About Jesus Youth
Jesus Youth is an International Association within the Catholic Church with a focus on evangelising young people and nurturing their missionary initiatives and is now active in more than 30 different countries. Jesus Youth is an initiative of young people themselves, who, filled with the Holy Spirit try to reach out to other young people. Jesus Youth is a network of small but vibrant groups of young people. In their life situations, they strive to give time to the Lord, responding to the challenges.
On the 7th of April, 2016, the Pontifical Council of Laity (Vatican) recognised Jesus Youth as an “International Private Association of the Faithful with Juridical personality”. On May 20th, 2016, Bishop Josef Clemens, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, presented to Jesus Youth a Decree of the Recognition. The same decree approved its statutes.
Spirituality
The members commit themselves to a life of holiness through the practice of the Six Pillars of the association. They are:
PRAYER | SACRAMENTS | WORD OF GOD | EVANGELISATION | FELLOWSHIP | OPTION FOR THE POOR
Origins
Jesus Youth originated in Kerala, the picturesque coastal state in the southern tip of India, with its rich cultural backdrop and special Christian tradition of three Catholic rites and numerous other churches. Starting from 1976 the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) touched the lives of many in those parts resulting in the formation of a number of youth groups which were well networked by 1978. By the early 1980s, these groups had already matured into a vibrant presence.
In 1985, the International Year of the Youth, the network received a brand new tag, ‘Jesus Youth’, which in turn helped it to forge ahead with a clearer vision for themselves, looking for greater participation in the Church and society. Stirred by the Spirit and impelled by their inner dynamism these youth took the spirit of the movement to their life situations and also to the places to which they moved for studies and jobs. By the 1990’s, Jesus Youth had spread to other parts of India and at the turn of the millennium the movement had already spread to a number of countries in different continents.
Beginnings in Australia
In the year 2004, a few Jesus Youth members migrated to Australia for their career prospects. After a time of prayer, discussions, sharing and networking, the first Jesus Youth meeting in Australia occurred on the 18th of July 2004 in Dandenong, Melbourne. In the initial phase of the movement, night vigils and fellowship gatherings were frequently organised at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church, Dandenong. In 2005, the movement rose to a new horizon with the support and encouragement of Archbishop Christopher C Prowse DD STD and many reverend priests and leaders. Many youths were drawn to the movement as they found a friendly approach to committing to Christ and a style that was simple yet vibrant. The following years witnessed the starting up of Jesus Youth groups in different parts of Australia – Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin & Canberra which led to the establishment of a national movement with a clear vision and purpose.
MILESTONES
2004 : JY BEGINS IN MELBOURNE & SYDNEY
2005 : YES LORD RETREATS IN MELBOURNE & SYDNEY
2006 : JY STARTED IN BRISBANE
2007 : DESTINATION CHRIST YOUTH RETREATS IN MELBOURNE, SYDNEY & BRISBANE
JY STARTED IN ADELAIDE
2008 : LOVE BEYOND BORDERS NATIONAL CONFERENCE & REXBAND TOUR
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008
2009 : CROSS WAY RETREATS JY STARTED IN PERTH
2010 : BEHOLD YOUTH RETREATS AND NATIONAL YOUTH DTP
FAMILY MINISTRY INITIATED
TEENS MINISTRY INITIATED
2011, 2012 & 2013 : YOUTH / TEENS RETREATS IN ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, PERTH, MELBOURNE & SYDNEY
FAMILY RETREATS / GATHERINGS IN MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, DARWIN, PERTH & BRISBANE
JY BEGINNINGS IN DARWIN & CANBERRA
“HOURS OF GRACE” – 24 HOURS / PERPETUAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION – INITIATED NATIONALLY
2012: Rexband Tour Australia 2012.
2013: Trendsetters 2013, JY at Australian Catholic Youth Festival & Adopt a Bishop initiative.
2014: Celebrating 10 Years in Australia. Rejoice. Renew. ReachOut.