jesus youth australia

Small beginnings

COVER STORY CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

A MISSIONARY MOVEMENT AT THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH

“build them slow but surely” As a Jesus Youth who has experienced the love of the living God, I am sure I am like many who have become aware of how unexpected and trial filled the journey that follows that initial love with the Lord can be. How often have I crossed the path of pain, rejection & humiliation, even from the people whom I love the most? Saying YES, has taken me into the deep ends for times of testing, yet the times of purification have taken me to the beginning of something new, something beautiful. Our patron saint, Saint Francis of Assisi, the son of a cloth merchant of status and wealth of the time, was called to follow a deeper and more radical conversion. One that witnessed love, humility and faithfulness. Through everything he built, it was slow but surely. It is my dream for Australia, that I too may be like Saint Francis and keep building, slow but surely. Small beginnings, greater ends.

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6 Acts of the JYapostles

JESUS YOUTHAU S T R A L I A N E W S L E T T E R

greater ends

Many fine histories exist on the life of St. Francis of Assisi and hence there is no need to replicate them here. However, with St. Francis being the patron saint for the Jesus Youth movement, it sure will be of great significance to reflect on a few lessons from his life.

DECEMBER I 2010

“simple joy ‘o’ holy” I recall a vivid moment where I sang the words “I choose to be holy, set apart”, I took the decision to walk away from a worldly habit of being a shopaholic. To let go of a habit wasn’t easy, however the desire to receive simple joy was the driving force. More than physically having to let go, the challenge was in mentally letting go. To others, it may not have been much, to me I knew this would be the road of newness and of learning and unlearning the goodness of simplicity. Despite the wealth that he could have chosen to inherit from his highly reputable family, St Francis chose the path of simplicity and mastered this act, especially taking on the radical ways of poverty. Throughout the course of his life, most of his actions may have been labelled as “controversial”, “extreme” or “radical”. Perhaps nobody could understand him in the 13th century. The ancient prayer of St Francis reminds us “to be understood, as to understand”. As we go forth today, 8 centuries on, we still may not be understood. Yet as Jesus Youth, is this not our challenge? To strive as missionaries in all that we do, for that “simple joy”?

“day by day, stone by stone”

As a missionary movement at the service of the Church, I am as conscious as can be, that it is my duty to be ready and available, all the days of my life, to be at service in building our Mother Church. Yet I yield to the spirit for that moment,

where I as a Jesus Youth of Australia, can commence placing stone by stone, just the way St Francis did with so much “love”, “awe” and “reverence”. To be that labourer that

He wants me to be. Being at the service of the church may of course vary. From being a Eucharistic minister to cleaning the Church after Mass, to participating in events of our church. Rather obvious, there is so much more to the word “service”. More recently, in our home discussion, the concept of WYD struck. For Australians, WYD is not just for us to take part in when it comes to Australia. Rather, we too as bodies of the Church must consider holding hands with the church,

for the church, uniting as people of all nations as one body in Christ. So often we plan around our 4 weeks of Annual leave, school holidays, we ensure that our weekly deposits hit our savings account to repay mortgages and loans. Yet, our beloved Holy Father Benedict XVI awaits us in Madrid 2011 for the 22nd WYD. Our beloved Church needs you and me. Are you available?

“day by day, you’ll grow too, you’ll know heavens glory”

Trainings such as the full time volunteers training program are brilliant in providing formation so that “you’ll grow too”. Most fulltimers are aware of the DRC (Daily reflection chart). A day-to-day chart that helps to monitor and evaluate one’s spiritual growth and journey. A column of this chart specifically focuses on “personal evangelisation”, where one writes how many people they have befriended, shared their life story and Christ Story and how many have been integrated into the community through them. I’m una-ware if St Francis used a DRC,

however, judging by his persistent life-style, perhaps this DRC was created for Jesus Youth, to complete our day to day task, to replicate what he so beautifully mastered - one to one evangelisation. Within 10 years, there were over 5,000 Franciscans! Many of the saints of all era’s along with Blessed Mother Theresa have said “do it alone, person to person”.

