2026 Stewards Assembly 1

A Testimony from a Youth Leader Servant-Participant in the KAYC Stewards’ Assembly 2026:

Greetings and Shalom! 

I am Karen Bulan, the Coordinator of the Alumni of Kuching Archdiocese Main Committee (AKAYA). Serving in the AKAYA main committee for the past three years has truly been a meaningful journey of growth, service, and faith.

Last May 16 to 17, together with other youth servant leaders from all over the Kuching Archdiocese, I once again experienced the joy and blessings of being actively part of youth ministry. We took part in the KAYC Stewards’ Assembly 2026 which was held in Gethsemane Pilgrimage Centre, Bunan. Youth leaders present were from the various Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) groups and other Catholic youth groups… namely: the Chinese Youth Ministry and the Emmaus Young Adult Ministry from the Blessed Sacrament Church, the Church of Mother Mary PYM from Stutong, the Holy Spirit Church PYM from Lundu, the Chinese Youth and the BM Youth of the Holy Trinity Church in Kenyalang, the PYM of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Sri Aman, the PYM of the Sacred Heart Church in Kota Sentosa, the St Mark Youth Ministry and the St Mark Chinese Youth, the PYM of the St Ann Church in Kota Padawan, the Empowered Ministry, Flame Youth Group, and Youth On Fire BM Youth Ministry of  St Joseph Cathedral in Kuching, the PYM of St Stephen Church in Bau, the PYM of St Theresa Church in  Serian, the leaders from Kuching Young Catholic Students (KYCS), Kuching Campus Ministry (KCM), AKAYA, and SEEKERS, and lastly, the youth ministers from KAYC Secretariat. 

The Stewards’ Assembly aimed to strengthen the spirit of servant leadership fit to today’s Catholic youth through sessions, workshops, personal and communal prayer moments which included Marian prayers, Eucharistic Adoration, Confessions and Holy Mass, and teambuilding. It is meant to uplift the youth ministry competencies of the participants and to deepen their relationship with one another that goes beyond roles and responsibilities and, above all, their relationship with God. There were dedicated sessions to address key concerns and issues, creating a safe space for honest sharing, discernment, and resolution. The gathering also sought to promote organisational growth through stewardship by aligning the team’s vision, strengthening its structure, and planning together for the mission ahead. 

The Assembly had two main parts, the formation part (which lasted from Saturday afternoon until Sunday lunch) and the organisational part (which was done on Sunday afternoon).

During the formation, we pondered on three main themes. The first was Servant Leadership in Youth Ministry in the context of different demographic generations (Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y or Millennials, etc…).  Mdm. Stephanie Michael from St Stephen Church in Bau gave us insightful sharing on this. She discussed the importance of adapting leadership styles to different generations. Gen X benefits from autonomy and trust, Millennials from mentorship, Gen Z from authenticity, and Gen Alpha from creativity and patience. In conclusion, she emphasized that leadership, in all generations, is best when rooted in love, emanates trust, and shown by example.

The second theme was Relationship with God as Youth Ministers. Fr Delphin SDB from Holy Trinity Church in Kenyalang facilitated this second session. He emphasized prayer as a foundation of spiritual life.  We were divided into a few small groups for group sharing. We reflected on the passage of the prayer of the pharisee and the prayer of the tax collector. He also shared on the five forms of prayer: adoration and blessing, intercession, praise, petition, and thanksgiving. He concluded by stressing that prayer is a personal bond with God and one that is shared with others.

The third theme was Youth Concerns and Issues. The session was very well animated by Attorney Simon Siah from Blessed Sacrament Church in BDC. He offered interactive discussion covering topics such as religion, apologetics, politics, LGBTQ stuff, and other socio-pastoral concerns. His sharing was very engaging, valuing the opinion of the youth leaders while adhering to the teachings of our Catholic Church.

There was also a period for team-building. This was led by Mdm. Maria ak Willing with the big support of the AKAYA. From the inter-active games, lessons on life and servant-leadership in youth ministry were deduced. 

The whole overnight was made lovely and lively through the services of many. Kuching Campus Ministry members served as choir during the Holy Hour prayer moment and during the Holy Mass. The Ladies Guild of St. Jude Parish served us with all the delicious meals. Emceeing was done by selected individuals, yours truly included. 

Indeed, behind every successful program comes preparation and teamwork. Before this Stewards’ Assembly, AKAYA gathered for discussions regarding the team-building activities, song selections, preferred chords, and music arrangements. We also spent time practicing together as a choir team to strengthen our chemistry and unity. During the event, there were some minor challenges and unexpected moments, but we learned that youth ministry is not about perfection. It is about willingness to serve, to learn, and to improve together through feedback and encouragement.

As emcee, I was paired with Elias, a chinese youth leader from St Mark Church. He was specifically chosen to represent the mandarin speaking youth for them to feel valued and at home. It was a fun and exciting moment, especially since it was my first time to be part of an emceeing in three languages. Truly, ministry is unity amidst diversity. Despite the language barriers, we managed to support one another and ensure the program flowed smoothly. From there, I learned to be more confident, competent and compassionate as a servant-leader and as emcee. This learning process of handling a three-languages program inspired me to learn mandarin so that I can understand more. 

Above all, whether in leadership, youth ministry, or daily life, I aim to serve wholeheartedly for the Lord by showing kindness, understanding, and love to those around me. As long as I have the air to breathe, I will continue serving with faith, love and purpose. So help me God!