By Peter Tan
SRI AMAN — On the morning of 8 December 2024, Our Lady Queen of Peace (OLQP) Church, Sri Aman was filled with youthful energy and spiritual devotion as the parish community gathered for its first-ever Youth Mass.
Celebrated by Fr Henry Jimbey, the event marked the Second Sunday of Advent and highlighted the active participation of the parish’s young members in strengthening their faith and community spirit.
The day began with a Rosary prayer at 7.30 am, creating a reflective and prayerful atmosphere as the youth arrived and registered for the event. By 8.00 am, the Holy Mass began, with the young attendees taking an active role in leading various parts of the liturgy, imbuing the celebration with their distinctive vibrancy. Fr Henry’s homily encouraged the youth to embrace their faith journey with courage and dedication, drawing on the Advent themes of peace and preparation for Christ’s coming.
A notable feature of the Mass was the File and Souvenir Exchange Ceremony, symbolising unity and collaboration among the youth. Further adding to the occasion, appreciation plaques were presented to Cikgu Antonious Anak Remon, Cikgu Azlin Wetty, and Cikgu Natalie in recognition of their invaluable contributions and leadership within the Youth Ministry.
Their steadfast dedication has played a crucial role in fostering the spiritual and communal growth of the parish’s youth. Maria Amella, the representative from the Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC), also participated in the event, adding a regional dimension to the celebration.
The Youth Mass was held as a gesture of thanksgiving and appreciation to the outgoing office bearers of the Parish Youth Ministry (PYM) for their dedicated service. It also served as a kick-start for the next session of PYM, inspiring the new office bearers and members to continue the mission of serving God and the community.
Following the Mass, the congregation participated in a lively fellowship session, featuring refreshments and warm camaraderie. The Youth Sale, organised by the Youth Ministry, displayed an array of items for purchase, with proceeds allocated to supporting Church activities and youth programmes. This initiative showcased the creativity and resourcefulness of the youth while underlining their commitment to the wider mission of the parish.
The Youth Mass at OLQP Sri Aman was more than an event; it was a celebration of the energy, dedication, and faith of the parish’s young members. As Advent progresses, their efforts serve as an inspiring reminder to prepare our hearts and communities for the joy of Christmas.
Through events like these, OLQP Sri Aman reaffirms its commitment to empowering the next generation of Catholics, nurturing their faith, and fostering a spirit of service that embodies the love and peace of the season.
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