Finding Newer Pathways for Jesus Youth Formation - 2012 (BJMM022)

 

Finding Newer Pathways for Jesus Youth Formation

Dr Edward Edezhath - JY National Advisory Body meeting on 8 June 2012

Every day is important, but some days are more important than the others, especially for a person or community that discovers its significance and decides to celebrate it with enthusiasm. The Universal Church is approaching a time of special grace called the Year of Faith. For Jesus Youth movement this is a time of ‘Kairos’ in variety of ways. This occasions the commencement of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to reflect on an extremely favorite theme of the movement “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith”. Marking the 50th year of the commencement of the Second Vatican Council and the 20th year of the launching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church the Church will begin the year of Faith on the 11th of October this year.

Faith formation, especially with a view to making Catholic effective evangelizers is the mission focus of Jesus Youth movement, so this time of grace naturally stirs up immense excitement in the movement. The call in Porta Fidei is especially relevant for Jesus Youth: “We want this Year to arouse in every believer the aspiration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope. … To rediscover the content of the faith that is professed, celebrated, lived and prayed, and to reflect on the act of faith, is a task that every believer must make his own, especially in the course of this Year” (Porta, 9).

What could be the difference that this year brings about in Jesus Youth movement?  Lineamenta of the forthcoming synod of Bishops as well as the Porta Fidei points towards a renewal of efforts for stirring up faith that will result in a new zeal for Christian life and mission.  As the Lineamenta says, “A ‘new evangelization’ is synonymous with renewed spiritual efforts in the life of faith within the local Churches, starting with a process to discern the changes in various cultural and social settings and their impact on Christian life, to reread the memory of faith and to undertake new responsibilities and generate new energies to joyously and convincingly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ” (Lin, 5). For the movement it should be a rediscovery of Jesus Youth lifestyle that is manifested in the personal and communal living, which is transferred in Jesus Youth formation, which will find fruit in effective mission in the personal life, in the community living of the movement, reflected in the effective participation in the pastoral life of the Church and which will bear fruit in the effective Christian witness in the wider society.

JY formation Over the Years

In the movement Formation has a distinct place in the movement and it follows a pattern. Initially, a person comes to the movement either through personal witness of an active Christian or through a program of re-evangelization. To think of a second step, he or she is invited to some kind of Jesus Youth community participation which becomes the best nursery for personal mentoring, cultural transmission and guidance for a life of mission. After a period of participation as well as informal formation in a fellowship the third step comes: the person is invited to join an itinerary of formation. Over the years this has been sporadic and was an invitation to some ‘formation program’. But in some places a clearer path of formation is being formed, which inspires the movement to formulate a streamlined path of formation that will serve as a guideline for formation efforts of the movement everywhere. A fourth phase if we can think of is becoming an active participant in and builder of the life and fellowship of the movement. This should lead to the fifth phase of sending of Jesus Youth for mission. Though the emphasis on mission should begin from the initial phase of one’s walk with the movement active participation in the life of the movement and focused formation should lead to a clearer commitment towards a life of fruitful evangelization.

The Lineamenta of the forthcoming Synod speaks of forming youth “Concern for young people calls for courage and clarity in the message we proclaim; we need to help young people to gain confidence and familiarity with Sacred Scripture, so it can become a compass pointing out the path to follow. Young people need witnesses and teachers who can walk with them, teaching them to love the Gospel and to share it, especially with their peers, and thus to become authentic and credible messengers. In the same manner, the synod fathers (on Word of God) called upon Christian communities to "devise approaches to Christian initiation which, through listening to the Word, celebrating the Eucharist and the communal living of love and fellowship, will lead to a growth in faith”. (Lin, 13)

As most other elements of Jesus Youth movement the style, dynamics and programs of formation also evolved over the years. To speak of history one of the earliest formation programs that took place in the formative years of the movement would be the hectic Onam days of 1978 when two initiation retreats, two growth retreats and an intercession retreat took place in Ernakulam, spread over 10 days catering to a large number of young people. This led to formation of leadership and ministry groups with a view to organize the end year youth convention, the first of its kind in the movement. Among the various efforts to follow up the newly formed bunch of leaders, Bible study programs and growth retreats were organized.