I’ve learned throughout my life as a Jesus Youth, that every moment is an opportunity to share God’s Love. It begins with a personal conversion. Every conversion story shall testify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ “…and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 12:3). So with the Holy Spirit, let us make use of the time we have on earth, in bringing Jesus to all Australians, so that one day “you’ll know heavens glory”.

Mayrose Abraham

Happy Jubilee !

It is with great joy that we launch this pilot issue of our newsletter in this Jubilee year of the Jesus Youth movement. One of the important decisions of the national team, was to bring out a newsletter, to serve as a link between the Jesus Youth members, ministries and supporters in Australia.

We can take pride in that this is completely a Jesus Youth effort. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Navin Bruce Thomas, who inspired the newsletter team, Sidharth Jose who co-ordinated the newsletter team, Blessy Thomas who collected data and Ajesh Abraham who designed the layout, along with others like Mayrose Abraham & Athira Crispin who contributed in preparing, proof reading and editing the matter.

As we approach towards the final moments of jubilee, I would like to reflect on words of Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Exhortation “Ecclesia in Oceania”: “As the peoples of Oceania came to accept the fullness of redemption in Christ, they found a striking symbol in the night skies, where the Southern Cross stands as a luminous sign of God’s overarching grace and blessing. The present generation of Christians, are called and sent out to accomplish a new evangelisation, among the people of Oceania, a fresh proclamation of the endur-ing truth evoked by the symbol of the Southern Cross. This call to mission poses great challenges but it also opens new horizons, full of hope and even a sense of adventure”.

I hope and pray that our movement will take up this call, for a fresh proclamation that will open up new horizons of mission in this great south land of the Holy Spirit .

My wishes for a blessed christmas and new year.

Rajesh ThalappillilNational Co-ordinator,

Jesus Youth Australia

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THE WORD OF GOD CALLS EACH ONE OF US

PERSONALLY, REVEAL-ING THAT LIFE ITSELF

IS A VOCATION FROM GOD. IN OTHER WORDS,

THE MORE WE GROW IN OUR PERSONAL RE-LATIONSHIP WITH THE

LORD JESUS, THE MORE WE REALIZE THAT HE

IS CALLING US TO HOLINESS IN AND THROUGH THE DEFINITIVE CHOICES

BY WHICH WE RESPOND TO HIS LOVE IN OUR LIVES, TAKING UP TASKS AND

MINISTRIES WHICH HELP TO BUILD UP THE CHURCH.

From Pope Benedict XVI’s latest Apostolic Exhortation, “Verbum Domini,”

“

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Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter December 2010

C O V E R S T O R Y C O N T I N U E D

MAKING OF A SAINT IS THE STORY

OF A NATION

”

A deeper journeya letter from the pastor

MAKING OF A SAINT IS THE STORY

OF A NATIONMary MacKillop, Australia’s first Saint was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI at a special ceremony in The Vatican on Sunday, October 17, 2010. As the sun dipped under the horizon, the pomp and tradition of the morning mass being beamed on to the big screens from half a world away struck a very different chord to local celebrations in Australia.Defying rain-heavy skies, about 3000 people joined the morning procession from MacKillop’s birthplace in Brunswick St, Fitzroy, (VIC) to the Royal Exhibition Building - twice the number anticipated.

Joining them was a bunch of Jesus Youth participating in the procession carrying the Jubilee Cross. It was a great experience beyond comprehension for all to be a part of history. Jesus Youth from other parts of Australia also joined the celebrations including JY Sydney who made a pilgrimage to the tomb of Mary.

Jesus Youth is celebrating its glorious silver Jubilee and in this occasion I am so privileged to be a part of this movement. This movement “At the service of the Church” has been doing a wonderful work of enkindling the fire, joy and love of God to young minds and thus drawing them closer to grow in faith of our Lord.

Jesus Youth Australia is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Like the twelve apostles, after experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, we are also called to go out to different parts of the world proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven. Similarly, some of our young people who have experienced the touch of the Holy Spirit through the Jesus Youth movement in different countries, have come here to share their great experiences with other young people in this country. This act of faith has led to the beginnings of Jesus Youth in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

Lets join with our Mother Mary in saying, “The mighty one has done great things for me” (Luke 1:49)

All over the world, the youth are searching for some meaning in their life and the true essence of living. They are driven by so many worldly ways of this society, that it becomes difficult for them to choose between good and bad. However, the book of Jeremiah says, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to save you and not to harm you, plans to give a future and to give you hope.”

