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FIRE PENTECOST-2021,PURANGA PARISH.pptSEMINAR ONE-2017
FOR STUDENTS AND THE YOUTHS
(OF IKINU CATHOLIC PARISH-KIAMBU,NAIROBI ARCHDIOCESE-KENYA)
By:Br. Churchill Ojok
THEME: “GOD THE FATHER LOVES YOU PERSONALLY”
“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I called you by your name, you are mine .You are precious in my eyes and I love you” (ISAIAH 43: 1-4)
GOD THE FATHER LOVES ME Today we want to lay the foundation for a committed Christian life. We want to take the first step towards becoming changed; transformed Christians. And the first step is to know the basic truth about the Love of God: GOD IS NOT FAR AWAY, HE IS VERY NEAR TO ME AND HE LOVES ME PERSONALLY
In order to grasp this truth properly we must clear up some wrong ideas about God.
1.Many African people tell stories of how in the beginning God was near to them, but then He moved away (for example when calamities and misfortunes befall us e.g. when there is no rain for a long time we think that God has forgotten us, now He is far away and difficult to reach).
Gen.3:8
-It explains that God does not go away from us when we sin; rather it is the sinner who moves away from God. God does not reject the sinner; rather the sinner rejects God.
-God has always wanted to be close to humanity (think of Abraham, Moses, the prophets.)He finally sent His son Jesus to be one of us, because He loves us. “For God loved the world so much that He gave His only son, so that everyone who believed in Him may not die but have eternal life.’(John 1:16).
He tells us:
“You burdened me with your sins, you wore me out with the wrong you committed .And yet, I am the God who forgave your sins and I do this because of who I am. I will not hold your sins against you”.(Read Isaiah 43:1-5).
3. Another wrong picture is that God created us and left us. He is no longer interested in us. He is present but does not care about us.
OBSTACLES TO RECEIVING GOD THE FATHER’S LOVE
1. Misconceptions of who God is;
We may see him as a policeman who punishes, or as a God who is distant from us when annoyed. Our childhood concepts of God being an old man with a long beard and big eyes that see everything we are doing may bring fear to our heart and prevent us from receiving his love.
3. Self-rejection:
Here we may not have accepted ourselves as we are. This is often as a result of past hurts and wounds when people around us may have pointed out our weaknesses, defects or compared us with other people who may have been more beautiful, more handsome, more clever or more hardworking, more wealthy. This brought about bitterness in our lives and we rejected God’s work in us.
4. Effects of missing the love of our earthly fathers:
This area affects many people and is often the biggest obstacle to receiving God the Father’s love as we super-impose our disappointments, hurts, anger and the bitterness against our earthly fathers on God the Father. We tend to compare God with our earthly fathers and hence cannot experience his love in our lives. We would like to dwell more on this area so as to improve our image of God the Father.
IMAGES OF GOD THE FATHER AS COMPARED TO OUR EARTHLY FATHER’S:
(a).Due to death of our earthly fathers, we may have never experienced a father’s love. God the Father is the Father of Fathers. He is a father to the orphans (see Deut. 10:18). If we open our hearts to Him, he will become a true father to us and fill the gap that our earthly fathers have left.
IMAGES OF GOD THE FATHER AS COMPARED TO OUR EARTHLY FATHER’S:
(a).Due to death of our earthly fathers, we may have never experienced a father’s love. God the Father is the Father of Fathers. He is a father to the orphans (see Deut. 10:18). If we open our hearts to Him, he will become a true father to us and fill the gap that our earthly fathers have left (c) You may have been as rejected or unwanted child. God the Father always receives us. He speaks to us through his prophet Isaiah 49:15-16,”Does a woman forget her baby at the breast, or fail to cherish the son of her womb? Yet even if these forget, I will never forget you. See I have branded you in the palm of my hands”
The Father can never forget us; He can never reject us even though our earthly father may have done so.
(d) You may have been an abused child. Perhaps you were regularly abused sexually or physically by being dominated or beaten etc. God the Father knows your suffering. His own son our Lord Jesus Christ was crushed for our sins. Yet ours was the suffering he bore (see Isaiah. 53:1-5)
(e) Possibly you were considered a failure by your earthly father. May be you have not measures up to the standard your father expected you to. God the Father never fails us. He loves us for who we are. He has called us his children (1John. 3:10).
STEPS TO FREEDOM AND HEALING
-Despite what we have experienced in our lives, we need to open our hearts to the Father, we need to allow him to perform his surgery on our hearts and hence heal the wounds of our past hurts.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. What are the causes of “mistrust in God” in our society today?
