THE CHARISMATIC YOUTH MINISTRY IN NIGERIA

This is a medium, inaugurated by the National Service Team of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria, by which young   members of the Renewal could come together for joint activities in order to share their personal life experiences in the Christian walk. Knowing that the youths, as the future leaders in every facet of human society, is a remarkable force to reckon with, the CCR in Nigeria has put structures in place so as to pay special attention to their human and spiritual formation. It is believed that this forum would develop them for evangelism and for active participation within the renewal.

 Youths, based on the stage they are in life, are faced with great challenges, problems, and uncertainties, and these experiences of theirs could be a threat to the faith in Christ if there is no forum by which they could learn from their fellows. Thus, the youth ministry will play a vital role in this regard as it would groom them towards becoming brave and determined leaders who will promote and spread the culture of Pentecost and the ‘Civilization of Love’.

Youths possesses special abilities and skills which could be harnessed and fostered towards the advancement of the mission of the CCRN, which is evangelization through baptism in the Holy Spirit and the experience of Pentecost. A mission that will not be complete until every single young person has had this experience. Among such positive qualities that characterizes the youths are their dreams, physical vigour, joy, generosity, sensitivity,   solidarity, boldness, courage, openness to fraternity and openness of heart, friendship, spirit of adventure, love of taking risks, idealism, interest and open-mindedness to new ideas. 

The Youth Ministry is being empowered to help young members of the renewal to grow in the Catholic faith, in their understanding of the Gospel, and in the proper integration of Charismatic spirituality in order to deepen their relationship with Jesus. It is quite indisputable that this would give these young individuals the ability to have a stable or committed relationship in their life amidst the secular values that challenges Christian living in our contemporary age. It will also provide a space for them to offer many suggestions for improvement and make valuable contributions toward the growth of the Renewal in Nigeria.

To this end, The National Youth Leaders’ Workshop will come up on the 29th of September, 2011 at the National Service Centre. Br. Chris David Eze has been appointed by the NEC as the National Coordinator of this Ministry.

VITAL COMPONENTS OF THE MINISTRY

1.     PRAYER MEETINGS: such meetings should aim at evangelizing the youth with lively music and motivation, common language used in preaching and prayers, and themes that reflects the reality of the youth. This will thereby increasing their interest in personal prayer, reading of the Word of God, participation in the Sacraments, studying of the Catholic Christian Doctrine, use of charisms and spiritual gifts, praying within the family, in addition to other devotional practices.

2.      RETREATS: this would enable youths to be able to spend time in quiet with God, listening for God’s presence.

3.     FAITH SHARING: this will provide a medium by which they could speak about their personal experiences and not only listen, but experience being prayed over, either individually or in small groups.