weNGABANG with St Peter’s Youth
weNGABANG with St Peter Youth Ministry: Journeying Together in Faith and Fellowship
On January 12, 2025, the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC) conducted a weNGABANG session with the St Peter Youth Ministry at Tease by Jase’s Tea Room. This gathering served as a meaningful opportunity to share experiences, reflect on challenges, and build stronger bonds among the youth community.
Sharing Session: Reflecting on Our Journey
During the sharing, members of St Peter Youth Ministry opened their hearts about the realities they face. Many youths expressed feeling isolated, sensing a gap between the wider parish community and the youth ministry. There is a clear need to bridge the disconnect, creating more inclusive spaces where both generations can journey together in faith. Despite creative efforts, youth events often see minimal turnout, highlighting a need for renewed strategies and support.
The sharing was an honest and courageous step, acknowledging the struggles while remaining hopeful for growth and deeper community engagement.
Future Plans: Hopeful Steps Forward
Looking ahead, St Peter Youth Ministry is excited about several initiatives to energize the youth and build stronger connections. Plans are underway to design and sell ministry merchandise to create a sense of belonging and identity among members. Special activities and spiritual preparations are being planned to mark the Preparation for Consecration Day of St Peter’s Church meaningfully. A workshop to equip youths with essential communication and leadership skills, the Public Speaking Training Workshop, is also planned. The ministry also aims to actively seek assistance from parishioners and leaders in organizing and supporting youth events.
Learning from Others: Embracing the 4S
The group also took inspiration from the 4S concept — the four pillars of youth ministry growth: Spirituality (deepening the relationship with God through prayer, sacraments, and formation), Self-Growth (building personal skills and confidence through workshops, training, and self-discovery), Service (reaching out to serve the Church and the wider community with a spirit of love and humility), and Solidarity (strengthening bonds among the youth, standing together in faith, hope, and action). By aligning their plans and activities with these four corners of ministry, St Peter Youth Ministry is laying a strong foundation for a vibrant and active youth community.
Expectations and Dreams: Vision for the Youth Ministry
The youth members shared their heartfelt hopes for the future. A Youth Camp is envisioned as a fun and faith-filled gathering to foster deeper friendships and spiritual growth. A Committee Outing is desired to strengthen the bonds among youth leaders through retreats and outings. There are hopes to host Talks About Life, addressing real-life challenges faced by young people, offering guidance and support. Hiking and Swimming Activities are planned to promote health, wellness, and fellowship through outdoor adventures. A Pilgrimage is envisioned for the youth ministry to go through a spiritual journey to deepen faith and community spirit. These dreams reflect a vibrant vision for a youth ministry that is alive, active, and deeply rooted in both faith and fellowship.
Written by Cleophas Abel Haslan, KAYC