2. What should be done to bring more young People in the Church today?
3. What normally cause Students and the Youths to hate their Parents?
4. What lessons have you learned from the entire session of this morning?
5. Assuming you are a Leader, what would you do to promote your Christians in the Church?
IN ORDER TO RECEIVE HIS HEALING, HERE ARE SOME NECESSARY STEPS THAT WE NEED TO TAKE.
1-Acknowledge your need for healing
2-Ask God to reveal to you when you got a wrong picture of Him and why?
3-Forgive your parents and others who may have hurt you.
4-Welcome back your father into your life and honor him (Ex. 20:12)
5-Repent of all bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness.
6-Receive the love of the Father and His forgiveness CONCLUSION:
Just as Jesus experienced the love of the Father during his baptism at the Jordan, the same Father calls you today; “You are my beloved son (daughter). My favour rests on you”. Mt.3:17.
Today Father speaks the same words to you. He wants to pour out his abundant love into your heart. Here and now receive God’s love.
THE END
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
BE BLESSED
SEMINAR TWO-2017
FOR STUDENTS AND THE YOUTHS
By: Br. Churchill Ojok
THEME: “RECEIVING AND GRANTINGING FORGIVINESS”
“And if he wrongs you seven times a day and seven times he comes back to say I am sorry, you must forgive him”
(Luke. 17:4).
WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?
Read Matthew 18:21-35.
Forgiveness is releasing a person from bondage. It means by not forgiving we have put someone in an inner jail. Whether this issue of forgiveness is big or small it ties the person and locks him in jail. He/she is in bondage and we too are in bondage by the same act of forgiveness. If a bird is put in a cage or tied with a string or a chain it cannot fly. One has to break loose the string or chain that ties it. Jesus came to set us free. We receive our freedom when we forgive those who have wronged us.
HOW DOES UNFORGINENESS OCCUR?
1. Directing hurting: This means someone is hurt directly by another, saying during a quarrel or an exchange of bad words between the two parties, through beating or sexual abuse etc.
2. Secondary hurting: Forgiveness occurs through rumours. A person gets to know something said about him/her but has facts. He/her is hurt.
3. Third party hurting: A friend or close relative is badly wounded by another person. So I am indirectly hurt.e.g a girl becomes pregnant and the mother is indirectly hurt by this circumstances.
4. Hurting oneself: This is through shame and scandal caused by my personal sin and bad behavior.
5. Hurting psychologically: This come about my interpretation of someone else(s) as intending to hurt me and it causes turmoil in me.
WHY SHOULD I FORGIVE?
It is Jesus ‘command to forgive: Mt. 6:14-15 Forgiveness is part of His kingdom culture. Jesus says “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Every forgiveness carried by a person is like hiding a stone under a mat and pretending that things are fine. Eventually such a mat becomes very uncomfortable to sit on. Similarly, if our lives are full of forgiveness, it becomes uncomfortable for the Holy Spirit to live in such a temple (we are temples of the Holy Spirit).
CONSEQUENCES OF UNFORGIVENESS:
-Unforgiveness has consequences on our bodies and causes a lot of sickness/illness
E.g.; High blood pressure, ulcers, diabetes, skin rash…etc.
-It can cause depression, lack of joy and lack of appetite.
WHOM SHOULD I FORGIVE?
A). self: If you have confessed your sins, God has forgiven you, but you also need to forgive yourself.
B). others: People who have hurt me intentionally. Others hurt me unintentionally. People in authority hurt me. The dead should also be forgiven.
C). God: I am hurt by the death of loved ones, lost property through calamity and by my inability to perform because of academic or financial limitations. Then I begin to blame God (often unconsciously). I need to forgive Him too.
PRACTICAL WAYS OF FORGIVING;
A). A person, where possible, need s to communicate forgiveness in the name of Jesus (through letters, by phone, sitting down together)
B). He/she bless the one who has caused hurts.
C). He/she must forgive “seventy times seven” which means unlimited times.
D). Offering Mass for the dead who have hurt me.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. Why some young people find it very difficult to forgive?
2. Suggest some areas which may force you never to receive any apology of some body?
3. Why some people find it difficult to go for the sacrament of Reconciliation?”Penance”?
4. Which group of people in the society mostly affected by the issues of forgiveness/unforgiveness?
5. What Lessons have you learned from the topic of Forgiveness?
THE END
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
BE BLESSED
GENERAL REFLECTION ONE
THEME OF THE FIRST REFLECTION
“YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART”
(Deut.6:4-6)
MEDITATE DEEPLY ON THESE POINTS
1. Do I really love God and obey his commandments? Do I profess my faith in God and in the Church and act as a Christian in public and in private? Have I rejected all doubts, all words against faith? Do I judge everything in the light of the word of God?
