 30 resources . The resources including 3 families and 24 youth. A best platform where youth and families could work together, and it also served as an opportunity of formation for both the groups. I hope all who joined in the camps agree with the same. All in the team were able to move a level in their spiritual journey.
The key target group was kids aged 8-12 year and reaching out to them was a big challenge as in all places we found that they are very active and we still need to develop better communication methods to send the message through. We all found the hunger for God in all these kids and as the word of God says, the harvest is plenty and we need more labourers.
I heard from many that, they don't have charism in working with kids but all it requires is an openness and commitment. During this month I sensed "Yahweh my Lord is my strength and He will make my feet as light a s a doe's and set my steps on the heights" (Habakkuk 3:19).
The Holy Spirit was really leading us, and all felt so much peace and harmony within the teams. Special thanks to the Pre Teens team and all who joined in as resources through all the programs.
Joby Mundackal (Manchester).
"Jambo Jesus" - Summer camp in Aberdeen
“Let the little children come to me” says Jesus.
“JAMBO JESUS”, the first ever 3 day JYUK summer camp attracted almost 100 teens and pre-teens in Aberdeen. 13 JY’s set off on an exciting mission trip from August 12th-14th 2010 and were welcomed with warm hospitality and great support by all families in Aberdeen. With action packed music, lively dramas, inspiring stories of faith, reflective discussions, nature walk, fun games, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Mass, expressive art and even cooking, there was never a dull moment!! The camp was a stepping stone for the upcoming pre-teens ministry and a platform for us volunteers to go one step beyond our comfort zones for our mission. The smiles and enthusiasm of the participants spoke volumes of the success of “JAMBO JESUS”. As a result, a monthly gathering for teenagers was initiated and will be supported by the local JY’s. HOOORAY for Jesus who made it all possible!!
- Dorin Symon (Birmingham).
The Bristol Experience
The summer camp conducted at Bristol was an amazing experience not just for the participants and me but for everyone involved. This experience became a success only due to the prayers of many and the working of the Holy Spirit throughout those three days. The camp was organised by Fr. Joy Vayalil at St. Thomas Parish Committee with the help of the Jesus Youth group from Cardiff, and few form Worcester, Southampton and London.
On the first day there was a crowd of 105 who were then divided into four groups- less than 6, 6-8, 8-12, 12-18. The camp
started off with a number of action songs to ease the youth into the coming activities followed by a sessions. The sessions taken during the three days were,
Knowing Jesus, I'am special and unique and With Jesus I'am a hero without Jesus I'am a Zero catering to each group separately. A difference in the group's attitude towards the sessions was evident,especially among the teens who became more active and responsive on the second and third day as they put their scepticism and reluctance aside and wholeheartedly joined in the activities.
I cannot help point out that the constant intercession mostly led by Joby chettan, Ani chechi and Victor chettan really did make a significant change in the level of commitment involved in the team. The presence of the Holy Spirit was strong and worked in each and every one of us. As a direct result of this many of the youth showed interest in getting involved in Jesus Youth and knowing more about it.
This was a great exposure for those of us from Cardiff and with the help of Joseph chettan, Mahima chechi, Joby chettan, Ani chechi and Jocelyn we got the right kind of advice and support we needed and were blessed to have this wonderful experience by the grace of God.
Pinky Sebastian ( Cardiff ).
Liverpool Summer Camp
On the 30th and 31st of August 2010, a summer camp was held for children aged 5-14 years at St Philomena's Parish, Liverpool in the presence of Liverpool Kerala Catholic Community Spiritual Director Rev. Fr Babu Appadan. The summer camp was organised by Joby Mundackal who was assisted by other JY members of the North-West.
The 2 day summer camp was one that was filled with activities and sessions. The children were divided into groups of 5-7, 8-12 and 12+-14. Themes were allotted to both days; Day1 - Jesus and me and Day2 - With Jesus I'm a Hero, without Jesus I'm a zero. Each day started off with action songs which led onto sessions on the theme followed by games and activities that conveyed ideas the theme. Both days ended with Mass having been celebrated by Rev Fr Babu Appadan and a guest priest from Kerala Rev Fr Varghese Karipperi.
The 2 days were joy-filled days bubbling with enthusiasm and eagerness to learn from all the participants irrespective of their age group and was indeed a learning experience for everyone in the organising/leading committee.
- Melisa Emmanuel (Liverpool).
Birmingham - Chalo Canterbury
On Saturday 28th August, 48 Jesus Youth from Birmingham and surrounding areas took part in the Jubilee Pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent. The group consisted mainly of youth with a couple of families as well as Rev. Fr Sebastian Arikat and Sr. Ancilla. Canterbury Cathedral is unique because it was the first Cathedral in the U.K and was established in the 6th century when St. Augustine of Hippo came over from Rome. The Cathedral has many chapels and areas of interest which everyone enjoyed seeing.
