PYOP in Telupid draws 126 youths

Nov 20, 2014

By Javy James & Bertaam Lansing
Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me….. Philippians 4 : 9 was the theme for the Parish Youth Outstanding Programme (PYOP) held from October 24-26.

A total of 126 youths participated in the programme that was organized by the team from the Parish Youth Ministry Telupid. Youths from each of the five zones, which are Jalan Sandakan, Jalan Sapi/Nangoh, Jalan Tongod, Jalan Ranau and Pekan, attended the three-day-two-night summit. Before the summit began, 12 members from the Parish Youth Ministry team had undergone outreach in the selected zones. The zones were picked based on the following criteria : (1) need to visit and (2) the number of Catholic youths.

The zones that were chosen were :
1) St Joseph Nangoh (Zone Jalan Sapi/Nangoh) with 56 youths from Aug 15-17, 2014
2)` St Joseph, Lumou (Zone Jalan Ranau) with 102 youths from Sept 12-14, 2014.

The objectives of PYOP are in line with the objectives of the Parish Youth Ministry, Telupid which are :

1) to deliver the message of the Parish Youth Ministry to all the youths in the Telupid area :

a) reforms in the service ministry
b) close the gap between the youth at the main centre and those in the rural areas
c) improve communication and establish a better relationship between youth in the main centre and the rural areas

2) Reinvigorate the less active youth ministries

3) Create a stronger bond between the youth and the community

4) Share information and experiences and show what had been learnt.

After registration, Mass was celebrated by Fr Jasery. In his homily, Fr Jasery explained the words: “all those that have been baptized are called to evangelise.” He focused on the youth ministry and urged the youth to draw inspiration and joy to serve in their church.

The youth were shown a video of the previous Parish Youth Outstation Programme Series 1 and 2, followed by ‘Youth’s Moments’ and ‘Energizer.’ After these sessions, they were introduced to PYOP with the purpose of enhancing their knowledge with regard to the yearly activities of the Telupid parish.

The second day was filled with many activities. The programme began with morning prayers and Lectio Divina with Warren Pierre Anun.

The first session, Sin and how it happens was conducted by Warren. He said that there were 7 types of sins that we commit without being aware of having committed them. After this session, the participants were asked to share their experiences related to that session.

In session 2, the subject was Music and the Liturgy by Hildy Albert. She spoke about music and its role in the Church as well as the functions of music, its appropriateness and musical arrangements during Holy Mass. She went on to further explain about the Gregorian chant, what the youth needed to know with respect to the choir, to study the history and value of the songs that can lift up their spiritual selves as well as the community.

The afternoon session was given by Javy Jimmy. In this session, the participants were split into eight groups to reflect on the seven stages of the Catholic Faith:

1) Faith of a Child
2) Faith of a Follower
3) Faith of the Community
4) Personal Faith
5) Faith of a Student
6) Faith of an Apostle
7) Faith of Martyrs

At 6.00pm that evening, Sunset Mass was celebrated by Fr Jasery. He reminded the participants to examine themselves in order to find out the level of their faith.

Valentine Tony organized the night session with the participants. He asked them to reflect on what they had experienced during the 7 Levels of Faith. The programme ended with Adoration and Taize Prayer with Warren.

On the last day of the PYOP 2014, all the participants attended Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Jasery. In his homily, Fr Jasery explained the relationship between the cross, the blood and the body of Christ and His love towards the family, the community and friends.

After Mass, the participants attended a session on Youths Question & the Church Answers. The purpose was to give them the space to ask questions about the Catholic Church. This was followed by another session, How Deep is your Faith? which was conducted by Evaristus Francis. During this session, the faith of the participants was tested. The youths had to shield themselves against elements that can influence or weaken their faith. The participants began to learn how to overcome their weaknesses.

The next session was called How Special You Are, conducted by Mizy Mizearly Malek from Asrama Pride St Martin. The participants were asked to write on cards, what was special about other people. Indirectly, this helped to increase the confidence of the participants and to find out what is special about them.

The programme ended with a session, Prayer of Hope held in the Church and led by Myvaly Jimmy. In this session, the youth were asked to write down their individual expectations and what they hope to achieve on completion of the summit.