A monthly publication of the Youth Department of the Diocese of Johannesburg Distributed free of charge

The most important person on earth is a mother.

She cannot claim the honour of having built Notre Dame cathedral,

but she need not!

She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral;

however tiny her baby's body may be, it's a dwelling for an immortal soul.

The angels have not been blessed with such a grace.

They are not able to share in God's creative miracle

of bringing new saints into life.

Only a human mother can, with the help of her spouse.

By their very motherly nature,

mothers are closer to God than the rest of creation.

God joins forces with mothers in performing his act of creation.

I can't think of anything more glorious on earth than this: to be a mother!

(Cardinal Joseph Mindszenty)

May Calendar

02/05 – Workers’ Sunday – spare a thought and prayer for the unemployed.

09/05 – Mother’s day. Let’s not forget our Heavenly Mother on that day. Add an r to May and u get?

13/05 – Ascension Thursday. A special religious feast. If Jews and Muslims, etc can take their special

feast days off from school or work, so can we. But then, will we do so just for the jol, or to

really spend some time with God, like going to Mass?!

23/05 – Pentecost! May it be a Spirit-filled day.

13-23/05 - Week of prayer for Christian Unity.

Elections:

Xola and Fr Francois attended a democratic and tolerance summit organised by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the South African Youth Council (SAYC) and pledged the support of Catholic Youth to the formal commitment of all parties to create an environment of respect and tolerance which democratic elections require. We certainly encourage you all to assume your role in the democratic process leading up to the election and your responsibility as citizens on the 2^nd June. "Vote early and Vote often" – the Irish say! Well with the rule being "One bar-code – one vote!", it will not be easy to do that! But do vote according to the guidance of your conscience and faith. Vote Wisely!

MOTHERS!

When God was creating mothers, he was into his sixth day of "overtime". An angel approached him and said: "You seem to be doing a lot of fiddling around on this one!"

And the Lord replied: "Have you read the specifications on this order? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic and must have 180 movable parts, all replaceable; must be able to run on black coffee and leftovers; must have a lap that disappears when she stands up: a kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair; as well as six pairs of hands!"

The angel shook her head slowly and said: "Six pairs of hands? No way!"

"It's not the hands that are causing the problem", the Lord continued. "It's the three pairs of eyes that mothers also have to have."

"You mean that's on the standard model too?" asked the angel. The Lord nodded: "One pair that sees through closed doors, when she asks, "What are you kids doing in there?", when she already knows! Another here in the back of her head, which sees what she shouldn't, but what she needs to know, and thirdly a pair here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and which say without words:'I understand and I love you'!"

"Lord", said the angel, touching his sleeve gently; "Come and rest. Tomorrow you can..."

"I can't", said the Lord. "I'm so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one that heals herself when she is sick...can feed a family of six on one kilo of mince...and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower."

The angel circled the model of the mother very carefully. "It's very soft! Too soft!", she remarked.

"Yes, but tough!" replied the Lord excitedly. "You can't imagine what this mother can do or endure!"

"Can it think?"

"Not only think; it can reason and compromise", said the Lord.

"Finally the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. "Hey, there's a leak!" she exclaimed. "I knew you were trying to put too much into this model!"

"It's not a leak", said the Lord. "It's a tear!"

"And what's it for?"

"It's for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride!"

"You are a genius!" said the angel.

Tailpiece:

One day Jesus was working on his computer in heaven and the devil was working on his in hell. Then all of a sudden out of nowhere a power strike hit. Jesus rebooted and continued where he left off, but the devil lost all and had to start over. The devil raged "Why did Jesus recover so well". Then off in the distance of hell someone yelled, "Jesus Saves".

(passed on to us by Fr Keith Gordon-Davis)

 Vacancy!

Searching for an outlet for your sense of service? The Youth Department of the Diocese continues to recruit on an ongoing basis for positions on the diocesan youth ministry team. The main qualification required is that applicants be already committed in youth ministry especially within their own parish! The age range is from 20 – 30, but not exclusively! Norman Ross is completing his year of service, and any applications for the position should have been in by the 30^th April. Applications however are invited for the next vacancy which will occur again in 4 months time!