A leadership formation with emphasis on self-awareness and Christian leadership held at Ernakulam in Jan 1982 was a turning point in the movement. This was followed up with a larger training in the vernacular on the lines of the earlier one. This July training led towards the formation of a multifaceted movement building dynamics called “The First Line”. All the efforts of movement formation in the ensuing years came out of this close knit, focused fellowship and led to the organization of Jesus Youth 85.

Jesus Youth movement has had a host of formation packages, the outstanding of which were yearlong JETT and SETT trainings, 10 days’ Discipleship or DTP programs, profession related trainings like student, Nurses, professional student trainings, History Makers for high school age groups, two weeklong Master Builders for graduates, etc. The yearlong Fulltime Volunteers training entering into its 21st year has a unique place in the formation efforts of Jesus Youth movement. In Jesus Youth movement a number of training modules and formation approaches relating to leadership, evangelization, Bible study, intercession, social exposure, etc. have been organized at different levels and regions.

As it has always done today also the movement is searching for newer ways of formation or in other words for today’s solutions (and not yesterday’s) for today’s problems. “Christian communities ought to know how to respond with responsibility and courage to this renewal required of the Church, because of cultural and social changes. They ought to learn how to devise and implement the long process of moving to newer models, while maintaining the mandate to evangelize as a reference-point” (Lin, 9).

Elements of the movement as pathways of formation

A fast-growing movement like Jesus Youth is a complex and dynamic reality, but something that stands out is that almost all of its elements are geared towards formation in faith and mission. With its twin emphasis of holiness and evangelization, it is important to ask what some of the indispensable elements in the movement are that assist the members in their journey of formation and mission. Befriending a youth ‘out there’ in the ordinary circumstances of life, leading them to an “Encounter”, providing a supportive context and helpful tools for fostering this newfound treasure, forming them to the maturity of Christ-centered community living, and finally preparing to send them forth on their personal journey of mission, are the steps of this process that help a person in their faith maturing. As the youth reality is so varied and the movement is present to wide spectrum of youth situations, such as different age groups, cultural situations, country backgrounds, etc., this faith nurturing approach takes innumerable forms and styles. Yet what keeps the movement cohesive, enduring and effective is a certain set of tools and approaches that primarily promote faith-maturing and effective Christian life. They are:

1.           The Encounter: The Jesus Youth faith journey begins, informally, with a befriending or invitation of a Jesus Youth which leads to a period of companionship leading to a more formal Christ encounter or an adult renewal of baptism. In this process the person receives an initial rooting and sprouting in the Catholic faith, spiritual life, faith community as well as Christian mission.  In the whole movements dynamics and its formation approaches the Encounter becomes significant, as the Lineamenta says, “the goal of the transmission of the faith is the realization of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, in the Spirit, thereby leading to an experiencing of his Father and our Father. …Transmitting the faith means to create in every place and time the conditions for this personal encounter of individuals with Jesus Christ” (Lin, 11).

2.           Fellowships: “Transmitting the faith in Christ means to create the conditions for a faith which is thought-out, celebrated, lived and prayed; in short, this means participating in the life of the Church” (Lin, 11) The Encounter is a virtual doorway to some Jesus Youth fellowship. These groups are mainly of four types: JY Households, prayer groups, ministry groups and informal fellowships. JY Households are groups of committed members for sharing and mutual support often comprising of smaller cell groups; prayer groups are more open groups of joyful fellowship and faith instruction; ministry groups come together with an emphasis on mission using certain talents and/or in certain situations; and, finally, there are a number of regular and occasional gatherings, online and otherwise that gather for friendship and mutual support. What characterize all these Jesus Youth fellowships are i) prayer, ii) faith up building, and iii) warmth of relationships. Prayer forms the lifeline of these groups, and how do they pray? For prayer these groups use a) informal prayer styles in line with Charismatic spirituality as well as b) more streamlined Jesus Youth Prayer mode, more attuned to traditional Catholic community prayers. In both cases there is abundant opportunity for singing, joyful praise and spontaneous shared prayers. For faith up building Word of God, Catholic Catechism and active participation in the liturgical cycle of the Church are made use of.