As a person who loves young people, it’s very important for me, to ensure that our faith is strong and in line with the teachings of the Church. With these energetic and wonderful youth, truly I can foresee a bright future for Jesus Youth Australia.

Happy Jubilee... God Bless you all.Refined in His fire, Renewed by His Spirit, Radiant in His holiness, may we become a gift to the Church and the world. Amen!

Rev. Fr. John Aravankara, Pastor, Jesus Youth Australia

SydneyMelbourne

Small fellowship groups are the basic units of the Jesus Youth movement. They play an important role in the mutual enrichment, spiritual guidance and formation of young Christians in a creative way. Discipleship is not a one-time experience but a process. Jesus Youth worldwide will undergo the same process to grow in discipleship and make a deeper commitment.

These groups, using various components, assist in personal spiritual growth and foster a new lifestyle. The main components are:

• Fellowship • Prayer • Bible Sharing • Personal Sharing • Ministering and Intercession • Small Group Specialties

SMALL GROUPS ARE DESIGNED FOR CHRIS-TIANS WHO ARE WILLING TO

1. Meet at least twice in a month2. Share / reflect based on the Scriptures3. Grow in Catholic faith, prayer and fellowship4. Encourage and support one another5. Maintain confidentiality and accountability6. Undergo a personal formation as well as reach out to others

Ideally a meeting should last at least 2 to 3 hours, with enough time for each member to pray, interact, share and discuss. Prepare a plan or schedule to divide the time and thus get the most out of the meeting.

3Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter December 2010

Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter December 2010 4

God used the Jesus Youth movement to touch us and we received peace in our family life which was missing for a long time. We were able to draw closer to him and discover the love and mercy he had for us. Now, we know we can give our children a better future as they grow in faith, hope and love. This is our desire for all families, and thus we chose to serve God through the JY family ministry.

In Sydney, God brought together a group of very committed and gifted families from all across the world and together we formed the JY family ministry in 2007. Being blessed with many gifted resource people in our team and their strong testimonies the ministry grew. Currently, Sydney has 5 family prayer groups that meet fortnightly. We also have a common bi-monthly prayer meeting, and common picnics with sports and games. Children have a separate session where they learn more about the word of God and the teachings of the church through skits, music and dance, and other activities. This is an integral part of our ministry. As Pope John Paul II said – the future of the world and of the church passes through the family. In Australia it is important for our children to grow up with friends and mentors who can lead them in the knowledge and love of Jesus. Many families come seeking this.

Serving God has brought many blessings to our family. We experience the joy and happiness of doing God’s work. God guides and leads us in doing His will and He meets all our needs. We live a busier life now, yet definitely of a better quality. The prayers and support of our dear JY friends have been a great blessing in our lives.

Jaison, Sinu, Christian & Chrislin, Sydney

JY FAMILIES

We are coming…Families with 9 Children; 8 children; 7 Children; 6 Children; 5 children; 4 children; 3 children; 2 children and 1 child; are getting ready to travel to India for the Jubilee Conference! Stories of how pregnant women who gave birth in November are planning to travel from broad with their one month old babies so that the new generation will begin their life with the joy of the Jubilee. Jubilee Conference expects not less than 2000 Families and 4000 children to be there in Cochin, India – Awakening of a New Generation of Families!

The Jubilee conference is all about giving oneself and losing many things in our lives. Be it money, time, difficulties or sacrifices. At one point of time in our lives, we all set out on an ‘Exodus,’ blindly trusting Him. He has blessed us with more than we want. More than we deserve. Jubilee is the time for beginning another Exodus. To take up a new mission according to the promptings of the Spirit.

The entire JY family is going to listen to Him but if we are coming to share, listen and recommit ourselves to begin a new

journey, we should not allow any of our brothers and sisters to miss this time of Grace.