Saturday 15^th May – from 09h00 to 16h00 at Cathedral Place Hall: The Cathedral Aids Program Team are offering a one day workshop on AIDS and the appropriate response it challenges Catholic Youth to make. Participation is free of charge. Tea and biscuits will be provided, but bring own picnic lunch.

SOCAYOF [Soweto Catholic Youth Forum] conference – 15^th May at St Martin’s, Orlando West, from 08h00 – 18h00. Mass, guest speakers and games will be part of the program. The theme will follow on from the Diocesan G-T in March: "We are one body in Christ". Input topics by speakers = The role of the church in young people’s growth and the role of young people in the growth of the church; Ecumenism; the Vocation of Marriage; Abortion. Lunch on a bring and share basis. Contribution: R1.00 towards the costs of the day.

Vaal Youth Meeting also on the 15^th May at St Benedict’s (Sebokeng Zone 3) at 13h00. The purpose of this meeting is to plan the details of the Regional Sports Day proposed for the 16^th June.

Diocesan Youth Forum on the 29^th May at Cathedral Place from 11h00 – 16h00. This is aimed at the senior youth and young-adult age group. The aim is to have 2 or 3 reps from every parish for a formative, informative and transformative experience! If you can’t be there by 11h15, don’t bother!

Ngome Youth Pilgrimage:

So far 22 out of a maximum of 50 places are booked onto the Pilgrimage led by Fr Francois to Ngome near Vryheid in KZN on the weekend of the 25-27 June. Reservations are taken on a first-come-first served basis

April Y-Link Competition result:

The answer was – Alleluia, Christ is risen. The following three persons phoned us the correct answer by the 19^th April: Pinki Mlele from ; Justice Moeketsi from Sharpeville youth group, and Bro Colum Maguire sdb from Bosco. Pinki from Zola parish, wins the T-shirt!

What do you see in this picture apart from the face of an old man? Like in our last issue, the first to give us the correct answer by phoning us, mailing or e.mailing us at the above address will win a Diocesan Youth T-Shirt.

Prayers Wanted:

Every month Pope John Paul sets for himself and the church, one principal intention to pray for. The Pope’s Prayer intention for May is:

"That the young, creative and dynamic as they are, may become witnesses to the word of Jesus, the source of hope, joy and peace."

 April Y-Link correction:

Nobody reported it, but we noticed it immediately after going to print last month; it was Pimville, not Phiri youth group who visited HaPhoror for a weekend retreat! We apologise for any confusion caused by this mistake.

Wanted: Loud and Proud Catholic Youth!

It has been remarked that Catholic Youth are more critical of their own church than the youth of other denominations. Why? Because the church deserves to be criticised?… It sure healthy to be self-critical… But is there not also an obligation to be loyal to one’s own side. Otherwise we may as well disown that side completely. When we criticise someone/something, we tend to exempt ourselves from any blame. We complain about "them" – the priests, the PPC, the choir, the Pope and bishops,… And sure, they, like us, have their faults. But if we really were 100% catholic, we could have the best of every aspect of Christianity… Perhaps the problem is that we don’t want to be really CATHOLIC in the full sense of that word; that we prefer a pick and choose religion.; one that suits me, like my tailor made dress or suit. One which is going my way only, like a private taxi. When we struggle with some of the teachings of the church, can we claim to know better than 2000 years of wisdom?

How about a youth group T-shirt proclaiming something like: "I love Catholics" "Hug me please my fellow believer" "Jesus is our CEO" "Catholic is cool" I’m a recovering Catholic" Not for hypocrites! Etc.

Which is the perfect church? – Two Reflections

If only Catholics would learn

to sit up in front like Anglicans;

to sing like Methodists;

to use and treasure their bible like Baptists;

to have a sense of family like Jews;

to live out their beliefs like Zionists;

to promote fellowship like Quakers;

to be fired with enthusiasm like "Born-Agains";

to be as brave as the Jehovah's Witnesses in mission work;

then we would really be going places!

The Perfect Church

If ever you find the perfect church,

one without fault or smear,

For goodness sake don’t join it –

you’d spoil the atmosphere!

If you ever find a perfect church,

where all anxieties cease,

then pass it by

lest joining it you spoil the masterpiece.

If you should find the perfect church,

then don’t you dare

To tread upon such holy ground;

you’d be a misfit there!

But since no perfect church exists,

made of perfect people,

Let’s cease to look for that church

and just love the one we’re in.

