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Youth Department
Cathedral Place
3 Saratoga Avenue
Doornfontein
Johannesburg
2198
Private Bag X10
Doornfontein, 2028
Tel: +27 11 402 6400/0757
Fax: +27 11 402 6406
E-mail:
catyouth@icon.co.za
Facebook Group: cat djy, education for life, Peer Counselling.
Vicar for Youth: Fr. Vusi Sokhela +27 11 402 6400/0757 Cell: 072 4988703
vsokza@telkomsa.net
Vision Statement
Looking at the historical background of young people in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg, we realize that the youth lack the capacity to become fully human hence the need for holistic development
The Archdiocese of Johannesburg seek to “promote the holistic development of young people in Christ based on the spirit of Ubuntu”
This development includes five pillars of growth, namely: physical, emotional, intellectual, socio-political and spiritual.
- Physical: health, work, sport, hygiene, environment, appearences
- Emotional/psychological: acceptance, passion-sexuality, self esteem, self worth, self image, integration of emotions
- Intellectual: sound knowledge, critical thinking, culture of studying
- Socio-political: sense of belonging, responsibility for community, cultural values, awareness of justice
- Spiritual: healing hearts, minds and spirits, restoration of hope
We can achieve this by motivating our young people to interact and to be at home with each other.
Adults should play an accompanying role by being present among them, listening to them and contributing to their holistic development.
Mission Statement
- There is a need for a Archdiocesan Youth Department to co- ordinate, network and draw on the expertise of the deanery structures, and the bodies concerned with the youth, and to put this information at the service of the youth in the Archdiocese
- “There is a need for Archdiocese Youth structure that serves and supports local youth needs and initiatives as opposed to a centralized expensive bureaucracy”
Strategies
- Developing Youth Spirituality
In Johannesburg the youth in general are pro-Church if compared with those in other contries who are either indifferent or opposed. However, we note that many youth are joining other Churches. Therefore the problem is not the Church itself, rather it is how we celebrate and express our faith, i.e.., it is not “youth friendly”. Therefore we must try and incorporate their life experiences.
Youth spirituality will allow the youth a spiritual space where they can explore and experiment. They need a certain amount of freedom and openness in order to grow into a more mature faith integrating youth culture into essential liturgical acts and the gospel teaching.
- Youth Evangelization as Holistic Youth Development
Evangelization for the new millennium would include a holistic integration of the institutional, social and spiritual dimensions of development.
- Institutional development would include the Church promoting groups which encourage a positive self-image and outlook for young people. At the same time the Church needs to strengthen existing groups at the parish, diocesan and tertiary levels. But above all the Archdiocese needs to consider youth as priority within the local Church especially with regard to resources.
- Social development promoted as ‘holistic development’ would include: ‘personal formation’ dealing with life skills, ‘happy togetherness’ programmes and ‘community awareness’ raising human rights issues, HIV/AIDS, sexuality and substance abuse. The issue of peer-to peer ministry development especially in light of a multi-cultural society should also be encouraged.
- Spiritual development would start from the young person’s perspective including attemps to address the hunger for meaning. Adult supporters and chaplains should encourage a reflective prayerful life which enables young people to link life and faith
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Youth Parish Forum - YPF
Youth Parish Forum functions as a Consultative
Body in the Parish development of the Parish Community
And has to be established in all Parishes of the
Archdiocese as per the Synod Resolution.
STRUCTURE
Parish level:
YOUTH PARISH FORUM
| Youth Groups Program |
Youth Departments/Portfolios |
Liturgical:
- Choir
- Alter serves
- Ushers
- Proclaimers
Parish Solidarities:
- Bana ba Maria
- Masolenyana
- St. Albert youth
Peer Support groups
- Youth Alive
- Alpha
Outreach
- St. Vincent De Paul
- Modimo O Lerato
Spiritual Enrichment groups
- Charismatic Renewal
- Youth for Christ
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Missionaries of New Evangelization
Confirmation groups
- Pre- Catechumens
- Catechumens
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- Deaneries
- Liturgy
- Archdiocese News
- Graphic and Marketing
- Art and Culture
- World Youth Day
- Communication
- Catechetic
- Fund raising
- SPRED
- Evangelization
- AIDS
- Justice and Peace
- Family Life
- ACTS
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Deanery Level
Archdiocese Level
Request from Archdiocese:
Every Parish is asked to establish a Youth Parish Forum / Youth Committee. This will act as a Forum where youth together with their Priest will discuss youth issues, fundraising, youth participation and youth events.
