Brisbane, Australia: The Syro Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) team of the St Thomas the Apostle Syro Malabar Brisbane South parish boasts of an enthusiastic and youthful cohort of dedicated members. Among the various activities orchestrated by SMYM, "Faith and Friends" stands out.
The bi-monthly gathering, held after the 9 am Holy Mass on Sundays, offers a platform for the church's youth to strengthen their faith through prayer, engaging activities, and delightful food. In a memorable September gathering, the Onam edition of "Faith and Friends" encouraged participants to don traditional Onam attire, fostering a sense of unity as they engaged in Onam-themed games and activities. These gatherings have significantly fortified the bonds among our youth and fostered new friendships.
Another exciting event organized under the "Faith and Friends" banner was a thrilling movie night held at the parish catechism center. The youth came together for a cinematic experience, watching a Christian movie that brought them closer in faith.
The Youth group actively reinforces its commitment to volunteering by contributing time and effort to Parish activities such as Faith Fest and managing food counters during Parish feast days. In March, the parish youth embarked on a prayerful day trip to Marian Valley, followed by a relaxing afternoon at the beach, solidifying their team spirit.
In the first half of the year, the team enriched their faith through a Youth Encounter Session led by a team of leaders from the National SMYM Team. Additionally, a significant number of our youth play a vital role in teaching Catechism to the children in our parish.
The SMYM team operates its very own "chayakada” (tea stall), a weekly gathering after the first Mass where the youth prepare and sell delicious drinks and snacks to raise funds for team activities and events. This initiative not only provides refreshments but also fosters connections among adults, youth, and children after Mass, all while supporting the youth team.
The SMYM team's commitment to volunteering extended to Faith Fest, where they organized engaging sessions filled with devotion, songs, prayer, and fun activities to support the children and teens in our Parish. This effort builds strong relationships between the youth and the church's younger members, inspiring them to take on similar roles in the future within SMYM.
The recent SMYM event "Mega Show" showcased the talent and unity of the members. This event aimed to raise funds for the church and featured multiple dance groups created by the SMYM team, encompassing various dance genres. The journey from rigorous practice to the grand stage provided the youth with an opportunity to connect and serve the Church through their captivating performances.
To keep the community informed, the team regularly posts updates about their events on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok.