The Carmel Youth began as a group of catholic youth, brought together by a priest of the Carmelite Monastery, to become friends of Christ, friends of each other and friends to the world. It still remains so. The Carmel Youth Companion is an endeavour to bring order without suppressing creative expression, organisation without disregarding passionate inspiration, formality without extinguishing the warmth of affection and compassion. May the bounds of common sense not be exceeded, for it is the framework that holds all the statutes together. Let it be noted, that the Superior and Director are not bound by the guidelines set out in this document and can supersede, annul, change or add to them according to their discretion. The Gospel remains the ultimate legislature, Christ, the supreme Leader; He finds joy in anyone who does more than he is obliged to do.
Do something beautiful for God; for He has already made you beautiful.
CARMEL YOUTH – ITS ESSENCE
THE EMBLEM
The Emblem of the Carmel Youth has three individual elements blended to symbolize all that Carmel Youth stands for.
The Person holding the cross with flaming arms symbolises the burning zeal of each member for Christ and the Church.
The different colours of the flames symbolise the different ways in which the Carmel Youth manifests this burning zeal – through faith (purple), action (red), companionship (green) and example (blue).
The shield with three stars is borrowed from the emblem of the Carmelite Order, stating that the Carmel Youth belongs to the Carmelite Order and is integrated into its spirit and mission. The three stars stand for the three kinds of activities that are part of its identity – Youth-Interactives, Youth-Socials, Youth Hangouts
In sum, the emblem signifies that the Carmel Youth, drawing its inspiration from the Carmelite spirituality, burns with zeal to do something beautiful for God and His people.
THE MOTTO
“Do Something Beautiful For God”
The Carmel Youth aims to stay faithful to its motto by striving to be the FACE of Christ to the Youth and the World, through…
Faith: The Carmel Youth finds its identity in Christ and serves Him in all that it does. Hence, it is its primary mission to help every member grow in faith at a very personal level. It hopes to do this through the following ways:
● Mass dedicated to the youth on the first Sunday of every month
● Prayerful initiation of the youth gathering on the first and third Sunday of every month
● Regular confessions preceded with a preparatory talk
● Annual retreat
● Opportunities created to go for retreats and spiritual activities specially organised for the youth elsewhere
● Opportunities created to go for retreats and spiritual activities specially organised for the youth elsewhere
● Talks on Scripture, spirituality and theology to encourage a deeper faith
● Personal spiritual counselling sessions with the Spiritual Animator
Action: The Carmel Youth being born of the Church, shares in its mission, seeking to strengthen the faith of others, while working to bring joy and happiness in the world, by…
● Animating the liturgy and leading the choir at 8:45 a.m. Mass at Carmelite Monastery, Margao on the first Sunday of every month
● Taking active part in liturgical services as volunteers or as animators, when called upon.
● Organising a sale of stars and home-baked sweets during Christmas to raise funds for the less fortunate
● Visiting orphanages, old-age homes and spending time with others who are less fortunate, and in need of some love.
● Volunteering at events conducted by NGOs towards the less fortunate
● Encouraging personal contributions and donating towards social causes like education of children, and towards emergencies like Flood Relief Funds.
Companionship: Being united in love is a prerequisite for spreading love. The Carmel Youth is more than an organisation; it is a family where strong bonds are formed between its members. It seeks to encourage good, lasting and supporting friendships that have a strong positive influence on each of its members, through the following ways.
● Animating the meetings on the first and third Sunday of every month creatively to encourage interaction
● Organising fun-outings, and an annual picnic
● Encouraging individual members during college and other events by being present
● Celebrating birthdays of the members at their homes in order to bond with the family
● Offering emotional support to those who are going through difficult times, by visiting them and being there for them.
● Promoting members to discover and present their talents.
● Gently making erring members aware of their weaknesses and encouraging them in their journey of change
Example: The Carmel Youth is aware of its responsibility to stand as an example to the younger generation and to the youth at large, and therefore strives towards this goal by…
● Seeking guidance towards personal positive growth so as to become an example to siblings at home
● Being exemplary in behaviour in Church and outside
● Animating sessions for the catechism students when called upon
● Uniting to stand out as a positive influence in colleges and other places
● Talking about and promoting faith and healthy relationships in friend circles
● Introducing the Carmel Youth and its values to colleagues and other youth
● Supporting each other to promote higher values and principles at public events and celebrations
THE THREE STARS
Youth-Interactives: The meetings of the Carmel Youth, mainly held on the first and third Sunday of every month
Youth-Socials: The social outreach programmes, and other projects and events organised or participated in by the members
Youth-Hangouts: The fun-outings organised every now and then
MEMBERSHIP
Any baptised and confirmed Catholic who is unmarried, above the age of 15 can join the Carmel Youth. After a candidate submits the duly-filled Carmel Youth Registration Form, they will be contacted by a member of the Animators Council to personally share what the Carmel Youth is all about.
Group activities – inside and outside church
– Outreach programmes
– Christmas events
– Events catechism students
– Picnics and retreats
– Confessions
– Monthly mass