Of course it’s not the perfect church;

that’s simple to discern,

But you and I and all of us

could cause the tide to turn.

What fools we’ve been to flee our past

in such unfruitful search.

I have discovered at last that even where faults are many, God patiently builds his church!

How old or how young are "THE YOUTH"?

The question keeps cropping up. We gave a lengthy answer to it in the July 98 issue of the Y-Link. answer Some parishes wish a clear answer to it because they are faced with "old youth", well into their twenties and even thirties who insist they are still part of the youth group and who dominate the leadership roles. For years now the answer has been given. Admittedly a certain flexibility is required since we all age and mature at different rates, and it is difficult to provide rules and regulations in this respect. One size does not fit all! But again we strongly recommend the following principles:

a) That every group decide what is going to be its age limits, and these should not range over more than a five year span. eg. 12-16; 14-18; 17-21…

b) That groups with the general average age of 14 or under are classed as junior youth groups; that those with average age groups between 15 and 19 are senior youth groups; and that any group with an age average of over 20 (or where the majority have completed secondary school) be referred to as not a youth group, but a Young-Adults group.

c) That while Young-Adult groups are able to take full responsibility for themselves, Junior and Senior youth groups need an adult or two or more to guide and coach the group along. This person is not to assume a role on the executive committee… but is the supporting presence, assisting the group from the "sideline".

We invite further questions and comments on this matter! The debate will continue.

Do young people ever read the Southern Cross!

Furthermore!…

How about producing a youth newsletter for your parish or even parish cluster or region? We’re thinking of allocating an award for the best YOUTH news-sheet submitted before the end of the year.

Faith Adventure Camps:

Only eight young people, from six different parishes, attended the first camp from the 9-11 April. Nevertheless it was a terrific experience and all 8 expressed a wish to attend every subsequent Faith Adventure Camp.… Apart from July, these camps will be run every second weekend of the month at Bosco, with a maximum of 25 participants. Book early via the Diocesan Youth office.

Yizo Yizo

Have you been hooked on Y-Y for the past weeks, every Wednesday night at 20.30? If so, what did you really think of it. The papers and mags published lots of articles about this controversial SA serial. What did you think of it. We invite you to forward us any original comments you’d like to make about it for inclusion in the next Y-Link.

Anyone got too much money? Or a rich uncle somewhere? Sponsorships wanted!

The youth department has only very limited funds to carry out all the projects we would like to undertake. Do you have any suggestions about which institutions, businesses, private individuals… that would could approach for funding? We especially would need the contact person’s name and particulars. This Y-Link costs us about R500 per month to produce and print 500 copies. It is mailed to about 30 role players in Youth Ministry around the country, and e.mailed to about 100 interested persons. We invite any sponsors (private, institutional or business) to cover the cost of one issue (R500), in which their sponsorship will obviously be clearly advertised.

Long term planning!

Diocesan Youth Day – 24^th September – Friday, a public holiday in honour of our Heritage. Falling as it does in spring, with not as many other commemorative events and agendas as many of the other public holidays, it is felt that this is an appropriate date to use for our Diocesan Youth celebration. It will be held at Bosco and will begin with a mass presided over by Bishop Reginald Orsmond at 10h30. In the afternoon a youth group talent parade will run from 14h00 to 17h00. Groups are invited to begin to register now for that event. Only 16 entries will be admitted, on a first come first in basis. Young people are encouraged to come to this Youth Day with their families. More details will be publicised in the coming months!

Portuguese Groups?!

Manny de Freitas who has been an active young Catholic in the Diocese, especially as a YESser (Youth Encounter Spirit) and who is also a Councillor on the Eastern Metropolitan Council among other things, is looking to make contact with as many youth groups which are mainly Portuguese. Any leaders of such groups please contact Manny at 082-4117928, or e.mail – YES-sa@mailbox.co.za or fax: 472-0970.

 Eden Park Parish Youth:

There was a lovely reunion of 3 parishes on the 11^th April. A great idea was that after attending mass together, and before the rest of the activities of the day, the hosting parish youth members each took 2 of the visiting youth to their homes for lunch with the family. That takes a bit of coordinating but what a good idea for future inter-parish youth days.