2. Do I trust in the mercy of God and the merits of Jesus in all temptations, in the difficulties of my daily life, in all problems of my community life, country and the world?
3. Do I love God the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, doing everything only for His greater glory; living in his presence; conversing with Him?
4. Am I doing all the prayers ordered by my rules; worthily, attentively and devotedly, often meditating on the word of God?
5. Do I cultivate a special devotion to the sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Blessed Virgin Mary?
Am I doing all possible apostolate with Christian and missionary courage?[1]
THEME OF SECOND REFLECTION
“YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS JESUS LOVES HIM”
(JOHN 15:12-13)
1.Do I truly love other people or do I use them for selfish ends? Do I forgive?
2.Do I bear with others’ limits? Do I share what I have with others? Am I a source of peace and joy to those with whom I live and work? Am I just, conscientious, honest in my work?
3. Do I tell the truth? Do I violate the rights of others to reputation, honor, property and physical integrity? Do I cherish suspicions, doubts, rash judgment, discrimination, antipathy, resentments, longing to vindicate myself and mortify others?
4.Do I report defects to others, murmuring, back-biting, grumbling, and gossiping?
5.Do I rejoice with those who rejoice and suffer with those who suffer? Am I patient with contradictions,corrections,sufferings?Am I ready to endure sacrifices for others ?Do I work hard for love of my neighbor ?Am I humble ,trying to serve and not to be served?[2]
THEME OF THE THIRD REFLECTION
“BE PERFECT AS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PERFECT”
(MT 5:48)
1.Do I really believe in eternal life and live as if I believed in it? Do I use my time and talents as a good servant of the Lord? Do I bear the sorrows and difficulties of life with patience and faith? Do I follow the inspirations of God? Do I guard against love of money?:luxurious possessions; comforts in food, room, clothes, too good appearance?
2.Do I dispose of anything without the permission of my Parents or those who are in authority or in a different way ordered by them? Am I careful and parsimonious with everything I use?
3.Am I generous with the poor, through some personal sacrifice? Do I work hard to help the poor? Do I trust in Divine Providence and pray to God for the necessary means for the family, community, country and the world for evangelization?
4. Do I keep perfect Holiness of mind, heart and body? Do I avoid every unnecessary occasion of danger? Am I mortified about drinks, books, films, Phones, radio, television, friendships? Do I pray and meditate often in regard to my total commitment to God, sharing intimately in the paschal mystery of my lord Jesus?
5.Do I respect, love and obey my Leaders; The Pope, the Bishops, Church Leaders, School administration, Teachers and Parents; promptly, willingly, trying to subject even my mind? Do I criticize them out of selfishness or antipathy? Am I open and loyal with them in my difficulties to obey? Do I keep the rules of the School and the Law of the Country? Do I keep proper time for all my duties? [3]
THE END,THANKS FOR LISTENING
Prepared By: Churchill Ojok Email: churchilljk2@gmail.com
Prepared By: Churchill Ojok Email: churchilljk2@gmail.com
Prepared By: Churchill Ojok Email: churchilljk2@gmail.com
SEMINAR THREE-2017
FOR STUDENTS AND YOUTHS
BY: Br.Churchill Ojok
What does the Church expect from you? Mt.5:48
1. Active Participation in the Church during the Holy Mass. This is done through: dancing, preparing prayers of the faithful, arranging chairs in the church, helping in directing other young people towards the holy life
2. Visiting sick people including your fellow friends to console and give them hope in life.
3. Employing Energy, skills and modern technology in the evangelization. Use whatever gifts and talents you have in order to get more blessings from God.
4. Church contribution. The entire Church expects young people to contribute as much as they can thus will create some hope and trust among the Christians. For example, facilitating fundraising and Harambee for the good of your local Church.
5. Creating Unity and Love in the Church. This will portray you as the real followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself tells the Apostles to love one another and be united in order to ashame the devil. Avoid bringing and mixing family issues in the Church.
6. Self-respect. This can be done in many ways such as; use of good languages, dress code, self-control and many others. This will motivate our young brothers and sisters who are coming up to replace us.
7. Reading the word of God always. Word of God gives solution to every problem in our life.
8. being open to one another. Sharing with one another will help you to grow well spiritually and psychologically without any mental disturbance.
CONCLUSION
We pray that the unique contribution of the Students and youths to the life of the Church may be recognized and supported always.
THE END
SEMINAR FOUR-2017
FOR STUDENTS AND THE YOUTHS
By: Br. Churchill Ojok
THEME:
ANGER MANAGEMENT
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
JAMES 1:19-20
WHAT IS ANGER?