With the entire family. It is not easy. Like the Israelites, someone like Moses will have to intercede for us so that our chains are taken away. Like Moses, it is perhaps the call of each one of us to choose families in the Jesus Youth and start praying for them so that they might make the journey together”

Faith formation in families: This is a growing reality of the movement. Formation begins in the family and children grow up to form new families. In this cycle of events, JY families are playing a significant role with many willing to take a longterm commitment to help in the faith formation of youth and young adults. Such decisions speak of how the movement is challenging families to be a mission in themselves. People can be influenced in their faith development at three levels - the immediate family, the extended family or small group and the greater society.

In Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane, Jesus Youth Families, as a ministry, are coming together every month to grow with this focus of formation of husband & wife, along with the formation of children. to become the Saints of this millennium!

“Faith forma-tion in fami-lies: This is a growing re-ality of the movement. Formation

begins in the family and

children grow up to form

new families.”

Ripples of Hope, Waves of Possibilities

“Our desire for all families”

4 Jesus Youth Australia Newsletter December 2010 5

20,559 delegates from 27 countries including 11,317 youth, 3053 married people, 1404 Teens, 458 Pre-Teens, 1031 kids, 685 priests, 841 religious sisters and 112 seminarians. Over 35 renowned resource persons and Bible Scholars leading 50 odd sessions during the 5 days across 7 streams. For the first time perhaps, bringing together over 10 international speakers on the same platform. 7 different music teams. The common evening festivals witnessing over 200 musicians from across the world on stage. A larger than life theatre production directed by a prominent film personality. 3 gigantic stages visualised and designed by an award-winning art director. A sprawling 90-acre venue. Around 180,000 main meals being serverd with 4 kitchens working round-the-clock making this mammoth task possible. An exhibit area dedicated to memorabilia of all types – photographs, videos, badges, booklets – anything and everything to take us back in time to where our life as a Jesus Youth began. These are some of the highlights of the Jesus Youth Jubilee Conference which will be held from 28th December 2010 to 1st January 2011 in celebration of the Silver Jubilee of the Jesus Youth movement.

For all the information regarding the confer-ence go on to http://jesusyouth.org/jubilee

Jubilee Theme SongComposed and recorded over a month, the Jubilee theme song arose out of a desire to create an easily singable, energetic, catchy anthem that reflects the joy and exuberance of Jesus Youth. The fusion of ethnic Indian rhythms and world music styles hark to the origins of the movement while signaling its international flavour. To view and download a variety of version

of the theme song log in to http://jesusyouth.org/jubilee_theme_song.

Treasures of the Jubilee Conference

RELIVINGTHE JOURNEY

BUILDINGNEW BRIDGES

DISCOVERING NEWSPIRITUAL DEPTHS

ENCOUNTERINGTHE GLOBAL CHURCH

CELEBRATINGOUR PRAISE

LIVING THEJESUS YOUTH LIFE

LISTENINGTO THE HOLY SPIRIT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONU_dBt94g8

http://jesusyouth.org/jubilee

The stage is set the lights are on

get ready for a grand spectacle!

7 ONETWOTHREEFOURFIVESIXSEVEN

December 4th 2010Around 150 Jesus Youth will join the conclusion of the journey of the cross and jubilee celebrations, on the 4th of December at St Scholastica’s Church, Burwood, Melbourne with our patron Bishop Christopher Prowse (Bishop of Sale Diocese) and members of National Team.

The Australian Jubi lee Grand Finale`


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ADELAIDE Journey of the Jubilee cross in Adelaide: In June, Sydney handed over the Jubilee Cross to Adelaide. Each day, the cross visited a family and was welcomed by 40 families. Around 25 – 30 people journeyed with the cross each day. The finale in Adelaide concluded in August with the Jubilee Prayer, Rosary and Holy Mass celebrated by Fr Alex Vickers and Adoration led by Fr Tomy at Mater Die Church, Woodville Gardens. The presence of Sr. Mercy, Sr. Sheela and Sr.Elizabeth was a great blessing. TEENS MEET 2010 (Adelaide): 33 partici-pants attended a 3 day live-in camp from 7-9 October, 2010 at The Monastery Glen Osmond, SA. The resource persons were C.C Joseph from India & Deacon Bony from Melbourne. Holy mass was celebrated by Fr. Tianan, Fr. Tomy & Fr. John. On the final day, there were sessions for parents which concluded with Holy mass and anointing prayer. Since TEENS MEET 2010, teens have started gathering monthly in 3 regions under the guidance of JY leaders.