Youth leader/s
- Lead the youth group
- Heads-up Youth Pastoral Counsel
- Represent youth on PPC and at Deanery meeting
- Coordinate youth events at Parish such as Youth Mass
- Organise annual youth camps, holiday programs, retreats and youth leadership training
- Supported by Parish Priest (Spiritual Director) and adult mentors
Requirements:
Each Parish needs to select a young person who is already active and committed in the Parish to take on the role of youth leader, with the support and encouragement of the role of youth in the Parish. This person does not necessarily have to have other leadership responsibilities in the Parish e.g. Choir leader, but should have a genuine desire to assist in establishing a youth group in the Parish. If you have difficulty finding such a young person in your Parish please contact the implementation committee.
YPF POLICY - CONSTITUTION
General Information:
-Who are the Youth?
- Teens: 13 - 15,
- Youth: 16 - 20
- Young Adults: 19 - 30, 21 - 30
-Membership
- The Parish Priest and representative of PPC shall be part of the YPF
- Each sodality/group/department (Youth) shall be granted permission to have one or two members in the Youth Parish Forum (YPF). In cases of Small youth groups, all young people can sit in the YPF.
- The Forum will elect a Coordinator/s, Chairpersons, Secretaries, Bursar, and additional members. The Coordinator and/or chairperson shall represent the Youth Forum in the PPC.
-Term of office
- The term of office of all members of the YPF shall be 3 Three years.
- In the event of any member of the YPF relinquished before the end of term of office replacement will be elected or designated, as the case may be, for the remaining period of term of office.
- No person may serve a member of the YPF for more than two (2) consecutive term of office of office after which he/she is not eligible for one term of office.
- If in the reasonable opinion of the YPF a member of the YPF is no longer able to carry out his/her YPF duties satisfactory or adequately, such a member shall be asked to relinquish his/her membership of the YPF. In such a case the Priest must be consulted and a formal vote must be taken.
- YPF cannot be suspended or dismissed without prior consultation of the Bishop or his Representative (Youth Vicar, Youth Office and YDF) and the approval of the Bishop.
-Office Bearers
- The president of the YPF will be the Priest of the Parish.
- The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretaries and Treasures will be elected by the members of the YPF and rectified by the President.
-Committees
- The YPF shall be entitled to set up Commissions, Committees, Sub-Committees and Youth Ward Desks for various purposes and aims of the YPF and appoint members of the youth and YPF to them.
- It shall be at the discretion of the YPF to appoint Office bearers for these groups or authorize their election by members of the group themselves.
-Vision
- Our vision is of a church in which young people, motivated by a personal faith in Christ, will feel accepted, valued and empowered to fully participate.
-Mission Statement
- Motivated by Christ, our Mission is to work in partnership with adults, Church and interested young People. The YFP is to ensure that young people are encouraged and affirmed on their journey of faith.
-Meetings
- The YPF shall meet at least once a month
- Minutes shall be kept of all meetings and copies submitted to all members of the YPF and be available to the youth on request.
- For the purpose of the formal vote a quorum shall be the personal presence of 50% of the members of the YPF.
- Absence must be by apology to the relevant Chairperson. Anyone who is not present at three (3) consecutive meetings without a valid apology will be deemed to have resigned.
- Each meeting of the YPF should be preceded by a discussion and drawing up of the agenda by the Secretaries and the Chairperson. This agenda should be received by all members of the YFP at least three (3) days before the meeting of the YPF.
- YPF Executive Committee should attend or represent the Parish at Deanery Meeting (YPF Executive Committee are members of YPF (Youth Deanery Forum).
- YPF chairperson is a full member of the PPC, so he/she should attend PPC meeting to present the youth of his/her Parish.
-Amendment
After consulting the Parish Priest, PPC (Including YPF Chairperson) at anytime amend any of the provision of their statutes accepting the provision of the LAW.
-Youth Group Program/Youth Sodalities
The following youth program is designed to enable Parishes to implement the youth Synod 08 resolutions. This program will assist Parishes in establishing youth groups that meet on a weekly basis in the following format:
Example of Youth Group Format (4 week cycle)
Week 1: Teaching - Talks and discussion based on Fully Alive Program E.g. Theology of the Body/Education for life
Week 2: Outreach - project run by Parish
Week 3: Bible sharing in small groups
Week 4: General assembly - testimonies, adoration, youth Mass and social interaction
Requirements:
Each Parish is required to send their young people or representatives to a deanery youth activities. Parishes are requested to assist young people to establish a youth group and provide them with the resources they need to move forward. It is of great importance that ALL YOUTH ATTEND youth gatherings in the parish, deanery, and archdiocese, not only youth leaders or active youth, as this is an initiative to empower and motivate ALL YOUNG CATHOLICS.