-Anger is a natural emotion. Mild forms of anger include displeasure, irritation or dislike. Anger can come as a reaction to criticism, threat, or frustration. This is usually a healthy response. -Anger may be a secondary response to feeling sad, lonely or frightened.
-When anger turns into rage, it can impair judgment and thinking, making people more likely to do and say unreasonable and irrational things.
-Anger is a normal human emotion, but when it gets out of control it can become destructive, leading to serious problems at work and in personal relationships. It can undermine a person's quality of life.
ANGER MANAGEMENT
-Anger management involves skills of recognizing the signs of anger, and taking action to deal with the situation in a positive way. It does not mean holding the anger in or avoiding angry feelings. Anger is a normal, healthy emotion when expressed appropriately.
-Anger management teaches people how to recognize frustrations at an early stage, and to settle them in a way that allows the person to express their needs, while remaining calm and in control.
In considering anger management there are four broad approaches identified by the “four as”:
1. AWARENESS.
Acknowledging your anger. You have the right to feel angry in certain circumstances.
Get behind the defence mechanisms employed to deny or distort anger.
Listen to your body; experience emotion
2. ACCEPTANCE.
No good telling ourselves you are not angry if you are.
Take responsibility of what you do in anger. Anger by itself is neutral but if misdirected it can lead to destructiveness.
3. ANALYSIS
Ask what anger is about; is it a response to threat? If so what
Identify the trigger then move past it and examine the beliefs that are causing that anger and ask if they are valid.
Check if your perceptions of a situation are distorted in any way.
Is there a message behind the anger?
4. APPROPRIATE ACTION
Choose how to express or release the anger.
Work it out of the system; displacement.
-Talk about it.
-Pray about it.
-Decide to forgive
REMARKS
It is said with some justification that other people do not make us angry. They merely activate some dynamic that is already operating within us. We may not know what this is but it provokes an angry reaction.
RAUMATIC STRESS AND ANGER
SELF-REFLECTION
1. List the people and situations you are angry with.
2. Does your anger make good sense? Do you believe you have sufficient cause to be angry? Is it proportion to the event that provoked it? Does it feel like something from the past?
3. What do you do your anger?
4. Which of the above responses are constructive and which are destructive?
5. How can you stop your anger from damaging you?
CONCLUSION
Whoever is patient has great understanding. Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 16:32
TALKS AND REFLECTIONS TO Y.C.S-2017
(IKINU CATHOLIC PARISH,KIAMBU-NAIROBI ARCHDIOCESE-KENYA)
BY:
BR. CHURCHILL OJOK CHRIS
+254701470353
churchilljk2@gmail.com
FIRST TALK
THEME:
ORDERLY WORSHIP
1Corinthians,14:26
-We must be united and organized in order to Praise and worship the Lord.We should also use well our different gifts from the Holy Spirit.
THE MAIN ROLE OF YOUNG CHRISTIAN STUDENTS
Animation of mass.
Every Student is given a chance to animate mass every new semester through:dancing,preparing prayers of the faithful,arranging chairs in the church.
This will ensure active involvement of the Catholic youth at their schools in the preparation and the celebration of the Mass and Church activities.
Visit to Sick People and fellow members who are in problems.
•If a member is sick, representatives sent on behalf of the group to visit , pray and give him or her words of encouragement.
•Small contribution is made to help fellow youth in trouble to address his/her situation.
•Arrange for fundraising if further help such as problem with clearing fees, rent and even buying food.
Fun day and end of semester bash
Young Students organize for fun activities such as dance, playing football and having a meal together.
•During an end of semester bash they share about their challenges and their strengths experience during the semester.They also cook food which they eat together and even give some awards to their leaders.
-Arrange social & educational activities for the youth, i.e. sports, drama, music, seminars, cultural exchange.
AS AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER OF THE GROUP
•Promote spirituality and build the Kingdom of God among the youth.
•Improve the social, spiritual, educational and economic status of the youth within the Parish.
1.Know each other as brothers & sisters in Christ.
2.Listen to the WORD OF GOD & find out how to apply it in his/her daily lives.
3.Pray for the coming of the Kingdom of God.
4.Do accepted ACTION to serve the local community.
EXPECTED RESULTS
•Helps young Catholics to feel part of the Church and become more responsible for the Church life and decision-making.
•YCS encourages stronger interpersonal relationships, acceptance of the Word of God, reflection about life based on teaching of the Gospel.
•The youth becomes active agents of evangelization to one another and beyond.
