MEETING OF THE COMMISSION OF YOUTH MINISTRY
MEETING OF THE COMMISSION OF YOUTH MINISTRY
From 29 April -1 May, the CRE Youth Ministry Commission met in Marianella, Dublin. The meeting was attended by delegates of RYVM/PGVR from several units in Europe.
The meeting began with a presentation of the work of the Commission in the conference. Participants were reminded that one of the tasks of the Commission is to inspire and stimulate collaboration and integration among the units of the Conference.
Each Province was able to give a short presentation of the activities in their unit. This exchange allowed participants to focus on the current situation of RYVM/PGVR in the various units.
Next was a discussion to evaluate the European Youth meeting that was held in San Sperate, Sardinia in the summer of 2013. Many positive aspects of the event were noted, as were negatives. Each was valued, as it would allow upcoming events to be improved.
The most anticipated item for discussion was the next meeting. Participants discussed which units were able and capable of hosting the next European meeting. First of all, we considered the units that had not yet organised the event. Each of these units either had numerical difficulties, or were engaged in internal restructuring.
The Province of Madrid reminded the meeting of its previous offer to host the meeting, and this was discussed with Fr Miguel and Fr Laureano. We discussed the offer, and considered all the positive and negative points, and asked it would be possible for Spain to organise this meeting. Recognising that the official decision rests with the provincial government, the commission has written a formal letter to the Province of Madrid asking them to organise the next gathering of young people in 2017. This will be the 30th anniversary since the first meeting in Pagani, Italy. The request was accepted and confirmed by the Provincial Council of Madrid at the end of May.
Also during our meeting in Ireland, we highlighted the need for safeguarding and protection of young people. We need to continue to raise the awareness of all Redemptorists and young people, and this will be done though a joint document of the Secretariat of Evangelisation, which will regulate issues of education and human formation. This document is concerned not only with child protection, but also rules about the use of Alcohol, smoking, night time activities etc. It will concern itself with all activities invoking Young people and those in ministry. The Commission proposed that the all of the documents of the units in Europe are gathered, and then the Province of Dublin will prepare the document as a joint project with the Secretariat for Evangelisation.
We had some information about the next World Youth Day, to be held in Krakow in 2016. The group heard of the initial proposals of the province of Warsaw. The events will depend on the REDCAMP event to be held in Krakow in the summer. After this the Alphonisan days will be planned.
Fr Laureano told of the experience of the Camino project in Astorga last summer. It was a very good experience, but it needs some more publicity.
Michael Kelleher, the Provincial Superior of Dublin, told the meeting of some of the activities of his province, and inviting unites to work more closely together. In Ireland a team has been formed to offer courses on protection of children and young people.
The commission asked for any more proposals, and decided to prepare a report contained the highlights of the meeting.
In our meeting we also had moments of prayer, and of relaxation together. We were able to participate in the common acts of the community, and see something of the beauty of the Irish Capital. We are very grateful to the Province of Dublin for hosting us in Marianella, and for all who took part in the meeting.
Fr Piotr Sulkowski