PERTHiFOLLOW: 30 young people took part in a 3 day Jesus Youth retreat named “I FOLLOW”. Many testified “Our opinions and thoughts of God have also changed, rather than God being a distant God, miracles have happened, our lives have changed and surely we will follow”. CC Joseph (India), Navin Thomas (VIC) and Lijo George (VIC) were the resources for the program.

JUBILEE CROSS JOURNEY IN PERTHThe Cross was carried to JY houses including the participants of teens retreat, iFOLLOW. The JY leaders had a wonderful time carrying the Cross from home to home and together with every family, recited the rosary and interceded for the intentions of the ministry around the world. The Cross was also kept in adoration chapels. All families, youth and teens responded with enthusiasm and devotion.

SYDNEYIn late August, JY Sydney leaders joined an event called “breakfast with the Bishop” which was with the Bishop of Parramatta Diocese, Anthony Fischer. Bishop gave a statistical feedback for WYD08 and

encouraged all to join him in the WYD 2011 Pilgrimage. A new website CYP or Catholic Youth Parramatta was launched on the same day. http://www.parra.catho-lic.org.au/youth

In late August, JY SYD families had the first combined gathering of families from all zones. From mid September, JY Sydney planned to conduct a eucharistic exhibi-tion and adoration in 4 Parishes. This was a real inspiration and a blessing for the parishioners and for all involved in the exhibition.

BRISBANEIn late August, Jesus Youth gathered at the Seventeen Miles Rocks, QLD for a day of fellowship and BBQ which commenced with the JY Prayer and Praise and worship. In early September a 24 hour adoration was held at Villa Maria Chapel, Fortitude Valley, QLD. A grace filled experience where more than 30 youth and a few families were present. At the end of October, a monthly gathering was held in Gold Coast and Tweed Heads. After the

gathering a pilgrimage was arranged to Marian Valley, the Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians - Patroness of Australia and concluded with a Holy Rosary. Following this, a 24 Hour Adoration was held at Villa Maria Chapel, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. A Jubilee night vigil was also conducted during the last week of November along with the Jubilee Closing Ceremony .

MELBOURNEIn early October, the Cross begun its journey, graciously entering homes of both families and youth. The Cross also arrived at St Francis (same church where Saint Mackillop was baptised) in the city during a special adoration. A few days later, families attended sessions based on “walking with Jesus” which was led by Fr David Reegon.

The 17th of October, 2010 marks a historical day in the Calander of the Catholic Church. On this day when Saint Mary Mackillop of the Cross canonised, Jesus Youth also joined in a procession with the Jubilee Cross. It was an honour to carry the cross through the streets of Mel-bourne, where the saint was born, along with the official procession and festival. With eagerness to know more about our Australian Saint, JY Melbourne was fortunate enough to visit the Mary Mackillop Center. Sister Rita (A Josephite of Glenroy) shared the life of St Mackillop, allowing to pray in the same Chapel the saint prayed in and see the 2nd class relics, reminding the Jesus Youth to appreciate the obedience of a simple Melbourne woman.

A night Vigil focusing on intercession for the Universal Church, Jubilee and Jesus Youth Movement in Australia was conducted at St Frances De Sales Catholic Church, Oak Park in mid-November.

Jericho Tour Sydney

Rosarium Fiesta Sydney

Teens Meet Adelaide

Agape Fiesta - Eucharistic Exhibition, Sydney

New JY Melbourne Service Team

JY Melbourne Families with the jubilee cross.

Youth Mass organised by Diamond Valley Deanery Youth along with JY Melbourne

100%disciples

“I KNEW IT WAS A BIG ASK, BUT I HAD DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS. AFTER CONFESSION, I FELT SO FREE AND CLEAN, WHITER THAN SNOW, I FELT SO LIGHT, THAT I COULD HAVE FLOATED AWAY.AND I’M PRETTY SURE I WAS GLOWING. IF I COULD HAVE CHOOSE MY DEATH IT WOULD HAVE DEFINITE-LY BEEN THAT DAY, I KNEW I WOULD

HAVE GONE STRAIGHT UP.

