YOUTH PAGES

Connected! How every single cell matters in God’s family

Rachel Menezes

From Youth to young Adulthood: A new chapter in Faith

Sienna Borges

POWER International Youth Retreat 2026

Ashley D'Souza & Krisann Mendes

YU4C hosts FAITH FACTOR for Chembur-Mulund Zone

Kim Dias

Renaissance 2026 – Brand New Day

Reena Daniel

Connected! How every single cell matters in God’s family

Rachel Menezes

I’ll be honest with you. When I first sat down to write this piece, my mind was all over the place. I thought about covering e-commerce, content creation, the world of aesthetics, or maybe a piece on authenticity. But then, a quiet voice inside me whispered. Instead of the usual topics, I felt a strong pull to understand what we, as Catholics, are truly called to be a part of.

Let's be real. Sometimes the things that look the easiest on the outside are actually the hardest to explain. In our daily lives, it's comfortable and it's convenient to prioritise our own comfort and schedules over parish activities.

Scripture calls us to do the exact opposite! Don't you think that as an individual, you have the power to make a tangible difference through our church groups? Take the Bombay Catholic Sabha, for example. Sometimes, making an impact doesn't require hours of your time. It simply requires your support and presence. When it comes to standing up for our civic rights and handling pressing societal issues, our headcount matters. Your membership matters. Every single individual counts.

So, here's my first question to you! What is worship, exactly?

Is it just praising and thanking God in our quiet personal prayers, while we are sitting in the pews at Mass, or during a prayer meeting? Or is worship also about being an active part of an association? Is it found behind the scenes, in stacking chairs, ideating and strategising, ushering, raising concerns for our rights, and bringing communities and families together? Isn't it worship when we help people know God more, sing His praises, and proclaim His word as angels would do in heaven? Isn't it found in adopting a family or helping a child get an education?

Worship is serving God through various acts of work. While this active calling may not seem like it's meant for everyone, it definitely is for all who call themselves followers of Christ.

As Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 4:9-10: "Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received."

This means that somewhere, deep down, each of us is called to share God's love through our acts of service in whatever way we can. We don't all need to be in the exact same group; rather, we are called to be in the spaces where our unique skills can flourish.

Romans 12:4-8 beautifully says: " For as in one body, we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually, we are members one of another."

Right now, we have over ten Associations in my parish, and what brings us together is the love, the bonding, and the commitment. But have you noticed the same exact faces serving in two, three, or more groups? Maybe it's time we change that. Maybe it's time we step up and be a part of something. And if the right space doesn't exist yet? Maybe it's time we create something, something meaningful that makes a real difference in each of our lives.

Let's remember that we are called to come together to praise and worship God in everything we do. When we are breathing, when we are working, and even when we are resting.

It's just like the song we know so well:

"Our God is greater,

Our God is stronger

God, You are higher than any other

Our God is healer,

Awesome in power

Our God, our God."

And why us? Because He created us in His image. Isn't it beautiful that He chose us to be like Him? You and me. His love is bigger than anything else. Look at what He says about us:

Genesis 1:26-27: "God said, "Let us make humankind in OUR image, according to our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth."

Jeremiah 1:5 – "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you."

The God who knows you inside and out, every single cell of your body, chooses you over and over again. All He wants is for us to build His kingdom and be a part of His family.

We represent each cell of His body! Isn't that precious?

When Laity Sunday and Mission Sunday come around, let it find us doing more than just occupying a seat in the pews. Let it find us connected as the living, breathing pieces of His design. Let's step into our spaces, share our unique gifts, and take care of one another.

After all, that is exactly what a family does. You don't have to do it all.

You just have to bring who you are, because the body of Christ isn't complete without you.

From Youth to young Adulthood: A new chapter in Faith

Sienna Borges

It has been ten years since I first joined my parish Youth Group. Over the years, that group has seen me grow from an adolescent into a young working adult. Looking back, I can confidently say that those years shaped me in ways I never imagined.

Many people assume that being part of a church Youth Group is only about growing spiritually. While my faith certainly deepened, those ten years gave me so much more. They helped me develop confidence, communication skills, leadership qualities, and friendships that I continue to cherish.

It nurtured in me a desire to serve the Church beyond the Youth Group itself. That desire led me to become involved in several parish ministries and Associations, each of which has enriched my faith journey, and to use the gifts God had given me for His greater glory.

Had it not been for my Confirmation year, when joining the Youth Group was encouraged, my story today would probably have been very different.