The trip to the Cathedral was followed by a mass by Fr. Arikat and Fr. Dominic Hong. The pilgrimage ended with a trip to the beach which was thoroughly enjoyed by the children, teens as well as the adults. All through the day, the Jubilee cross was carried around by different people and helped to teach new-comers to Jesus Youth about the journey that Jesus Youth has gone through to reach where it is today. It was a day of fun, fellowship as well as one which made the participants think about the history of the Church in the UK.
- Ann Christy ( Birmingham)
The Journey of the Jubilee Cross
The Journey of the jubilee cross is continuing as a blessing for many. Many people are joyfully receiving the cross to their homes and communities with prayer and are experiencing its grace. The Cross is currently travelling through different regions of the Midlands. Leaders are making this icon of faith available to many and is working with lots of commitment and passion to make this year a year of grace .
The cross is currently in Worcester. The cross is moving from house to house and the parishioners were also privileged to celebrate a mass with it. The cross will be travelling to Cardiff and also would be made available at the Jubilee celebration on 23rd October. It is amazing to see committed young people around the UK utilizing this opportunity to glorify his kingdom.
- Priyan Abraham ( Manchester)
Jubilee cross experience from Peterborough
We received the jubilee cross at Peterborough towards the end of July. It was wonderful to have the cross here.
We had least expected to have the Jubilee cross in our midst and were filled with great joy. It was indeed a blessing as the cross traveled to most of our JY youth houses in Peterborough, and we gathered at those houses and had small prayers together. Was awonderful experience
to everyone.
Jubilee cross in Leicester
Jubilee cross, touched many families here in Leicester. The cross stayed with us for two weeks, and travelled daily to a welcoming home in Leicester from the Sacred Heart Parish.
In this particular gathering, we had 5-6 families in one home of approximately 40 people.
- Maziano Guedes (Leicester).
The month of August was a period of renewal for the Leicester prayer group. The group took a creative approach to make their gatherings more interesting and decided to go for a pilgrimage cum outing to a Cistercian monastery (Mount St Bernard Abbey) and to a Convent of Sisters of St Joseph’s of Peace. The trips were on the second and last Monday of the month respectively. Fr. John Tavares led the group on both the occasions. The trips were a unique experience for the group. The visit to the monastery helped the group to know more about the lives of Cistercian monks and their spirituality which gave the whole group about spirituality. They spent a nice time of prayer and shraring with the Monks and Sisters. The games they played in between made the trips more interesting and helped them to keep their spirits high. The bottom line is that the group had a fun time, and at the same time they were also able to experience a different kind of spirituality which made them grow more closer to the Lord and also among themselves.
London calling..
The month of August was a time focused more on fellowship and meeting up with the youth in various prayer meetings within the city.We had a day out of sports and games organised by the London youth on the 7th of August,which was a common meeting ground for the youth from the Walthamstow and the Upton park prayer meetings.
The youth from Walthamstow also helped conduct and lead a 2 hours Euchristic adoration at the Catholic parish of Our Lady and St. George at Walthamstow on the 14th of August.
There is a new wing to the ministries within London with the initiation of a Family ministry lead by Rani and Shan, with many families coming together in prayer and fellowship building dreams for a bright future.The city is also expereincing a blessing with more members adding to the family especially with a few new additions to the group from India.
- Jocelyn Fernandes (London).
A word from Northampton !!
In additions to the regular prayer meetings on the 15th of August the youth in Northampton had a wonderful time celebrating the feast of Mother Mary with a special rosary and Eucharistic adoration.
- Nivin Felix (Northampton)
Manchester reporting !!
Manchester was witness to the monthly Night Vigil held on August 20th at St.Joseph's Church, Longsight and the regular prayer meetings. The Vigil consisted of Praise and Worship, Testimony sharing and Adoration while Fr.Babu Appadam celebrated the Holy Mass and shared the message. A three day pre-teens program was held at St.Joseph's Church, Longsight from August 27th to 29th with around 40 children with whom the selfless love of Christ was shared through action songs, Bible verses, group activities and videos.
- Anto Paul (Manchester)
Theres still more to come.. !!! - Upcoming programs
The Papal visit: We the Jesus youth UK have an opportunity to make an mark in History. Witnessing the Papal visit in UK not just at one occasion but two. On the 18th of September at Hyde park in London, and on 19th of September for the Beatification mass at Birmingham.
UK Jubilee Celebrations: to be celebrated on the 23rd of October at Ratcliff College, Leicester.
The details of the program will emailed to you soon, mean while please call and inform all our JY friends and ask them to keep the day off. Its going to be a time of celebration to be Refined Renewed and Radiant in the Lords Love as one big Jesus Youth UK family.
Northampton:
September 10 - 8.30pm to September 11 9.30am - planning a Eucharistic Adoration.
October 10th - planing a Jesus Youth Open day - target group would be Northampton university, and other colleges in Northampton.
London:
- October 2nd night vigil planned by the London family team.
- We plan to have a one day program at Stevanage and Eastham during the month of October.
Please do update us if you feel we have left out something...!!!
