Establishing Sacred Heart’s Youth Ministry has been an excellent initiative to promote community and establish the importance of religion among the youth. The Youth Ministry promotes living a faith-driven life and connects youth to their Knanaya roots. From bringing the youth together on weekends to coordinating events focused on youth, the Youth Ministry has allowed for unforgettable bonding experiences and the ability to learn from other members of the community on how to continue to live a religious life. Having events curated specifically for college students and high school students ensures the youth can connect with like-minded peers and allow them to connect to our culture uniquely. In having an active Youth Ministry, we may provide our youth with a strong support system of those who share a similar upbringing and experiences. Youth Ministry in this parish established with the vision and mission of Knanaya region of United states of America.
Vision: -Provide opportunities to the youth and young adults of the Knanaya Catholic Region in North America to renew everything in Christ and His church and to live and transmit Knanaya tradition and heritage with a better understanding.
Mission: -The Mission of the Knanaya Region Youth Ministry is to help all Knanaya youth and young adults in the region to actively cherish their Catholic faith and Knanaya Heritage through pastoral and social activities.
Action Plan:
1) Forming youth fraternity in the Knanaya Catholic parishes and missions.
2) Inspiring our youth to respond to divine call for Christian witnessing.
3) Starting Campus Ministries for Knanaya Catholic Youth.
4) Creating opportunities for them to share their faith and to serve the less fortunate in the society.
5) Giving them better understanding of the Knanaya Catholic community and Syro-Malabar heritage.
6) Visit and strengthen Campus ministry.
A unique aspect of growing up in Knanaya Catholic family is the emphasis on community and the powerful sense of community the youth are surrounded with. The Youth Ministry continues to promote this sense of community for our youth as they finish high school and support them throughout their college careers. The Youth Ministry consists of youth leaders passionate about the community and establishing a support system for our current youth and gradates. It aims to nurture this sense of community for the current catechism students and bring together to the older youth who have since graduated. The actions of the Youth Ministry promote continuing to incorporate religion in our lives after graduating from the church’s religious education program and to continue building the bond established with other youth.
Events, the Youth Ministry has coordinated in the past include game nights, youth masses, and discussions about religious life. Game nights are done to provide youth, both high school and college students, with a laid-back night to relax with peers and bond over a variety of food and games. In having game nights, youth can bond and reconnect with other youth members in a comfortable setting. Youth masses are an answer to issue where youth do not feel a connection in traditional masses. Youth masses are given in English and touch on youth-focused subjects to ensure youth parishioners can take away lessons from the gospel. Lastly, our discussions allow for youth to learn from other members of the community on their experiences with religion, culture, and community. The ability to learn from others and their experiences is a unique component of a community and therefore is something that is valued. Over the last year, we have held these events at least once a month. Regarding the future of the Youth Ministry, this pattern is expected to continue with including few more bonding events and discussions to help our youth.
In the future, the Sacred Heart Youth Ministry hopes to continue building this community and giving our Knanaya youth networks of peers who can help them in all aspects of life ranging from spiritually to professionally. Through the Youth Ministry, we hope to help fellow youth grow spiritually and continue to grow in their faiths by allowing them to speak and hear from others on how to maintain a religious lifestyle in a modern society. The sense of community is one of the most crucial values of focus when coordinate events and it will remain a primary goal. As youth mature and grow through their high school and college years, having a strong support system will allow.