-The youth open up to prayer and listen to the Word of God especially during the YCS gatherings
•YCS is a place where youth meet and share the needs, experiences and concrete life issues for example sex, boy girl relationship, media and unemployment in relation to the teaching of the Church.[1]
THE END
SECOND TALK
THEME:
EVERY SUCCESS NEEDS SACRIFICE
JOHN.9:4-7
“We must do the work of Him who sent us…in order to Succeed”
Challenges Faced By Y.C.S and entire Young People in the Church
1. Limited understanding of the different between YCS, and other small apostolic groups of the church. i.e. the ‘Charismatic Group’, ‘Evangelizers of the Word’, dance troop, choir, Legion of Mary etc.
2. Misconception of time.Some students see YCS as a waste of time hence don’t attend meetings.
3. Phobia of Prayers and Christian Objects. Some Students have created a very bad mentality in their lives. They are psychologically being ruled by fear and illusion.
4. Financial challenges. Most of the members are unable to contribute or join in an activity which may involve spending money.
5. Immature Love Relationship. People are created differently; some young Boys and Girls join the group in order to target someone for sexual relationship which may not be the case with the one who have joined the group with the intention of serving God and living good life in future. This may lead to silent disappearance of some members.[2]
6. Lack of Faith in God. Some members are still down spiritually; they have little faith and trust in God’s wonder. When the situation becomes hard in life they have to jump out of the Church.For example Hard temptations like jobs,studies,etc.
SOME SOLUTIONS
1.Personal Prayers and Meditation.
2.Self Respect and control of life.
3.Regular Reading of the word of God.
4.True Love of Christ and Happiness among members. John.20:20
5.Be your self,avoid pretending and following any thing blindly.
6.Take responsibility for your actions.Avoid blame games
7.Truth, Honesty and good Actions especially in doing charitable works.[3]
CONCLUSION
THANK YOU
FOR LISTENING,
SEE YOU NEXT WEEK
GOD BLESS YOU
BYE…….
THIRD TALK
THEME:
“MAIN SOURCES OF CHRISTIAN FAITH”
INTRODUCTION:
-Some People mistakenly says that every Christian truth must be taken from the Bible only, any thing which is not written in the Bible is wrong. This is completely not True.
-The truth is that; The Bible contains Truth but not every truth is written in the Bible. There are some other Christian Sources of Truth.
IN SUMMARY
1. Scripture/Bible
2.Tradition
3.Reason
4.Experience
1.SCRIPTURE/BIBLE
The Christian Bible is made up of books that were written over the course of more than 1,000 years. Old Testament, is mostly shared with the Jewish people, New Testament, tells the story of Jesus and the early Christian community. Some Christians believe that every word in the Bible is literal truth while others see it as literature that provides a valuable moral foundation.
2.TRADITION
This is a list of beliefs that were passed down from Jesus to his followers, and on to their followers until they reached Christians today. It means also the approaches that guide different Christian groups' interpretations of the Bible.
3. REASON
Christians often use reason, like tradition, to help determine how to understand the Bible well.For example there are many moral issues which are not written in the Bible but you have to use reasoning to make a Choice.
4.EXPERIENCE
Most Christians also consider experience, which includes people's five senses as well as their thoughts and feelings, to be an important source of theological understanding since they are real and Christians must be able to explain it.
CONCLUSION
The Christian religion has many denominations, and each of them takes a slightly different approach to the various sources of Christian Faith but all are surrounded with these four. Even those groups that tend to consider only Bible still accept the biblical canon, which was established through early Christian tradition.[4]
FORTH TALK
THEME:
“CENTRALITY OF THE WORD OF GOD IN Y.C.S”
FAMINE FOR THE WORD OF GOD
“Yes, days are coming, says the Lord God, when I will send famine upon the land: not a famine of bread or thirst for water, but for hearing the Word of the Lord” (Amos 8:11)
SESSION’S CONTENTS
1.The Bible is the Word of God for our salvation
2.How can we re-assure the people of God that the Gospel brings joy in their lives?
3.The role of a Priest/Catechist/Brother in the promotion of the Word of God in Y.C.S. [5]
1. THE BIBLE – THE WORD OF GOD
•Single collection of the sacred books - the “Canon” of Sacred Scripture:
•Collection of books considered by
the Church to be inspired by the Word of God.
•The two parts of the Bible, the Old Testament (with 46 books according to Catholic Church Teaching) and the New Testament (with 27 books).
OUTCOME
“The Word of God for our Salvation”
•OUTCOME OF PUTTING THE WORD OF GOD AT THE HEART AND CENTRE OF LIFE OF Y.C.S MEMBERS ARE:
1. They familiarize themselves with the Word of God.
2. They become an evangelizing community of young people.
3.They relate the Word of God to their daily life experiences.
4.They seek and find answers to their concrete life questions from the Word of God.
