Jesus Youth Movement & More (BJMM***)

  Jesus  Youth Life-Based Apostolates  (JY India National Evaluation, Hyderabad - 10 June 2017 – Dr Edward Edezhath) Jesus Youth strives to lead people, especially the youth, to a renewed life in Christ, assists them in their growth in holiness and prepares them for the apostolate in communion with the mission of the Church (JY Statutes, 5). One very effective approach to evangelise people is through Life-Based Apostolates or Ministries (LBA). From its very inception, Jesus Youth helped young people in the educational institutions to have an encounter with the Lord and come together in fellowship. Over the years, groups of nurses, doctors, teachers, etc., sprouted in the movement. Children’s groups, teens’ networks, family groups, etc., are also strong in the movement. “The apostolate in one’s social environment endeavours to infuse the Christian spirit into the mentality and behaviour, laws and structures of the community in which one lives. To such a degree is it the s...

Jesus Youth Prayer Meeting (Input by Dr. Edward Edezhath - JYIFT, Lamluka, Bangkok, Thailand, on 25 July 2010) A Prayer meeting is a gathering of men and women whose lives are centered on the Lord Jesus and whose relationships are built around a prayer meeting and other shared activities. Prayer meetings are the means by which Jesus Youth grows and spreads. They frequently have a powerful impact on individuals. For many people, the initial contact with a prayer group involves a new encounter with the Lord. Subsequently, weekly gatherings for praise, teaching, and cells provide persons with continuing support for personal growth. What is a prayer meeting? Important Elements  Although there ought not to be a fixed formula for a prayer meeting, most prayer groups over the years seem to have adopted the following basic format in general: Frequency and Duration  Once a week for at least 1 ½ hrs (A variety of other forms are also possible) 4 CORNERS OF A PRAYER MEETING i. Praise ...

Jesus Youth Prayer Group Prayer groups, Small Groups (Cells), and JY Households are the three most essential fellowships of the Jesus Youth movement. A Jesus Youth Cell is a small group that meets frequently to share in an atmosphere of prayer and grow into a witnessing community in the guidance of the Spirit. A Jesus Youth Prayer Group is a larger fellowship of committed individuals coming together to grow as disciples of Jesus and empowered to build up His Kingdom in the context of the darkness around.  A prayer group focuses on building a lively Christian fellowship centered on building the members' relationship with the Lord through praise, worship, and faith-building gatherings. The fruit of the members' faith life is manifested in various missionary initiatives of individuals and groups that flow out of it. Such initiatives of a prayer group can include outreaches to people in need, celebrating the common festivals (Easter, Onam, Christmas, etc.) in a Christian way, aware...

Jesus Youth: Its Character, Nature, and Culture (By Dr. Edward Edezhath - at "Serviam 2025" Jesus Youth America Leaders Meet on 14 March 2025) 1. What Characterizes Jesus Youth? Jesus Youth (JY) is a movement deeply rooted in the love of God and a joyful commitment to His mission. Our key characteristics include: • Love of God – A deep and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, nurtured through prayer and sacramental life. • Warm Community Spirit – A family-like atmosphere where friendships are formed and faith is shared in a spirit of love and support. • Vision of God’s Kingdom – A missionary outlook that sees the world as God’s vineyard, calling each person to be a witness of His love. • Charism of Enthusiasm – A contagious energy that inspires and motivates individuals to live and share their faith joyfully. 2. What People See in Jesus Youth To those who encounter Jesus Youth, the movement is known for: • Attractive Programs & Training – ...

How to Kill a Jesus Youth Initiative —Nicely! (By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Shared in Jesus Youth group, Cochin on February 10, 2018, reworked for Nicole Samuel, USA on Oct.3, 2014) In every movement, especially in Jesus Youth (JY), new ministries often emerge from the passion and enthusiasm of one individual or a small group of like-minded people. These pioneers see a need, feel a calling, and take action. Before long, their spark of passion grows into a vibrant initiative—a living network of fruitfulness that impacts others and spreads like wildfire. But wait. Before grabbing your pom-poms and cheering for these visionaries, let’s talk about something important. Not everyone loves change. In fact, nothing unsettles the status quo more than fresh, creative ideas. While new initiatives bring life, energy, and vision, they also have a strange ability to upset the apple cart—especially for those who enjoy how things currently are. So, what do you do when you see such a movement rising? Well,...

Can a good Catholic join the Onam celebrations? (Dr. Edward Edezhath) Sibi came to me with a serious doubt. “I hear different views on Onam. Isn't it something unchristian? They also say that our participation in such non-Christian practices is the reason for many of the curses and misfortunes in life.” I shared my experience and some thoughts with Sibi. I come from Kerala and have a very active Catholic faith background. Looking back to my childhood days, the cultural festivals of my place were occasions for everyone to gather to share love and fellowship. There were Christmas, Onam, Vishu, and other joyful festival days. Each had specific celebrations. Onam and Vishu were known for the good ‘Sadhya’ or nice vegetarian meal. For Christmas, there were stars and decorations and Carols.  In my village, where Hindus and Christians lived in harmony, everyone celebrated all these festivals. These were beautiful occasions of love and sharing.  These celebrations were not limited to ...

  Missionary Formation in Jesus Youth and the Synodal Path  (By Dr. Edward Edezhath- published in Jesus Youth International Newsletter, 2022) Some memories linger. I was at a Catholic college for a talk for teachers. A religious sister asked me, “What do you do in your campus gatherings?” Wow, what is the problem now? I thought to myself. I started telling her about the various sessions on a typical weekend for leaders. But she interrupted me, “One quiet girl in my class went for a Jesus Youth weekend and returned completely changed. She addressed the class, and it touched the students so much that several initiatives have been happening ever since. How do you motivate youngsters in this way?” Oh, that’s all; I was relieved. She was amazed about the newfound missionary fervor in her student.  This question has come up repeatedly: “How do these youngsters get motivated to make a new commitment? And we don’t find this happening in many other trainings!” Recently, a chaplain...