Two formations for young adults

Nov 08, 2016

PENANG: The PDYN (Penang Youth Diocesan Network) organised two formation sessions for single young adults within two months. The formation sessions were given to interested parties from ages 22 to 40 for their personal growth, as well as, leading them to action by taking part in the church ministries or in the bigger society.

Human Formation

The first one was on Human Formation, entitled, Work Ethics and Management of Priorities held from August 20-21 at the Stella Maris Retreat Centre in Tanjung Tokong, Penang. Johann Paul Gregory, an author, speaker, real estate partner and consultant was the speaker who shared with the participants some of his winning and workable attitudes at work vis-a-vis Biblical texts that gave a stronger foundation and basis for his actions. This led the participants to explore their own challenges, successes and to even dare to critically ask themselves if they are truly growing and fulfilled as persons in their work.

The following day was spent in a workshop prepared by Mayette Bugaoan. It was a business-market game that allowed them to explore their personal work ethics and basic sense of prioritization, given the social role assigned to them. One participant commented during the valuation session that he discovered a lot about himself: that he wasn’t shy after all because he was able to approach others to “sell” his goods. Another participant emphasised on the need for good values as being in the “business sector” could make one greedy.

Formation on Ministry

The last offering for 2016 was in the area of Ministry formation on October 22 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL) Silibin, Perak.

The session, My Purpose in Life: Profession as a Service to Humanity, where the participants were divided into four groups and sent out to the Salvation Army Old Folk’s Home, the Ipoh General Hospital, Rose Virginie Good Shepherd Centre and St Vincent de Paul-supported single-parent household. Following the See-Judge-Act Method of Social Analysis, the small groups observed and interacted with either the clientele of the said centres or the support staff who work there, allowing them to tell their story and be immersed in their environment.

A space for small group sharing of experiences, observations and feelings was allotted to the participants in the afternoon, at the main venue at OLOL. Among the observations were the joys and challenges of caring for the elderly, as well as the heartaches of being elderly neglected by their loved ones, the harsh effects of drug dependence; the selfless service of caring for women and children in crisis and, finally, the daily struggles and coping mechanisms of a single mother with a meagre livelihood. These were, for the participants, a small representation of the inconveniences in society. The dominant feelings evoked were of sadness, concern, pity, love and hope. Contrasting their experience with the Holy Scripture and teachings of Jesus on the concern for the poor, the group felt the assurance that reaching out to these groups is a sign that they are not far from being the ‘hands and feet of Jesus’ today.

As an act of commitment, the group agreed to be involved, as much as possible, in the prevention of certain situations such as drug dependence and violence against women and girls by taking part in awareness programmes. Another is to lead a lifestyle that is more inclusive, especially for those considered to be different because the sense of belonging will most likely result in a more positive outlook in life.

Young adults share their impression...

Praise God, I’m grateful that I had the chance to participate in the last event for Single Young Adults on the formation ministry of service to humanity with my friends. This event helped me to build important core values such as, creative thinking in arranging activities and to be inclusive in the mission by stepping out of one’s comfort zone and to make an effort to be alert to the needs of the people around us.

We may not seem to be doing much by just visiting the centres, talking to patients and family, having praise and worship, dancing and playing games with the old folks but all these little actions are precious to them, as well as to us. In the end, we all felt we had accomplished our little mission, knowing that Christlike love, joy and peace had been shared among the people we met. As in Matthew 25:40 “Amen I say unto you, as long as you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it unto me.” We pray for more people to come out and go into the world to proclaim the good news of the Lord through deeds of mercy! Amen. Glory be to God! -- Angeline Lam, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish.

As much as Jesus said, “When 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, I will be there.” I witnessed that it didn’t take that many people to do an outreach to those who are in need, lonely and unloved. -- Steven Cornelius Raj, Church of the Risen Christ.

The experience was a great platform and a head start for the PDYN-SYA to be of service to society, particularly to those who are in need. It was a wonderful learning experience for us as we were able to meet the relevant staff from the 3 centres chosen to find out the necessary information to enable us to have a good and workable plan for 2017. Lastly, it encouraged us to be mindful and to ponder on our strengths, opportunities and weaknesses, to allow us to grow and work hand in hand as a team. -- Angeline Chandran, Cathedral of the Holy Spirit