Ecclesial Integration of Jesus Youth - 2019 (BJMM016)

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Ecclesial Integration of Jesus Youth

Dr Edward A Edezhath - JY Bishops’ Consultation, Dubai – 4 Dec 2019

We recall JPII's address to the gathering of the movements in Rome on Pentecost 1998. “Today a new stage is unfolding before you: that of ecclesial maturity. This does not mean that all problems have been solved. Rather, it is a challenge. A road to take. The Church expects from you the “mature” fruits of communion and commitment.”

As in many areas of life there is a possible growth continuum, or phases of development, in Jesus Youth movement also there are stages and patterns of growth. We are aware that in different areas of the world the movement is at different stages of growth. Jesus Youth groups, ministries and individuals in one area will also be at different stages and phases of progress. Like the blessed Apostle our concern is also to “present every man mature in Christ” (Col 1:28), in which journey ‘Sentire cum Ecclesia’ (to think, and to feel with the Church) becomes a very important emphasis of growth. How to help individual Jesus Youth as well as the movement as a whole to achieve greater integration into the life and mission of the Church?

Jesus Youth is called to move deeper into the heart of the Church that is one, holy, catholic and apostolic – promoting unity inside the movement and working for unity in the Church as well as with the Church; having a vision of wholesomeness and beauty, along with greater emphasis on sanctity; finding an active role in the universal mission of the Church, finding itself moving into various nations and cultures; and submitting actively to the apostolic authority, specially working in a multi ritualistic context.

As Individual Jesus Youth

The movement often comes across the young and not so young of contemporary world in attitudes and situations far removed from the Christ and the Church. The mission of the movement is ‘to lead people to a renewed life in Christ, to assist them in their growth in holiness and to prepare them for the apostolate’ (JY Statutes, 5). In essence, this becomes an accompaniment of a person from at the heart of the world into fold of the Church, helping him or her integrated into the life of the Church. Providing opportunities to know the history and teachings of the Church and growing in love for it, providing help for active participation in the liturgical cycle as well as the parish life are some of the support already provided in the movement. There needs to be greater help at all levels of the movement to guide each Jesus Youth to grow as active Catholic in one’s personal identity as well as mission.

Jesus Youth - Groups, Ministries & as the wider movement

Jesus Youth as a movement is also in a journey of greater ecclesial maturity as well as ecclesial integration, in its attitudes, styles, relationship with authority, transmission of faith content and in community participation:

i. Catholic Attitudes and vision: emphasis on Unity; eagerness for ecumenism, tolerance and dialogue with other faiths and cultures; Love for the authority; growing in the context of the wider Catholic family

ii. Catholic Styles: greater familiarity with the liturgical discipline; a taste for greater depth and contemplation; of reflection and silence; of order and sense of beauty

iii. Relationship with authority: Being close to bishops, priests and religious; taking active participation in infusing a sense of mission in Catholic institutions. Having periodic interactions and consultation to promote greater understanding and appreciation.

iv. community participation: Growing as a community and finding a place in the pastoral plan of the diocese and parish community, specially sharing missionary charism of the movement. Giving assistance to take an active part in the liturgical cycle of the Church.

v. Transmitting the Catholic Content: Bible study, the teachings of the Church and greater familiarity with the social teachings of the Church

In the worlds of JPII “the temptation of being so strongly interested in Church services and tasks that some fail to become actively engaged in their responsibilities in the professional, social, cultural and political world”. Christian presence in the public place as well as caring for the Mother Earth is also some of the concerns that are close to the heart of the Church that the movement needs to integrate with its vision and mission.

 

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