5.They use the teaching of the Word of God to interpret and act upon their complex social world. [6]
2. THE GOSPEL BRINGS JOY TO LIFE
How can we re-assure the people of God that the Gospel brings joy in their lives?
a. Recognition of God who comes to meet us where we are:
•God who invites people into a relationship as an experience of salvation.
All creation shares in the joy of salvation – Articulated by Prophet Zephaniah:
“The Lord, your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives you the victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing, as on a day of festival” (Zeph 3:17).
b. The Word that comes from God gladdens the heart [7]
•It happened to Mary when she received the Good News of Jesus’ incarnation. “Rejoice!” is the angel’s greeting to Mary (Lk 1:28). Mary’s visit to Elizabeth makes John leap for joy in his mother’s womb (cf. Lk 1:41). In her song of praise, Mary proclaims: “My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour” (Lk 1:47).
c. The Message of Jesus leads us to experiencing the joys of salvation: •When Jesus begins his ministry, John cries out: “For this reason, my joy has been fulfilled” (Jn 3:29). Jesus says, “I have said these things to you, so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (Jn 15:11).
He promises his disciples: “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (Jn 16:20). We see that the disciples “rejoiced” (Jn 20:20) at the sight of the risen Christ. “there was great joy” while proclaiming the message of salvation, (Act 8:8); even amid persecution (Act13:52).
3. THE ROLE OF A PRIESTS/CATECHIST/BROTHER IN THE PROMOTION OF THE WORD OF GOD IN Y.C.S
a. The Word of God in Y.C.S prepares ground for Christian Formation/Catechesis:
•help prepare members for Christian formation and catechesis.
•help many people to come to faith,and for young students to come back to sacraments and to some joining various vocations in the Church. i.e. (baptism,confirmation,Eucharist,Penance or confession, anointing of the sick,Ordination and matrimony.
•help people to commit themselves to bring the Good News of Christ into their daily life.
b.Provide personal accompaniment to the Y.C.S - examples:
• help people to appreciate the place of the Word of God in their Christian life i.e. invite Y.C.S leaders for a workshop on the Bible and explore different methods of Bible sharing.
• promote Y.C.S retreats with emphasis on the saving power of the Word of God.
• promote reading of Bible and Bible stories to youth and children.
• present Bible reflection programmes on radio, video or social media etc.
c. Agents of Evangelization to make the Word of God personal before animating others:
• “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Mt 12:34) – ‘nothing from nothing’.
Jesus, to the Pharisees; “You tie heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger to move them” (Mt 23:4).
• Today people prefer to listen to witnesses: they “thirst for authenticity” and “call for evangelizers to speak of a God whom they themselves know and are familiar with, as if they were seeing him” [EG 151].
d. The sharing of the Word of God in Y.C.S to promote a Spiritual experience/encounter:
• The Word of God invites us to reflect on:What does this text say to me? What is it about my life that God want me to change by this text? What troubles me about this text? Why am I not interested in this? Or perhaps: What do I find pleasant in this text? What is it about this word that moves me? What attracts me? Why does it attract me?”
•Sincere self-reflection and soul searching then honestly present ourselves before Him.
e. The Word of God in Y.C.S speaks to our Real Life situation where we are:
•Intention of Word of God in Y.C.S Program is to speak to young people in their actual situation and its message must be linked to the human situation of the community.
•Speaks in their ordinary human experiences of joy, sorrow, fears, compassion, uncertainties, concern for the loved ones and fraternity.
•evoke a sense of mission of the members of Y.C.S. [8]
THE END
THANKS FOR LISTENING
BE BLESSED
FIFTH TALK
THEME:
CHALLENGES BROUGHT BY GLOBALIZATION IN CHRISTIAN LIFE
“IN YOUTH’S PERSPECTIVE”.
SEARCH FOR GOD ALWAYS
“seek the things from above where Christ sits at the right hand of God”
[Colossians 3:1-4]
GLOBALIZATION
Globalization:
Is the process of interaction and integration among the people, companies and governments of different nations? It has many negative and positive effects on peoples ‘ways of life for example; spiritually, economically, culturally, etc.
COMMON TYPES OF GLOBALIZATION TODAY
1. Religious Globalization.
-Many religions/denominations
-Leadership struggle in the Church.
-Confusion in Evangelization
2. Sexual Globalization.
-Youth involvement in sexual oriented things.
-Ignoring sacraments of the Lord
-Cheating one another in the name of true love.
-Misuse of sex as being adopted from western world.
3. Economic Globalization
-Exchange of Christian values and characters for money
-Rich becomes richer and poor becomes poorest.