SO NOW I ONLY HAD 30% LEFT TO CLEAN OUT TILL I MADE JESUS 100% IN MY LIFE. COURAGE TO SAY NO TO A FRIEND OF 4 YEARS. SO I HAD TO GIVE IT ALL UP. GIVING UP SOMETHING YOU TRULY LOVE IS EXTREMELY HARD, SO I GUESS THIS WAS ONE OF MY BIGGEST SACRIFICE. YES! IT WAS HARD, BUT THE SATISFACTION OF HAVING NOTHING BUT JESUS, (WHICH IS EVERYTHING I

NEED) WAS AMAZING.”

CHRISTEENA, BRISBANE

The crucified Lord is being continually crucified with a general trend of moral decline, faith crisis and extinct values. The superficial & melancholic life gets to you eventually. There is an intrinsic urge in us all to find a purpose and meaning to our lives. This is what attracted 20 participants from 6 distinct regions of Australia to attend the first ever Discipleship Training Program (DTP) at Casa Pallotti Camp site, neatly tucked away in the serene Yarra Valley, 1 hr east of Melbourne. We took time off our busy schedules and our week long adventure commenced on Friday 24th September with sumptuous dinner, introductions and ice breaking activities.

Like John 6:65 says, we realised nothing happens without a calling. A call to die to yourself; to grow from a mere follower to a disciple; to have an intimate relationship with God; to know Him and not just know about Him. Registering for DTP was the first response to our call in the journey of being commissioned as disciples.

Not wasting a moment, the morning of the first session started with ploughing our grounds of faith and shaking the foundation. We had to stop being prisoners of our past and be architects of our future. Shaken and disturbed, we went through a ride of self-discovery. Like the musk deer, we had to find our true worth inside. We realised we have to discover the manifestation of creator in us and others, and live out the unique purpose of our unique creation.

Kundalini Shakthi - a term made familiar to most of us through Deacon Bony in his session on Holy Spirit. Vedas and Yoga practitioners describe it as one’s inner strength, envisioned as a sleeping serpent, which is unleashed from the bottom of one’s spine. Scientifically, it’s a symptoma-tology for a near death experience. For us it was a combination; to die to ourselves and to be in tune with the Holy Spirit who is present in all of us. We truly were able to unleash our hidden and imperishable force during the inner healing adoration. We developed the fear of losing this holiness, connection, wonder and reverence.

There were lot of other hot topics such as evangelisation, discernment of God’s will (our favourite), sexuality, dynamics and challenges of discipleship, but it was all so beautifully planned that it didn’t transcend beyond comprehension. Group discussions and panel sharings made sure

that we weren’t just audience but rather active participants. Liberal breaks, games and activities, humorous skits by participants and midnight chats; to name but a few, made our memorable training all the more enjoyable.

CC Joseph shared with us about a new denomination of Chris-

tians - HMD! ; ones who go to church to get Hatched (baptism), Matched (marriage) and Despatched (funeral). However, our calling is to go back to the earlier days by the shore of Galilee when ‘Christianity’ was all about that intimate relationship between Jesus and his beloved disciples; when Christianity was not a philosophy, crusade, culture, humanitarian project or a reason to get public holidays!

All 20 of us signed our commitment before the Eucharist. We know it is going to be a life long journey where we will be continu-ally transformed by his grace and renewed in his mercy.

EDUCATION EMPOWERS One of the key celebrations of the Jubilee year would also be the ‘JY Outreach – Child Support Project’. The core plan of this project is to support very poor families, especially those who cannot educate their children due to lack of money. The intended beneficiaries of this project are students’ upto Year 12 from different South Asian

countries, who will be supported with a financial aid of $15 per month or $180 a year – in some cases it can be more as per the assessed need. In Australia, we have currently sponsored 54 children through the program. We have sponsors from Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. If you would like to spon-sor a child, please visit our website www.outreachchildsupport.com or contact Suzette Morris on 0417398258


Saint Mary MacKillo PrayerEver generous God,

You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop to live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and constant in bringing hope and encour-agement to those who were disheartened,

lonely or needy.