Apart from Eden Park, we hear good news from a number of parishes through the grapevine. If only we could get you to share those experiences in writing, so we might publish them in the Y-Link and so be able to exchange ideas that work with other groups. Here’s for example one good news letter we received:-

Dear Y-Link

Firstly I would like to thank-you, on behalf of the four St. Patrick’s youth that attended the youth program you held at Bosco in March. It was very inspiring and enlightening. Due to this newly found inspiration we have decided to start our own youth group. We shall be called the CIA - Catholics In Action. We gave a speech to all the youth on Easter Sunday and had a huge response. Our first meeting shall be held this coming Sunday. We are now very nervous and pray things will go well and our youth group will grow and prosper. Surfing on the internet, I have found so many sites on Catholic Youth and so many more ideas to try. age groups present. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Could you please send me a copy of the new Y-link and if possible any previous copies you have available, as this has been the first Y-Link we have seen. I really enjoyed this newsletter and found the sayings and cartoons among the articles very cute. Thank you for your help.

From Angie (St.Patrick’s parish, Benoni)

Some regions are planning something for this anniversary, but the youth department is not organising any event on that day! Rather youth groups are encouraged to celebrate it by doing a practical project in their neighbourhood, or to participate in one of the many events organised by various organisations around the province and country. Remember, apart from being also Comrades Marathon day, the inauguration of the new President will take place on this date!

If any group intends to go to Bosco they must book in advance through the managers, Carlos and Norma at 9492361. If you fail to do so you may find that you will not have access to the premises at all and will have no option but to simply return home.

Career Fortune Tellers: (For a group where members know each other pretty well)

Stick a sheet of paper for every member around the wall or spread out on tables. Give everyone something to write with. Put one name on each one of the sheets. Participants must go to every sheet except their own and write the occupations that they think others will have once they finish their education. When everyone has completed filling in all the sheets, they are read out and each one can share what in fact they intend to do for a career.

Match-Tags:

Give everyone a sheet of paper with a list of things to fill in: favourite colour, favourite TV show, favourite band, favourite food, favourite politician, etc. All complete their own sheets then pin them to their shirts… Then each tries to find another person who matches their own answers most closely.

Bottle pick-up:

See who can stand on one foot, hold up the other foot with one hand, and try to pick up a (two litre) bottle with his/her teeth. Whoever can do it in the shortest time wins. Whoever falls over is disqualified.

Popcorn stuff:

See who can put the most popcorn bits into their mouth without chewing or swallowing. Go one at a time and the rest count each piece the players put in their mouths.

We missed you at last Sunday’s mass. Could you please re-assure us that you are still alive by filling in the following explanation form, and returning it to us ASAP. Tick the relevant box.

I was absent form mass last Sunday because –

__ - I was adding up my phone bill and fainted.

__ - My parents added up my phone bill and fainted.

__ - My dad strained himself ripping out my phone.

__ - My clothes were in the washing machine.

__ - I was in the washing machine.

__ - I took out the rubbish bin and they took me by mistake.

__ - My bicycle was in the garage for a service.

__ - I was mugged by a little old lady.

__ - I mugged a little old lady and spent Sunday in jail.

__ - I don’t have a good explanation like any of

the above but I will be there this

coming Sunday.

Signed: __________________________

 World Youth Day 2000

How is your fund-raising getting on?

St Michael’s (Meadowlands) youth group are doing some serious planning, and on an almost weekly basis, are putting on concerts and marimba recitals to raise enough funds to send their whole group of 30 plus members. Ambitious! We’ve heard also from Durban Diocese that they’ve set as a target to send 2 young representatives from every parish! Although it is a diocesan challenge, it is up to every group with the help of the parish to raise the necessary funds. We’re not gonna try to match such a challenge, but do encourage as many youth representatives to strive to make it to the GMG (=World Youth Day in Italian) in Rome in August 2000. We remind you that our own minimum target is to sponsor 8 representatives – 1 from each region of the Diocese. They will be selected on merit by this time next year.

Depending on the response we get to our fund-raising efforts at Youth Department level, there may be something left over to provide limited assistance to some others who display commitment to their parish youth scene within the next 12 months. The minimum amount required per individual is estimated at around R6000.00. The vicar for youth is setting a target of being able to assist 24 youth group reps (not more than 1 per parish and not more than 3 from each region) with around 20% of the cost. That is, to offer One Rand for every Five you raise.