“Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.“ Proverbs 22:6
2020 was a year of mental and emotional crisis. A Pandemic had taken over the whole world where many lost their lives and their loved ones. Our Lord Jesus Christ blessed us abundantly during these uncertain days and we thank him for all the blessings he had showered upon us.
With profound gratitude and appreciation to the Almighty God, the executive committee of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam, Santacruz, for the year 2020-2021, presents the 61st annual report. Due to the pandemic, we didn’t get to conduct many programs but the few programs we did were handled together as a team and executed well.
We had combined online youth meetings(Yuvajana Sakhyam & Youth Fellowship) every Sunday under the leadership of both Achans. Prayer, Bible Study, Sakshayam, Sermon, Bible Quiz, Songs, Games etc, were some of the various programs conducted during our youth meeting gatherings.
Three committee meetings were held during the year 2020-21. Fruitful discussions were held under the leadership of both the Achens, with their guidance and support we were able to complete the programs that were planned for the year. We received a lot of support & cooperation from our parish members & all other organizations of our parish for the successful implementation of our initiatives.
Santacruz Yuvajana Sakhyam members actively participated in various events and activities conducted by the Centre, Diocese & Kendram. Members participated in Mumbai Centre Kalamela of the year 2020-2021, which was held online via Zoom on 23rd January 2021. 5 members had participated in the Kalamela competition out of which 2 members bagged prizes.
5 parish members participated in the Intensive Training Institute (ITI) conducted by Mar Thoma Yuvajana Sakhyam which aims to develop an aptitude for the Bible, church history, counselling, and other socially relevant issues.
Yuvajana Sakhyam of St. Thomas Mar Thoma Syrian Church Santacruz, Mumbai is one of the most prominent organizations of our parish. Our Yuvajana Sakhyam members actively participated in the Holy Qurbana & passion week services by getting involved in various programs like assisting in the Altar, Bible reading, managing YouTube live streaming, etc.
The inauguration of the year plan for the FY 2020-2021 was held on 15th November 2020 online via Zoom at 11:00 am, under the leadership of Rev.Thomas K Jacob & Rev. Nitin John Chacko. The chief guests were Directors of Navjeevan Center Rev. Jinu Eapen Kurien & Rev. S. Manu Abraham.
Yuvajana Sakhyam registration for the year 2020-2021 is renewed with 43 member registration.
Covid-19 has affected many youths of our parish and Santacruz Yuvajana Sakhyam took the initiative to help the youths in need who lost their jobs and are financially struggling. A committee was formed and Mr Shebin John Samuel was assigned as the convenor for this initiative. We were able to collect a total amount of ₹46,000 and a total of ₹10,000 was distributed.
A Virtual Christmas get together was held on 26th December 2020, the program was hosted by Ms Jini Philip. All youths actively participated with full enthusiasm for the Virtual Christmas get together and it was a great success. We had Bandishein Band as our chief guests who performed for us and also chose the winners of the Christmas photo contest. We had various programmes like YS Kids Dance, YS Virtual Choir, Photo Contest, Games, Christmas Carols, Experience Sharing, Christmas Father etc.
Lent Meditation Video Series was one of the major programs we planned and executed this year. Convener Mrs Rusy George along with other subcommittee members coordinated with the youths of our parish and executed the program successfully. We began the series by releasing a greetings video from Rt. Rev. Dr Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa on 14.02.2021, followed by the first video of the series. We express our sincere gratitude to Rt. Rev. Dr Euyakim Mar Coorilos Episcopa for the introductory video. A total of 51 videos were published and the videos have accumulated a total of 13,000+ views till now. The videos were well received by parish members and they appreciated our efforts.
Yuvajana Sakhyam Calendar 2021 was sold to parish members after the Sunday service.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to our Vicar Rev. Thomas K Jacob & Asst. Vicar Rev. Nitin John Chacko, all organizations of our parish & its office bearers for all their support & guidance throughout this difficult year.
We thank all the conveners, volunteers, parish members & all others who helped us in various programmes. The enthusiasm & commitment displayed by the youths of Sakhyam resulted in making FY 2020-21 a year where we rise in Love and Respect for each other during the pandemic period. And in our difficult times, we bonded together in strong fellowship. We thank the Lord Almighty for the immense blessings that he has showered upon us.