We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the

Holy Spirit so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live

with courage, trust and openness. Ever generous God

hear our prayer. We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

FOOLS IMPACT

Fulltimers always leave a mark because they are ‘FOOL’ (Fo-cused Only On the Lord). Teema Thomas(JY USA) and Melphy

Paul (JY Brisbane) left Australia after their assigned months of committment. They cer-tainly left an impact and contributed to the growth of JY in various ways while serving here. Our love, appreciation and prayers for their committment and contributions. Watch out for all the information about interna-tional trainings that are coming up next year in the next newsletter.

“I will go alone and take the Jubilee cross with me to all the 100 Houses in Melbourne, even if no one is available” Shyam challenged the Melbourne JY Leader’s with his passionate words…The Jubilee Cross is travelling in Melbourne homes after it’s journey throughout the country. Shyam has taken a great challenge despite being caught with a nasty flu, noth-ing stopped him taking Jesus, home to home!

30 Houses, 30 Teens Teens camp in perth and adelaide was really successful, though the first live-in program , it was well organised and backed up with prayer. The teens are on fire and and already requested for longer retreats and trainings in future.

Power of prayer

A 40 Days Prayer Campaign carried out as an Intercessory effort for Youth DTP 2010, Jericho Prayer around Sydney City (“Sydney wide intercession on Bus” - a group of 40 JYs and local parishoners drove around Sydney to intercede for Sydney Siders), Night Vigil in Brisbane are also some great initiatives showing JY’s passion for being called as “PEOPLE OF PRAYER”

6th Anniversary

In January 2011, the first JY Prayer Group in Australia is celebrating it’s sixth Anniver-sary. History says that under the guidance of Rajesh & Silgia, Mayrose, Milan, Bobby & Manoj were present for the first prayer group which took place at Fitzroy park, Melbourne, whereby hundred of lives have been blessed in a big way over the years.

Completely Cracked Joseph

It was a different experience for CC Joseph, who came from Bangalore for helping out in 2 Teens Camps in Perth & Adeleide, One Week National Youth DTP in Melbourne, and a One Day Leader’s Training in Sydney, every-thing happened back-to-back over a period of two weeks. Though he didn’t get enough time for rest, he was really joyful to see the vibrant youngsters who decided to take vari-ous commitments in their life for Jesus. May be it’s time to develop more Resource Per-sons in Australia itself, to meet the Resource needs…It is 100% sure that the number of programs are going to increase every year for Youth, Families and Teens.

Australia welcoming more JYs An active JY from Pakistan is now seen mov-ing prayerfully in the crowded streets nearby Sydney’s Opera House – Ansir Ishaq is now searching for a job, JY Adelaide has been blessed with an inspiring and experienced JY Couple – Tomy & Dr. Priya Alencherry who came from Trivandrum, Kerala were Youth Animators for many years and are great resource persons too.

BBQ & Youth Mass

It has become a trendy evening near Deakin University, for around 100 Asian Youth (Youth from: Srilanka, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Phillipines and India) to come together for Youth Mass, BBQ, Music, Friendly Chats. JY Melbourne Music team is helping St Scho-lastica’s Parish, Burwood to startup a youth group. They also took committment to do parish choir once a month

Swift in Newcastle

Sidharth is taking initiative to gather all JYs in the town, and are meeting regularly every month.

ACTS of the JY apostles


One Month Mission

CommitmentsIt is a time to renew our zeal for mission. One such opportunity this Jubilee year is to take up one-month mission commit-ment in different places across the world. Although the commitments are being collected in the Jubilee year and you are required to register for the same this year, you can carry out your one- month mission in any of the months between April and August in the years from 2011 to 2020. The commitment should be at least for one month and you can take it as a family if married or else as an individ-ual. Once you register your commitment, you may be placed in different parts of the world based on your preferences and charisms. The expenses incurred for travel and for maintaining your self/fam-ily during this one month will be borne by you. This one-month mission commit-ment is a unique initiative and for certain, it will bring blessings for our families and the whole movement as we venture out for His greater glory.

Augustine Zacharia from Melbourne be-came the first Jesus Youth from Australia to register for the mission.

For more information and to Register for One Month Mission Commitments: http://jesusyouth.org/One-month-mis-sion-commitments

This newsletter is an initiative of Jesus Youth Australia

(www.jesusyouth.org/australia)for any comments ,suggestions contact us at

[email protected]

jesus youth australia

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