4. Globalization of witchcraft
-Creating winners and losers.
-Backsliding from Christian faith and trust in God mean while doing other things which cannot give glory to God.
5. Technological Globalization
-Feeling like attending masses and other church activities by skypes, T.V, Radios, etc
-Downloading dirty things from the internet which may contradict Christian life.
SOME POSITIVE IMPACTS OF GLOBALIZATION
Modern Means of Evangelization
Protection of Human Rights
Improved quality of Education
Better Health System
Improved Infrastructures
Improved social life and interaction.
etc
SOME NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF GLOBALIZATION
-Destruction of Catechism and other Christian values given to us by the Church.
-Satanism (Godlessness).betraying Christian life for other satanic things.
-Lack of forgiveness and heart of compassion among young people.
-Vulgarity.Use of bad languages, Slogans and violence by young people in the church.
-Poor dressing codes among youth in the Church. For example some people may decide to dress provocatively.
-Family breakage (pretending to love each other)
-Lack of innovative thinking. Globalization is against thinking ability.
Ø Romans 12:1-3(Change your life …)
-Use of emotions to solve problems or crisis among youth in the church.
-Sexual attachments. Everything is done as affiliated to sex.
-Disappearance of culture of services and sacrifices. E.g. giving contributions and working for the Church.
SOME SOLUTIONS
-Strengthening prayer life and receiving the sacraments of the Lord.
-Trustfulness
-Transparency
-Modestness
-Accountability
-Sanctity/living holy life as Christian youth
-True Love for God and neighbors. “Mathew 22:37-39” (love your God with all your heart…and your neighbors…)
SOME QUESTIONS TO BE DISCUSSED IN THE GROUPS BY THE MEMBERS
1. Identify economic challenges brought by Globalization in Christian life in your Diocese?
2. Identify witchcraft challenges brought by Globalization in your society?
3. How could we (youth) change our schools/groups to be centers of moral transformation?
4. Identify key challenges or the causes of conflict between old Christian believers and young believers (youth) in our church today?
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Ø If youth in the Church courageously put Jesus to be the driver of their life, Satan cannot ask for a leave from them.
Ø If youth decide to be the Temple of the Holy Spirit, Satan cannot come to look for their company.
Faith has to be lived; not just only by talking and it has to be our culture in order to maintain our Christian values. “James 2:18”[9]
THE END
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
BE BLESSED
SIXTH TALK
THEME:
DEALING WITH STRESS
“LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED.BELEIVE IN GOD; BELIEVE ALSO IN ME”
“JOHN 14:1”.
WHAT IS STRESS?
STRESS: Is your Body’s way of responding to any kind of demand.
It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. Too much stress can lead to health problems.
SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS OF STRESS
-Low energy and eating less.
-Headaches
-Loneliness and Isolation.
-Thinking and Memory Problems.
-Upset Stomach
-Aches /unclear pain
-Chest pain and rapid heartbeats
-Sleep problems
-Loss of sexual desire and or ability ,etc.
COMMON REASONS FOR STRESS AT SCHOOL
1. Fear of Failure
Students who have struggled in school for many years often come to high school with a history of setbacks. Past failures can make the demands of high school feel even greater.
2. Tougher Academics and More Responsibilities
The academic demands increases with every year of high school. Even if Students have made great strides in primary school, they know the work will get more challenging. At the same time, they are increasingly expected to self-advocates for what they need.
3. Social Pressures
Social situations can also be a source of stress for teens. They can feel pressure to fit in, to be popular and to have a lot of friends whether these are real friends or not. And as teens become more independent, they may find themselves in new and possibly risky situations where they need to make tough choices.
4. Uncertainty About the Future
In high school, students have to start thinking about what kind of career they want to pursue. They also have to choose a path: college, work, vocational training. He or She will have to go through a formal process to plan that transitions. But that alone may not lessen the stress.
5. Concerns About College
Just thinking about college can be stressful for students with learning and attention issues. But the process of getting there can create specific stressors. These include college entrance exams, filling out, tests applications and choosing a school
6. Immature sexual relationship
There are very many confusions arising from the issues of immature sexual relationship at schools. Students who are involved in much sexual relationship are likely to get more stress than those who are less involved. E.g. stress from their partners.
7. External events
External events such as Political, Religious and Economic. These events, if a Student takes it personally he or she may get serious stress for nothing.
SOME QUICK SOLUTIONS
1. Get an expert’s advice on how to overcome failure in school. Explore tips to help you cope with test anxiety.
-Parents and Teachers should remind their Students about their strengths and about the strides they have already made. Talk about resilience and his/her ability to use past failures to actually move forward.
