Fourth Diocesan Youth Leaders’ Camp held in Telupid

Mar 20, 2015

By Javy J, Betram L, Banaventure RS and Girald P
The five-day Youth Leader's Camp came to an end on Sunday, 1 March 2015 with Mass celebrated with Fr Sunny Chung.

In his sermon, Fr Jasery commended the youths on their maturity in relating the programmes to fit into the present time as well as managing the various activities. He also linked the logo of the Youth Leaders' Camp to the mission of Jesus Christ as the basis towards service. In addition, he asked the youth leaders to be more like Abraham, who followed the instruction fo God.

“Leave yourself and follow me to a place where I will show you.”

Fr Jasery touched on the challenges that were faced by St Paul during his mission to speak on the Word of God. He reminded the youth leaders to better themselves through repentance, and to lead others to God through service with an open heart. He also blessed those who were thinking of joining the priesthood or consecrated life during the singing of the songs, Here I am, Lord.

The previous day, the 7.00 am daily Mass was celebrated by Fr Sunny Chung. The choir was led by the youth from the parish of St Mary's Cathedral, Sandakan. In his sermon, Fr Sunny Chung explained the meaning of ‘challenges in service.’ He said that there is a religious upheavel going on around us, our goal is to surrender ourselves to God and be witnessess to Christ.

After Mass, there was a talk which focused on the role of the youth as leaders in Seeing God — Joy of the Gospel (First Session). The talk, given by Fr Sunny Chung, was related to the Joy of the Gospel, to bring the Gospel to everyone. “You need to encounter Jesus before you step forth to evangelize, and to make it happen, we read the Gospel.”

After the talk, there was a sharing session. Some of the questions asked concerned. Challenges in service, and How do we help the youth who are facing difficulties in their lives Later that evening, the participants had a ‘Special Dinner’ with the theme Night of a Thousand Cultures. There were many entertaining performances. The actors showed off their respective talents which had been sharpened along their journey as youth leaders.

The 10.30 am session, Seeing God — Joy of the Gospel Session 2, was a continuation of the first session. The focus in this session was I am a joyful missionary. The Gospel invites us to always be joyful while carrying out the ministry. In concluding the session, the Youth Leaders were requested to bring the experiences that they had gained and to share it with others. “Life grows by being given away, and it weakens in isolation and comfort,” Evangelil Gaudium No. 10. All the participants were entreated to take the opportunity to share Jesus with others.

“Being Missionary, says Pope Francis, is not a part-time activity.”

After the session ended, the participants were brought to the closing programme Blessed. They also performed a dance called Talitakum or Talitha Cumi. This dance was taken from the Gospel of St Mark 5:41 He took her by the hand and said to her, Talitha cum which means “Little girl, get up.”

The dance gave meaning to the participants who were “aware” and were ready to serve the youth in other places with a pure heart. The dance was the closing of the 4th Youth Leaders's Camp for the year 2015.

The Diocesan Youth Leaders' Camp (YLC) is a yearly program initiated by the Diocesan Youth Apostolate (DYA) to cater to the needs of youth leaders from across the Diocese of Sandakan. YLC - I was held at St Mary's Cathedral from February 2 to 6, 2012; YLC -II at Holy Trinity, Tawau from January 23 to 27, 2013 and YLC - III at St Dominic, Lahad Datu from February 5 to 9 February 2014. YLC covers the four essential key points in life ~ balance, prayer, directions and skills.