So, when I finally reached the upper age limit of the Youth Group, saying goodbye was not easy. I was grateful for everything it had given me, but I also wondered what came next. I still longed for a community where I could journey with people at a similar stage of life, continue growing in faith, learn from one another's experiences, and remain actively involved in the life of the Church.

As it often happens, God already had an answer before I had even finished asking the question.

In South Mumbai, a Working Adults Group was formed, creating a space for young professionals to continue building their relationship with Christ while navigating the demands of adulthood. What began as the Xavierian Young Adults at St Francis Xavier's Church, Dabul, has now grown into a South Mumbai Deanery initiative, bringing together young working adults from across our parishes.

I recently became part of this community, and it has already reminded me that formation does not end when we leave the Youth Group. It simply begins a new chapter.

Our first Retreat together took us to the Satyagiri Dominican Retreat Centre and Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary at Igatpuri on August 1-2, 2026. As I reflected on that experience, I found myself deeply grateful for the existence of this group.

The Retreat offered a welcome pause from the busyness of work and daily responsibilities. It became an opportunity to step away from constant deadlines and distractions, to spend time in prayer, and to refocus on what truly matters.

Fr Bineesh and his team welcomed us with warmth and generosity. During his reflections, he spoke about making prayer a natural part of everyday life. He encouraged us to pray while travelling, before making important decisions, in moments of gratitude, when seeking help, and even when we feel lost. His message was simple yet powerful. Prayer is not something reserved only for churches or Retreats. It is meant to accompany us wherever we are.

In today's fast-paced world, young adults are often expected to excel in every area of life. Careers, family responsibilities, relationships, and countless expectations can easily leave little room for God. In the process, we sometimes forget that He is present in every moment, and that His plans for us are always guided by love. This Retreat reminded me to place prayer back at the centre of my daily life and to trust Him more deeply.

The peaceful surroundings of the Shrine and the gracious hospitality of Fr Bineesh and his team enriched the experience even further. As we continue to pray for the completion of the Shrine, I cannot help but think, had it not been for the Working Adults Group, I would never have experienced this beautiful place or encountered this renewed invitation to deepen my prayer life.

As I look back over the past ten years, I realise that God has always provided the community I needed for each season of my life. First through my parish Youth Group, and now through the Working Adults Group.

For anyone who feels that their journey in the Church ends once they outgrow the Youth Group, I encourage you to think again. Speak to your Parish Priest, connect with your deanery, and if such a group does not yet exist, perhaps begin the conversation. Our faith journey does not end with youth. It simply takes on a new form.

Because no matter our age, we are all called to continue growing, serving, and walking together towards Christ.

Sienna Borges is a member of the Xavieran Young Adults (XYA) at St Francis Xavier Church, Dabul, and the Young Working Adults Group in the South Mumbai Deanery

POWER International Youth Retreat 2026

Ashley D'Souza & Krisann Mendes

From wondering if I was truly being called to attend Power ’26, to leaving with a heart full of gratitude for God’s endless goodness, this Retreat became a life-changing encounter with the Father’s love.

From the very moment the Power ’26 poster was shared, God was already at work. He beautifully brought together 110 young adults from many parishes of the Archdiocese of Bombay, accompanied by Fr Daniel Fernandes, for a powerful encounter with Him. Every detail, from registrations and sponsorships, to train ticket bookings, travel, and planning our stay at the Divine Retreat Centre, Potta, from July 19-24, all fell into place through the generosity and selfless service of so many people who faithfully cooperated with God’s grace.

The Retreat itself was truly led by the Holy Spirit. Every session spoke directly to our hearts, and the speakers challenged us to grow in holiness while keeping their talks engaging, relatable, and full of joy. Through the Physical Healing Adoration, Inner Healing Adoration, and the Infilling of the Holy Spirit, countless lives were touched and transformed. Many experienced God’s healing presence in ways they never expected.

The Praise and Worship was another beautiful reminder of God’s love. Hearts were opened, fear and hesitation disappeared, and many freely sang, danced, and praised the Lord without holding back. It was incredible to witness how deeply God was moving among His people.

What touched me the most was realising that God cares even about the smallest details of our lives. As Luke 12:7 reminds us, “Even the hairs of your head are all counted.” He fulfilled even the simplest desires of our hearts, just to remind us that we are seen, known, and deeply loved by Him.

Power ’26 was more than just a Retreat; it was a reminder that our Father knows us personally, loves us completely, and continues to call us closer to Him.

