ICYM News

CAT – 2016

CBCI Council for Youth conducts a ten day training program for the newly appointed Youth Chaplains and Animators across the nation in order to equip them with necessary skills to carry forward the mission entrusted to them. XXIV Chaplains’ and Animators’ Training Program (CAT) began on May 31, 2016 at KROSS Bangalore. There were 8 participants from North East Region, 3 from Karnataka Region, 1 from MP Region, 1 from Kerala Region, 4 from Bethany congregation, 3 from Bangladesh and 5 from Present NEXCO team totaling up to 25 participants.

The program began with Holy Eucharist presided over by Rt. Rev. Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga. Other concelebrants were Fr. Deepak Thomas KJ OCD, Executive Secretary of CBCI Council for Youth, Fr. Elias Moses OFM, Executive Secretary of CCBI Commission for Youth, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Fernandes, Director of KROSS and Fr. Mari Joseph, Regional Youth Director and other Priest Participants. In his Homily Bishop Serrao invited the New Youth Directors and Animators to love and confront the youth after the example of Jesus. He articulated that to love and confront the youth animators should have three qualities namely a.) Not to possess the things and people b.) Not to be possessed by things and people and c.) To be possessed only by God and God alone.

Inaugural function was held afterwards. Rev. Francis Serrao was the Chief guest. Mr. Sijo Ambatt, ICYM National president welcomed everyone present for the XXIV Chaplains’ Animators’ Training Program. Ms. Jenny Joy, ICYM General Secretary presented a Rose to each participant. Fr. Deepak Thomas KJ OCD, ICYM National Director explained briefly the CAT Program and its relevance. In his presidential address Bishop Serrao invited the Chaplains and Animators to have two qualities in the youth ministry namely Personal Credibility and Clear Vision and Discipline. Fr. Elias Moses OFM Executive Secretary of CCBI Commission for youth put forward the challenges of the youth ministry and encouraged them not lose interest in the course of the time. Fr. Mari Joseph, Regional Youth Director and Fr. Sebastian Fernandes shared their CAT experience and extended the participants their best wishes.

XXIV Cat was symbolically inaugurated by lighting the candle by Bishop Serrao and giving out the light to other participants. Formal inaugural function came to end with the vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Jenny Joy.

The gathering was also blessed to have the presence of Rev. Jayrao Polimera Bishop of Eluru. Bishop Polimera shared his CAT experience and encouraged the participants to take the youth ministry seriously.

Afternoon sessions were conducted by Mr. Roshan Alexander the first President of ICYM (2000-02). He conducted the icebreaking session and helped the participants to understand the genesis of ICYM and its journey for the last 15 years and the functioning. It was an enriching and self-motivating sessions. The session was followed by the Rosary in five different languages.

In the late evening session the participants expressed their dreams and concrete plan for the youth ministry. Fr. Subroto Purification was chosen as the first CAT King. Day ended with thanking the Almighty.