Week of prayer for Christian unity in San Fernando*              
June 6, 2018
Body of Love*
June 6, 2018

YOU.SER.VE celebrates 3rd Annual Youth Mass*

The Young Adult Ministry arm of Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish, San Fernando, YOU.SER.VE., hosted their third Annual Youth Mass on May 19, celebrating the birthday of the Church, Pentecost.

Representing the face of our youth, were the candidates from the OLPH Confirmation group as well as the members of the YOU.SER.VE teen and young adult groups, who were also responsible for most of the proceedings of the Mass.

Episcopal Vicar for the Southern Vicariate and Parish Priest Fr David Khan was the celebrant of the Mass, beginning the liturgy with a paradoxical proclamation that youth represents both the present and the future of our country, for without the present there can be no future.

Parish Youth Ministry Coordinator and Youth Ministry Moderator of the Southern Vicariate, Denzil Williams engaged all the young minds present in an interesting metaphorical homily, deepening our understanding of the common questions our young people ask: “What is the Holy Spirit?” and “What can this Spirit do?”.

“The Holy Spirit is the love of God poured out into our hearts”, said Williams. It is God’s promise in our times of waiting and hope. John 15 acclaims, “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.”

 The Holy Spirit also enables us to become true witnesses of Christ, empowered by His many gifts, including the charismatic gifts. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) was one of the many gifts the Holy Spirit infuses within us that Williams highlighted in his sermon. Just as the apostles were given the courage and strength to proclaim the gospel after they received the power of the Holy Spirit, so too the Spirit enables us with the courage and boldness to say “I can”.

The Holy Spirit also reminds of what Jesus taught: “to love one another” without distinction of language, culture, race or religion.

Lastly, the Holy Spirit enables us to “foster unity and communion among all”. God loves variety and envelops all things; therefore, His spirit is all-encompassing, encouraging harmony among people.

The Mass also featured a special dance by two members of the confirmation group, Tahirah Sheppard and Syera Hernandez for the presentation of gifts. Music ministry was provided by the uplifting and dynamic voices of the members of YOU.SER.VE led by Micell Joseph and Auchanna Thomas.

The memorable evening closed with a praise and worship session by the YOU.SER.VE choir, welcoming the presence of the Holy Spirit and embracing His many gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and the fear of God.