YU4C hosts FAITH FACTOR for Chembur-Mulund Zone

Kim Dias

Youth United For Christ (YU4C), the Youth Wing of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR), Mumbai, holds quarterly events titled 'Faith Factor,' where youth from all over the city come together to have a personal encounter with the Lord. The latest edition of Faith Factor was organized by the YU4C Chembur-Mulund Zone at St Pius X School Hall, Mulund (West) on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

The event kicked off with the YU4C Mumbai Band leading the youth in an anointed and lively time of Praise and Worship, which set the tone for the rest of the evening. As the Music Ministry led the youth in worship, they were encouraged to come to Jesus just as they are, firmly believing that the Lord can set them free from all the burdens they are carrying, and renew them from deep within.

Thereafter, a thought-provoking talk titled 'Are you a Fan or a Follower?' was preached by Schneider Mani, Asst Coordinator of the Young Adults Executive Team. The talk explored the difference between merely admiring Jesus from a distance in stark contrast to actually walking with Him as a devoted follower. The speaker employed Sacred Scripture, personal testimony, and football fandom to challenge the youth to move beyond casual belief into real discipleship. Drawing on St Peter's response when many of Jesus' followers turned back and refused to go with Him – "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life." (John 6:68), the session served as a reminder that Jesus alone is the Perfect One worth following. The preaching concluded with a simple but piercing question: Are you a fan of Jesus, or a follower?

Taking this soul-stirring question for further introspection, the youth were led into a short time of Eucharistic Adoration, so that they could spend some moments in quiet reflection with the Lord – acknowledging His Real Presence, surrendering their struggles, and recommitting their lives to Him. This brief Adoration served as a fitting response to the question raised during the talk – thus enabling the youth to move from simply hearing the message to literally living it out.

Dr Angelica D'Souza, a YU4C Elder, announced the upcoming YU4C events, inviting the youth to attend in large numbers. After the break, Edgar Braganza, a youth from the YU4C South Zone, shared his testimony of how he encountered the Lord, how the YU4C helped him grow spiritually, and how he personally experienced God's Love. He especially highlighted how his encounter with the Lord helped him break free from all his addictions. His testimony was an eye-opener for the youth that Jesus indeed knows each one of us by name, and that His Love is deeply personal.

Keeping with the custom of all YU4C events, this fulfilling programme concluded with a power-packed jam session. The youth sang and danced their heart out as they thoroughly enjoyed the action songs – all giving praise to His Name. As they made their way out of the hall, the youth were encouraged to patronise the stalls selling some good books, and YU4C T-Shirts with an interesting caption on the back – "Saints in the Making!"

Renaissance 2026 – Brand New Day

Reena Daniel

A spirit of joy, enthusiasm, and new beginnings filled St Blaise Parish, Amboli, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, as the St Blaise Youth Ministry hosted Renaissance 2026 - Brand New Day after the 6 p.m. Mass.

The evening brought together the parish Youth in celebration and fellowship while marking the official introduction of the newly elected St Blaise Youth Council.

The festivities began at 7:45 p.m. with an energetic parade that immediately set a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The venue was beautifully transformed with a Spider-Man-inspired theme, featuring striking red and blue décor that perfectly complemented the event's message of courage, hope, and embracing a Brand New Day.

The newly elected Youth Council members were formally introduced, and invited on stage. The celebratory cake-cutting ceremony was led by our Parish Priest, Fr Peter D'Cunha, together with Fr Cajetan Mendes, Spiritual Director of the St Blaise Youth Ministry, in the presence of the Parish Fathers and the newly elected Council members, marking the beginning of a new chapter in youth leadership. In his inspiring address, Fr Peter encouraged the youth to remain deeply rooted in Christ, actively participate in the life of the Church, and generously use their gifts in the service of the parish.

A special moment of gratitude followed, with the felicitation of the outgoing Youth Council and PYAT members. Each member was presented with a trophy in appreciation of their dedicated service, commitment, and invaluable contribution to the Parish Youth Ministry during their tenure.

The evening continued with exciting spot prizes hosted by the comperes, Myron Pereira and Joan Pinto, followed by lively group games conducted by Niya, bringing everyone together through fun, friendship, and teamwork.

The spiritual highlight of the evening was an inspiring reflection by Fr Dorson D'Mello, who spoke on the theme, Brand New Day. He encouraged the youth to embrace new beginnings with courage, grow stronger in their faith, and confidently walk the path God has prepared for them. His message served as a powerful reminder that every new day offers a fresh opportunity to grow in holiness and service.

Before dinner, Fr Cajetan distributed the final spot prizes and led the Grace before Meals. The celebrations concluded with a sumptuous dinner and an energetic jam session, allowing the youth to celebrate, connect, and create cherished memories together.