In addition to the above mentioned youth program we encourage Parishes to implement the following youth activities:
- Monthly/weekly youth mass
- Regular confessions
- Youth music group/ Choir
- Praise and worship
- Youth coffee shop
- Counseling program at Parish
- Social events/ Have fun or relax together now and again
The Vicar for Youth, Diocesan Youth Office and Deanery structures (chaplain, coordinators, and executive) are available to assist in these areas as needed.
Constitution of the Youth Parish Forum – Sample
1 Name
The name of this association shall be St. …………….. Youth Parish Forum
2 Vision
To know God and to serve him, the knowledge and fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10)
To be aware of God’s presence in our lives
To be a praying group and praising community
To be a responsible and active group in our church
As youth living in the challenging society, we want to remain and come back to God
As a youth group called to pray, we look forward through educational workshops – to build and to equip the youth to be leaders of tomorrow, in the church, society, at work and at school.
Through sports and recreational activities we want to build a healthy family to reach out to all members of our association.
3 Mission
“Go and preach the Gospel and if necessary use words”
To be enlightened by the word of God
To be enriched by the love of God
To reach out to the youth with care and love
To awaken Gods presence on our lives
To grow in faith and wisdom, in the light of God
To be humble in doing Gods work
4 Goals and Objectives
The end goal is:
To have a God fearing and centered youth that is knowledgeable, responsible in our church and society
A youth that is proud of who they are and what they have achieved
5 Membership
Age: The minimum age shall be 14years and the maximum age is 35years, members who are above 35 will be advisors or supporters
The group may be divided into two associated age groups, with young adults from 25 – 35
Annual fees: Every member should contribute annually
Income earners: R 100.00
Non- Income earners: R 50.00
Dress Code: Appropriate Uniform
6 Executive Committee and its Duties
Official of St ……….. Youth Forum will be composed of the following:
President: Priest in Charge
Chairperson
Deputy Chairperson
Secretary
Deputy Secretary
Treasurer
PRO
Additional Member
Duties of the Executive Committee Chairperson
The Chairperson convenes meetings in consultation with the Priest in Charge executive members or if necessary with the entire members
The Chairperson presides over all meetings and can delegate the deputy or other executive members
Approves minutes of meetings as the official records for that meeting
It is his/her duty to plan the progress of the youth organization
It is the chairperson’s duty to instill discipline in all members in keeping the regulation of the constitution
It is his/her responsibility to ensure that the parish youth is well represented at Deanery level or any other level the youth will be required
Represents the youth group permanently at the PPC, Deanery or Archdiocese level and may delegate the Deputy
Deputy Chairperson
The Deputy Chairperson assumes the above duties in the absence of the chairperson
Secretary
Makes the register of every member in the meeting, record minutes and prepare them for approval and distribution two weeks before the next meeting
Inform all committee members of the time, date and venue for meetings
Prepare agendas for all committee and other meetings
In every meeting the secretary reads documents in form of records and the minutes of meetings and make follow-ups
Type any reports required
It is the secretary’s job make sure association in alive and active
He/she keeps the records of St Francis Youth Parish Forum and passes information to members
It is the secretary’s duty to make sure that the properties of St……… Youth Parish Forum are well kept
He/ she represents the Youth group permanently at PPC or Parish/ Deanery/ Diocese levels and may delegate the deputy
Vice Secretary
He/she automatically assumes duties of the secretary when he/she is not present or when delegated or requested
He/she assists the secretary whenever necessary or delegated
Treasurer
Treasury is the Group’s Accountant
Treasurer must keep the youth funds at the Parish Office
Treasurer must always sign a receipt of income
He/ she must keep the deposit slips
It is his/her responsibilities to head fundraising
He/she keeps the financial records of the organization
He/ she is responsible for the annual financial reports of the organization
No money must be spent without the approval of the Treasurer and the chairperson and in consultation of the Priest in charge.
