Youth ministry in the Marist Province of Central Mexico
Realizing that in many parts of the world, Brothers and lay Marists, animators and teachers, live and pray together with children and young people, we initiated the encounter of coordinators of youth ministry and youth movements of the Province of Central Mexico.
One of the objectives of the meeting was to reflect on what focus youth ministry should have on the rights of the girls, boys and young people in our educational establishments, as well as valuing them as the promoters of change and of building up society.
Coco Alvarez, from the Area of solidarity, shared with us some of the history and the role of EducaDyS, its importance as a NGO and its ties with other institutions.
In January of 2010 as one of the tasks proposed by the sub-commission on Marist youth ministry of America, a listening process was initiated on the animation and coordination of youth ministry. The process was enriched by the consultation on work, investigation and formation that each institution carried out on youth culture and realities. That made it possible to present the provincial diagnosis of youth ministry as well as the programs that will be undertaken in the next few years: “Experts in youth”, “Evangelization among young people” and “Makingyouth ministry more dynamic”.
A significant moment at the meeting was hearing from the youngest coordinators. They feel very much a part of this work, they invite us to be inclusive and to carry out the work as a team that promotes a sense of youth communities in each setting.
We spoke of the importance of doing the work as a team that links the different pastoral areas. This work is overseen by the provincial educational ministry Team in the animation of the processes and existing projects in the province.
Brother José Luis Castillo, of the vocation team, shared on the existing projects and programs and invited us to be promoters of a culture of vocations in which our youth feel loved, called and sent by God.
One part of the meeting was dedicated to preparing for provincial formation and the experiences of campouts and assemblies. These will take place in the months of March, April and May and the “Diploma in Youth Ministry” during July.
In an atmosphere of availability and participation we came to a number of agreements. We accept the task to promote the work, analysis and reflection on the world of today's youth, their culture and realities, to promote the self-assertion, community-wise and committed, of the young person.
Carlos Ulises Centeno López
Coordinator of Youth Ministry