The beauty of the family space in the movement (BJRE063)

 

The beauty of the family space in the movement

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022) 

“How can this be? Why are so many families at this youth meeting?” my friend asked, amazed by the unusual mix of the audience. The Jesus Youth of a western city had gathered for a day conference. Upon learning that I was in the town, this friend came to meet me. She had expected a youth-only meeting, but the participants were from all age groups. The day’s programs were also quite fascinating for her. First, there was an interactive session, followed by joyful singing and prayer. Later, the attendees were divided into groups and sent to specific halls. Youth, teenagers, children, and couples gathered in designated places. Some priests and sisters also moved into a smaller room. “You call it ‘Jesus Youth, ' but all kinds are here!” She found it very curious.

When I went sometime, I sat down to explain the movement's core character to her. JY focuses on reaching out to children and youth and helping them grow as vibrant missionaries, but families, priests, religious leaders, and youth also join hands on this platform. Over the years, it has grown into a large, joyful community with a mission of evangelizing today’s young generation. Perhaps this is what makes Jesus Youth quite different from other similar groups. 

Was it always like this?

“What was the original plan? Did you work like this from the start?” To answer her, I needed to share some background. The preparatory work began in 1978. Many young people were already active in the Charismatic renewal in our state, and the coordinating team assigned me the task of reaching out to them and planning a big conference. Fortunately, we embraced a team-oriented style, meeting, interacting, and planning each step together. One positive outcome was that the initiative did not conclude with the ’78 youth convention. 

Within a couple of years, a sizable community of active leaders began meeting regularly to connect and grow together, continuing to fulfill the mission of nurturing youth in their respective areas. This group, known as “the First Line Leaders’ Sending-Forth-Communion, “consisted of both elders and youth. The focus was not on the participants' age or life stage but rather on the exciting mission of transforming the youth landscape, which has spread everywhere and continues even today.

So, when people ask, "Why do you have families in Jesus Youth, or is it not a change from the original intention?" I answer that nothing has changed; the seeds have grown, branched out, and borne fruit. We are various people joining hands for a mission to the youth world.

During the movement's long journey, questions have arisen, such as, ‘Why are you not like other youth organizations?’ These suggest that Jesus Youth follows the pattern and working mode of others. Somehow, reflections and discussions at different levels have helped the community remain on its special path.

Today, looking around the world, we see different, what the Church calls Ecclesial Movements with similar mixing. Finally, in 2016, when the Vatican officially approved Jesus Youth as an International movement, the Church highlighted this specialty of its hybrid character with a mission-to-youth focus. Thanks be to God!

Families and youth together in the new mission

“Wow, great! Whose idea was this? Who would have given you this excellent orientation?” By now, my friend was gaining clarity on the nature of the movement and was curious to see how it emerged. “In one word, the Holy Spirit.” From the beginning, we gathered as an intimate community, and there was a process of finding our way and growing together. These days, the Church discusses a process called ‘Synodality’ or a community walking together in mission. Perhaps, from the start, the Holy Spirit was quietly inspiring and guiding the leaders to gather and work in such a synodal manner, and the result has been this beautiful way of being and ministering. 

The Jesus Youth journey of growth has been quite special. While some other groups focused heavily on teachings and study, prayer and pious exercises, or various activities and projects, we gathered to talk, reflect, and move forward, following the inspirations that emerged from the community. Perhaps this made the big difference.

Families play a special role

“I am curious,” she said. What can families do in a big way, especially in these modern times when they are so challenged and burdened?” I quickly listed ideas, using examples of JY families from different countries.

Small groups: Four families belong to this joyful little cluster. Although we are all so different, we talk a lot, support each other in every way possible, and support everyone in their mission.

Accompanying Guides: Either one of the couples, or both, provide support to other families or youth. In many countries, JY is active and continues solely because of these foundational individuals. What could possibly replace the prayer support that these senior friends offer!

Open homes: Here, youth- whether alone or in groups- come to chat, eat, and grow in Jesus.

Animating families: JY has many activities, teams, and initiatives in each place. The smiling and attentive presence of families keeps the teams alive and growing.

Mission trips: We facilitate Project Child Support, where families visit various homes. Some individuals frequently visit care homes and underserved communities, while others embark on a ‘One-Month Mission’ to distant locations.

Parish and neighborhood presence: Many JY families find their rich mission in parish life or socio-political groups. They are inspired to make a difference there through JY fellowship.

If we had no families in JY!

By now, my friend Sanjana was so excited. “This is so good for families and also for youth. Everywhere, youth ministry is in such poor shape, but you have hit upon a marvelous treasure. Surely others should follow this beautiful Jesus Youth model.” I was thrilled that she decided to be active in Jesus Youth and wanted to grow as part of a family small group.