2. Students should reach out to teachers,Chaplains,Priests and Brothers for help. Parents and Teachers should remind their students of the supports they have both at school and at home. You may want to look into tutoring options.
Find the right mix of classes and activities.
Develop strong study habits and learn to slow down on homework.
3. Read Nice story books especially about copying up with some unavoided circumstances.
-Get tips from experts on when to let teens face the consequences of their actions.
4. Put in your mind that feeling unsure or worried about the future is normal. Remind yourself that there are many ways to find success and happiness in life.
-Talk about different paths students can take after high school and career options including careers for students who don’t want to sit at a desk.
5.Watch the documentary “Being You”. It’s about three young people with learning and attention issues who travel around the country to explore what the future may hold for them. You can even watch it together and have a conversation using the Being You discussion guide.
6.Talk about types of colleges and how they differ and know that you will get college that are a good fit.
Give yourself a sense of control by discussing which might be better for you.Know more about realistic tips to help guide your choice.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
It’s natural for Students with learning and attention issues to feel stress about high school. But ongoing stress can build and sometimes may lead to mental health issues. Know the signs of anxiety and depression. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or trusted friend if you have concerns.
Keep in mind that stress isn’t always bad. Learn about the difference between good stress and bad stress for students with learning and attention issues.[10]
SEMINAR FIVE-2017
FOR STUDENTS AND THE YOUTHS
By: Br. Churchill Ojok
THEME: EVERY SUCCESS NEEDS SACRIFICE
JOHN.9:4-7
- “We must do the work of Him who sent us…in order to succeed in our plan”
Challenges Faced By Students and the Youths in the Church Today
1.Limited understanding of the real mission of the Church on earth and the great role to be played by them (Students and the Youths).This can make many of them to stay in their own world.
2. Misconception of time. Some Students and the Youths think that participating actively in the Church is a waste of time or it is only for old Wazees and Mamas. This is completely not true; all of us must be involved.
3. Phobia of Prayers and Christian Objects. Some Students and the youths have created a very bad mentality in their minds. They are psychologically being ruled by fear and illusion. For example, some fear Statues of Virgin Mary, Rosary, etc.
4. Financial challenges. Some Students and the Youths are unable to contribute or join in an activity in the Church which may involve spending money. This can make them to go away from the Church.
5. Immature Love Relationship. People are created differently; Some Students and the Youths come to Church in order to target someone for sexual relationship. This may not be the case with those ones who have joined the church groups with the intention of serving God and living good life in future. This may lead to silent disappearances of some members of the Students and the Youths.
6. Lack of Faith in God. Some Students and the Youths are still down spiritually; they have little faith and trust in God’s Power. When the situation becomes hard in life they have to jump out of the Church. For example hard temptations like unemployment, studies, Love and Family issues, etc.
SOME SOLUTIONS
1. Personal Prayers and Meditation.
2. Self-Respect and control of life.
3. Regular Reading of the word of God.
4. True Love of Christ and Happiness among brothers and Sisters in Christ. John.20:20
5. Be yourself; avoid pretending and following anything just blindly.
6. Take responsibility for your actions. Avoid blame games.
7. Truth, Honesty and good Actions especially in doing charitable works and works of Mercy.
CONCLUSION
Trust in the Lord and He will turn to you and listen to your Prayers
THE END
SEMINAR SIX -2017
FOR STUDENTS AND YOUTHS
BY: Br.Churchill Ojok
What does the Church expect from you? Mt.5:48
1. Active Participation in the Church during the Holy Mass. This is done through: dancing, preparing prayers of the faithful, arranging chairs in the church, helping in directing other young people towards the holy life
2. Visiting sick people including your fellow friends to console and give them hope in life.
3. Employing Energy, skills and modern technology in the evangelization. Use whatever gifts and talents you have in order to get more blessings from God.
4. Church contribution. The entire Church expects young people to contribute as much as they can thus will create some hope and trust among the Christians. For example, facilitating fundraising and Harambee for the good of your local Church.
5. Creating Unity and Love in the Church. This will portray you as the real followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself tells the Apostles to love one another and be united in order to ashame the devil. Avoid bringing and mixing family issues in the Church.
6. Self-respect. This can be done in many ways such as; use of good languages, dress code, self-control and many others. This will motivate our young brothers and sisters who are coming up to replace us.
7. Reading the word of God always. Word of God gives solution to every problem in our life.
8. being open to one another. Sharing with one another will help you to grow well spiritually and psychologically without any mental disturbance.
CONCLUSION
We pray that the unique contribution of the Students and youths to the life of the Church may be recognized and supported always.
THE END
THE END
THANKS FOR LISTENING
BE BLESSED
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