Sunday, June 3

Church groups for me and you

For me, it was Catholic Youth Fellowship (CYF). I joined it after my confirmation. I suppose being the young confirmant i was, i needed a direction, or something to follow at least, now that i was 'released' from the weekly catechism lessons. CYF was like an alternative to cat class. Actually i had unofficially joined the group in '05 when i joined them for Christmas Caroling.

The first session was practice for caroling and i recall feeling isolated because i didnt really know anyone, but later on the members were all friendly and i felt at home. i felt that caroling helped me to better undestand the spirit of giving during Christmas, not just the receiving of presents.

As i went for more sessions, i found out more about the different topics that concerned the church such as other religions, spiritual dryness, friendship etc. its hard to define what spiritual development is because its so vague so i cant say for sure whether it helped me to develop that way, but i know that through this youth group, im more in touch with God than i ever was during cat class. i find that in learning about the different things that concern us, not just about the church and its history, i know and understand myself better. self awareness is perhaps an aspect of spiritual awareness?

I also joined Mustard Seed for one of their meeting, but as it wasnt an ongoing thing, i cant say much about how i've grown in temrs of my faith. however, i can say for sure that ive experienced fellowship during that one gathering.

Being in a ministry is not necessary but it certainly is helpful in keeping oneself closer to God. I know of friends who, after confirmation, have become 'Sunday Catholics'. As part of the parish community, do we really interact with God apart from Mass? havent you ever wondered when you partake in the Eucharist is it just routine or do you regard it as an opportunity to become closer to the Lord? in fact, do you feel the Spirit within you when you consume the Body of Christ?

Is this all we want the inactive members of the church to become - partakers of the Eucharist without knowing its significance?

Yes, we need to acknowledge that much effort has been made to include the followers of Christ; to reach out to the parishioners, especially the youth, through the different youth groups, music ministries, legion of mary, altar servers and cell groups etc. however, can there be an extra effort made in order to reach out to more of these fast becoming Sunday Catholics?

there are so many people who do not belong to any church ministry. there is definitely a need to extend our love to them and help them to learn more about the church and themselves.

i know where i belong and that being in CYF and Mustard Seed (sort of) helps me stay close to God or at least not to drift any further. how about you? if you seek a closer relationship with Him, yet you seek more than what the available ministries offer, why not take the initiative and start a new group and grow spiritually?

4:32 PM /