Youth Ministry in Action in this Pandemic Time

Last year, the Church’s Lenten season marked a notable record. It was because Masses for churchgoers starting March 2020 were at a standstill. This COVID-19 pandemic, which instigated the postponement, lingers to this day onward, and the whole world is suffering from the virus.

In spite of the many caveats of environmental catastrophes and communicable disease threats caused by this climate crisis, suitable and adequate preparations have not been made. It was the same for the Church, which lacked preparation. Notwithstanding of whether the Church is prepared or not, the COVID-19 pandemic is compelling changes in the world, including the Church.

Every year, St. Jude Shrine Parish Youth Ministry’s calendar are packed out with exciting activities that provide teenagers with a safe way to have fun and grow together in the faith.

With the COVID-19 crisis, however, our Youth Ministry faced new and diverse challenges. But this has nothing to do to stop them. Because whenever there’s a contest presented by DXGN, our Youth Ministry is there to join, with the support of our Parish Priest, Fr. Roy F. Mejias, and their Youth Coordinator.

The participant, Sis. Marie Cris Rebamonte, placed first in the “Virtual Divine Cosplay Photo Contest”, where she portrays ‘Our Lady of Sorrows’. The photo of ‘Our Lady of Sorrows’ was edited and enhanced by one of their Core Leaders, Bro. Starry Nestor Vincent Chucas. We also have two entries from the “Divine Cosplay TikTok Contest – Guess the Saint!” where Bro. John Mark Bayalas and Bro. Jan Lawrence Ente portrayed Sts. Jude and Simon.

And the creativity of the creators and those involved that was poured out in achieving all RECYCLED materials in their Belen, placed them into second in the “Ihulagway ta ang Belen! Belen Photo Contest in the Parish Category”.

COVID-19 has definitely indeed created unforeseen trials in our youth, but it is not unbearable to stay connected, have fun, and build one another up in the faith. Whether online or in-person (but at a distance), our youth are still laden with the farfetched responsibility of caring for the young people God has commended to them. Ingenuity, flexibility, creativity, and, above all, prayer, can ensure that leaders, students, and parents are able to grow together in the body of Christ. (Jairus Viola)