3.           JY Itinerary of Holiness (The six pillars): “Proclaiming and spreading the Gospel requires that the Church do everything possible to ensure that Christian communities are capable of intensely manifesting the basic elements of a life of faith, namely, charity, witness, proclamation, celebration, listening and sharing” (Lin, 12). The movement strives to promote an active Catholic lifestyle responding to the modern-day challenges of a layperson by cultivating certain spiritual habits in each of its members, popularly known as the Six Pillars of Jesus Youth lifestyle. They are: i) Prayer: A daily quiet time with the Lord leading to an experience of the companionship of Jesus enabling one to have a joyful attitude in daily life. ii) Word of God: A regular time with the Holy Scripture that helps in shaping one’s life according to God’s will. In this way the person learns a lifestyle of seeking God’s guidance through continuous consultation. iii) Sacraments: Frequent recourse to these channels of grace helps one to lead a life of wholeness and strength. A Jesus Youth advances in holiness and receives power to fulfil the mission through the active participation in the liturgical life of the Church. iv) Fellowship: Christian life is a call to live the life of the Trinity in communion with one’s brothers and sisters in Christ through mutual support, encouragement and gentle correction. Informal relationships and groups, the JY Household, prayer groups and various Service Teams are the important forums of fellowship in Jesus Youth. v) Evangelization: The fruit of an active life with Jesus is a joyful commitment to witnessing and sharing the person and message of Jesus with others. This commitment to evangelization is the touchstone of effective Jesus Youth lifestyle. vi) Option for the poor: A willingness to serve those in need and a preferential option for the poor are the signs of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Following the footsteps of the Master, who brought the Good News to the poor, Jesus Youth stretches out a helping hand to those burdened with poverty and deprivation.

4.           Formation Programs: As faith related and personal effectiveness formation is essential for mature living there is much emphasis in the movement for formation. While Grassroots trainings take place in the context of JY fellowships, the Live-in Trainings take place in centers. There are age and stage specific formations as well as talent and mission related trainings in the movement. Yearlong Full-timer Training, Discipleship Training, Master Builders, Professionals to Mission and the like are only a few of the varied formation programs in the movement. “The formation and concern needed to sustain those already engaged in evangelization and recruiting new forces should not be limited simply to practical preparation, albeit necessary. Instead, formation and pastoral care is predominantly to be spiritual in nature, namely, a school of faith, enlightened by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and under the guidance of the Spirit, which teaches people the implications of experiencing the Fatherhood of God. People are able to evangelize only when they have been evangelized and allow themselves to be evangelized, that is, renewed spiritually through a personal encounter and lived communion with Jesus Christ” (Lin, 22).

5.           Ministries: Jesus Youth Ministries are mission-oriented groups, some talent related mission like music, media, literature, etc. while others relating to certain life situation or career related initiatives like Campus Ministry, Teens Teams, etc. But in all these groups there is emphasis on sharing of faith. “Today too, there is a need for stronger ecclesial commitment to new evangelization in order to rediscover the joy of believing and the enthusiasm for communicating the faith. In rediscovering his love day by day, the missionary commitment of believers attains force and vigor that can never fade away. Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an experience of grace and joy” (Lin, 7).

6.           The Network: As a movement, Jesus Youth is a network of fellowships and active individuals. In the movement there is a coordinating network with Jesus Youth Councils at the International level to the local grassroots level. The movement is also characterized by a wide chain of leadership net often dubbed as the “JY Family”. In spite of the complexity brought about by the multiplicity of countries, cultures and levels of involvement such a leadership rapport is maintained though certain movement gatherings, leadership travel and effective use of communication pathways. There are also a number of informal leadership networks which function quite effectively, some of them with the help of the various online facilities. Such a network is the need of the hour, as Lineamenta remarks,” the new evangelization can provide the opportunity no longer to perceive the Church's mission as a north-south or west-east dynamic but one which transcends the geographic confines of past missionary activity. Today, all five continents are fields of missionary activity. We must also seek to understand the sectors and places in life where faith is absent, not simply as a result of drifting from the faith but from never having encountered it. Transcending the geographic confines of former missionary activity means having the capacity to raise the question of God at every moment in the encounters created by the mixing and rebuilding of the fabric of society, a phenomenon which is taking place in almost every local setting” (6).

Streamlined Formation Need of the Hour

“What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life, life without end” (Lin, 15).

Path of journey of faith is at the same time the path of progress in God’s love. The movement comes across a person as a Seeker for a fuller life, often indirectly asking “what must I do . . .”(Acts 2:37). In this first Contact Phase, the movement helps the person to have a taste of the love of God, which leads him to an encounter with or an experiential knowledge of the Lord. In this second phase in the person’s walk as a Believer he or she is challenged to ‘loving God’ or actively responding to God’s love. In the third phase the Christian is challenged to ‘be transformed in the Love of God’ to become the disciple and finally he or she goes on to ‘bring others to the Love of God’ and become a Missionary.