Public Secretary
1 Person can serve as a PRO
To make sure that the youth group is known
Handles the announcement of the youth activities
Plans the invitation of people when the youth celebrates its activities
Sees to it that the responsibilities given to the youth are done by the individuals assigned to them Organizes outings/ activities of the group in conjunction with the secretary / deputy secretary or designated members
7 Term of Office
The term of office of the committee will be three years maximum. 1 year minimum
One can be re-elected for up to 2/3 term for the same position
8 Meetings
Executive committee meetings should meet on the first weekend of every month
The general meeting will be held every second weekend of the month and all members are expected to attend and contribute meaningfully in the proceedings
Emergency meetings can be called to tackle some emergency matters. It is the duty of the PRO to make sure that the people are informed at least a Sunday before the meeting is held
At the end of the year a meeting will be held to discuss the annual activities
At least two camps or workshops are to be held in the course of the year. These should address areas like faith, vocation, duties in the church, current affairs in the society and other challenging areas of life
The third week in every month should comprise of a visitation either to a children’s home or old age home or soup kitchen or any other place where our help may be required
In the fourth week of every month we will meet on Saturday to clean the church then prepare for our youth mass (Sunday) which will e followed by a social activity
9 Duties and Responsibilities
Every member of the St ………… Youth Group is encouraged to participate actively in the parish therefore it is a must that the youth members should partake in one of the following liturgy groups:
Ushers
Readers
Altar Servers
Choir
It is also the duty of the youth to control the children during the nine o’clock mass every Sunday morning
The youth should sing during the eleven o’clock mass every Sunday morning
The youth members should also organize the Stations of the Cross or alternatively present the passion play on Good Friday
The youth should clean the church and its premises
The youth should also be involved in the poor outreach project
The youth members should assist where requested
10 Code of Conduct
Every member of the St ……. youth group is expected to behave in such a manner to respect all who belong to the association and our Church in general.
Every member is expected to bring their Bible to every meeting and failure of which will cost a fine of R 5.00
All who bear posts and office are to be accorded respect and dignities by all members and to support them so that carry out their responsibilities in the association. Likewise all the office bearers must respect all the people they are leading.
All general meetings are to be attended and failure of which will result in fine of R 25.00 or the person will be excluded from the outing of that month
Disrupting a meeting will cost a fine of R 5.00
A person who doesn’t attend 4 general meetings will be excluded from the camp
All who may disregard this code of conduct would be subjected to necessary discipline
11 Amendments of the Constitution
Every member of St …………… Youth Group is expected to adhere to the details of the constitution as soon as the Youth constitution has been inaugurated
The constitution is subject to amendment if necessary
This constitution is approved and signed on the ______________________day of our Lord in the year____________, In the presence of our parish priest Fr._________________________
YEAR PLAN 2011
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| DATE |
ACTIVITY |
VENUE |
TIME |
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January |
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| Jan 09 |
Launch of the Youth Cross in the Far East Deanery |
TBC |
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| Jan 15 |
YAF Executive meeting
YAF General Meeting
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Cathedral |
10h00
12h00 |
| Jan 22 |
WYD Meeting |
Cathdedral |
10h00 |
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February |
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| Feb 05 |
West Deanery Meeting |
Northriding |
12h30 |
| Feb 06 |
Launch of the Youth Cross in the Northern Deanery |
Rosebank |
TBC |
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March |
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| Mar 06 |
Launch of the Youth Cross in the West Deanery |
TBC |
TBC |
| Mar 12 |
YAF Executive Meeting |
Cathedral |
10h00 |
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April |
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| Apr 03 |
Launch of the Youth Cross in the Soweto Deanery |
TBC |
TBC |
| Apr 30 |
YAF General Meeting |
Cathedral |
10h00 |
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May Skills Dvelopment Month |
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| May 08 |
Launch of the Youth Cross in the South Deanery |
TBC |
TBC |
| May 28 |
Career Expo |
Cathedral |
10h00 |
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June Youth Month |
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| June 05 |
Launch of the Youth Cross in the Vaal Deanery |
Vereeniging |
TBC |
| June 25 |
Talent Explosion |
TBC |
TBC |
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July |
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| July 1-3 |
Leadership Camp |
TBC |
TBC |
| July 10 |
Launch of the Youth Cross in the Central Deanery |
TBC |
TBC |
| TBC |
World Youth Day send-offs |
Cathedral |
TBC |
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August |
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| Aug 06 |
First Group Departure to Spain Madrid (Option 1) |
O.R.Tambo |
TBC |
| Aug 11 |
Second Group Departure to Spain Madrid (Option 2) |
O.R.Tambo |
TBC |
| Aug 23 |
Return of all Puilgrims |
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September |
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| Sept 10 |
YAF Executive Meetin
YAF General Meeting |
Cathedral |
10h00
12h00 |
| TBC |
Pilgrimage to Ngome |
TBC |
TBC |
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October |
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| Oct TBC |
World Youth Day Feedback Month |
Cathedral |
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| Oct 29 |
YAF Executive Meeting &
Preparation for Youth ConferenceJuly |
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| Oct TBC |
Exam Mass ( Deanery Level) |
TBC |
TBC |
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November |
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| Nov |
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December |
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| Dec 8-11 |
Archdiocese Youth Conference and
Launching of the Youth Educational trust |
TBC |
TBC |
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