Several answer the call to be ‘Yessers’

Generation S launches its volunteerism programme

“I ask the Church to continue to promote vocations. May she touch the hearts of the faithful and enable each of them to discover with gratitude God’s call in their lives, to find courage to say, ‘yes’ to God.” —Pope Francis, Message for the 2020 World Day of Prayer for Vocations

You have probably heard of ‘zessers’, but Generation S welcomed several young people to its initiative ‘Yessers’ on Sunday, June 6. The online launch introduced several eager youths to the world of volunteerism and vocations. “Thank you! You are an answer to the desire of the Lord. Your ‘yes’ is as important as Mary’s ‘yes’ and Joseph’s ‘yes’. Your ‘yes’ is an opening and reopening of your lives to the Spirit that guides, inspires and convicts,” said Fr Matthew d’Hereaux, Vocations Director and Head of Team Generation S, as he welcomed the 40 strong, young people to the launch.

“Welcome to the world of mission and discipleship! Welcome to the world that Jesus would love you to inhabit,” he said.

In welcoming the ‘Yessers’, Fr Matthew told them, “Over the next couple of months, many of you will embark on a special journey—a journey of self-discovery, self-awareness and personal sacrifice, a journey that will take you closer to God.”

During the two-hour virtual event, Team Generation S along with a powerful line-up of presenters, led the youth through an interactive programme that included self-introductions and an overview of the various models that are part of the year-long programme.

Potential Yessers, Matthew and Mark Howell-Paul also gave a beautiful rendition of ‘I Give Myself Away’.

Prolific prayer warrior Winston Garcia presented the candidates with a guide to prayer and praying, which is a pillar of the programme that he will be taking them through. He provided participants with an insight to prayer, praying, prayer life and its many underpinnings.

Engaging and counselling couple, Hilary and Sandee Bengochea followed with a presentation on Lectio Divina—the diligent reading of scripture accompanied by prayer and reflection. Their dual presentation provided a sneak peek into the power of the scripture and its four divine steps the youths will be exploring.

Potential ‘Yessers’ were then presented with the next pillar by Fr Matthew. The magnanimous and charismatic Fr Matthew presented Theological Reflection—looking at all of life through the lens of faith and scripture.

He shared with his audience the weaknesses and cracks that appear in discipleship when we do not properly reflect on the relationship between faith and life’s experience. “Theological reflection brings faith and experience together,” he said.

Wrapping up the presentations was captivating and commanding Deborah de Rosia. ‘Sr Debbie’, as she is affectionally known, presented the fourth pillar—the importance of Mission and the joy it brings.

A fitting close to that aspect of the programme as the ‘Yessers’ learned by saying YES and following the act of discipleship they are emulating the ultimate ‘Yesser’ of them all, Jesus Christ.

As the sun set on the evening’s online proceedings, Team Generation S invited the potential ‘Yessers’ to stay tuned for more. Already, as faith would have it, many have expressed an interest and the working team is now planning several activities for the group.

“Whether it is virtual or face-to-face, we are eager to engage these potential ‘Yessers’ with a lot of life-altering events in the coming weeks,” said Fr Matthew.

“Many have expressed their enthusiasm; the team is excited, and I am excited.  We look forward to giving these ‘Yessers’ a chance to come together—celebrate together, celebrate each other and celebrate with God.  Saying ‘yes’ is a great way of celebrating with God,” Fr Matthew added.

— From the Generation S Communications Team