The journey of formation is characterized by a spiritual plane, a phased guidance and a crossing of threshold. The four phased Jesus Youth formation plan can find correspondence to the four-court arrangement of the ‘Tabernacle’ starting with the ‘Court of Gentiles’ leading finally to ‘the Holy of Holies’. In the Lineamenta of the forthcoming Synod of Bishops the Pope’s there is the observation on the need of this phased leading of today’s generation: “I think that today too the Church should open a sort of "Court of the Gentiles" in which people might in some way latch on to God, without knowing him and before gaining access to his mystery, at whose service the inner life of the Church stands”(Linea, 5). The movement of the people of Old Testament times from Court of Gentiles passing through the Inner Court, Holy Place and Holy of Holies becomes an image of spiritual journey of a young person from Contact Phase through Companion, Commitment phases to the Confirmed phase. Each court was separated by a door and passing the door was a significant step in one’s progress in holiness. Today the commitment ceremony or a solemn pledge marks the transition from one stage of spiritual journey to another. Perhaps a major departure from the OT image to contemporary reality is that in the former the journey of holiness was thought to be away from wider society and the world, but in the contemporary formation a Jesus Youth is equipped to go out into the world as a witness to be light and leaven in the wider world.

Faith formation of Jesus Youth movement tries to communicate the four-part faith instruction format of the Church. The four phases of walk-in holiness and mission dubbed as Contact, Companionship, Commitment and Confirmation phases have preferential content emphasis on the four parts of Catholic Catechism respectively.

i.        Contact Phase is characterized by the new person coming with a desire to discover God and the also this loving fellowship and the teaching content has the emphasis on “What Catholics believe and why” or the core Christian doctrine. The fellowship will attempt to take the person to a personal encounter with God or a “Baptism in the Holy Spirit”.

ii.       Companion Phase is the stage of a person’s gradual growth in the relationship with the Lord and getting introduced to the life and culture of the movement. As the person is gradually introduced to movement’s ‘Itinerary of Holiness’ the person also learns “How Catholics celebrate the mysteries of the faith” or the significance of sacraments. A focused formation ending with commitment ceremony takes the person to the next phase in the movement.

iii.     Commitment Phase finds the person to be a regular member of Jesus Youth movement, committed to the ‘six pillars’ and participation in its regular fellowship, “JY Household”. Here the emphasis is on the transmission as well as living of the Catechetical content of “How Catholics are to live” or the details of the moral life proposed by the Church. Another transition in the commitment is proposed by the movement if the person decides to be Confirmed member of the movement, for which the person signs up for a guided formation ending with a formal confirmation of their commitment.

iv.     Confirmation Phase finds a Jesus Youth with leadership responsibilities in the movement, the Church and the world. Here teaching emphasis is on the deeper aspects of prayer and spirituality, especially what the Catholic Catechism speaks on “How they should pray”.

The words of Pp John Paul II finds resonance in the formation plan of the movement: “One solid cause of hope [for a new springtime of Christian life in Asia] is the increasing number of better trained, enthusiastic and Spirit-filled lay people, who are more and more aware of their specific vocation within the ecclesial community.” (Ecclesia in Asia, 9).

Conclusion

“We are facing situations which are signs of massive changes, often causing apprehension and fear. These situations require a new vision, which allows us to look to the future with eyes full of hope and not with tears of despair” (Lin, 24). In brief, Jesus Youth movement is constantly in the process of searching for effective Christian ways of addressing the complex changes facing contemporary generation in order to bring fruits of the Gospel in all situations. But “the obstacles to the new evangelization are precisely a lack of joy and hope among people, caused and spread by various situations in our world today. … This is the reason for renewing the appeal for a new evangelization, not simply as an added responsibility but as a way to restore joy and life to situations imprisoned in fear” (Lin, 25).

The prime concern of Jesus Youth movement as a whole is to discern joyful, spirit led ways of encountering the challenges of today with the joy of the Lord and building a generation imbued with the love of the Lord and zeal for the new evangelization. May the observance of the Year of Faith as well as the fruits of the forthcoming Synod of Bishops open up newer paths for the movement for the fulfilling of its mission today.