Activities for Youths under BAGDOGRA DIOCESE

Activities are as follows:

TAIZE PRAYER

Taizé prayer is a quiet simple way of prayer designed for people of all Christian traditions. These meditative candlelit services include simple chants sung repeatedly; rich silence; and prayers of praise and intercession.

History of Taizé: These prayer services emerged from an ecumenical community of monks in Taizé, France. Brother Roger, Taizé’s founder, arrived in the village of Taizé, France, in 1940. In the midst of World War II, he dreamed of creating a community where reconciliation was a daily reality. He began by giving shelter to refugees of the war, especially Jews. Brother Roger recognized that the search for reconciliation was within each individual as well as within the community. Initially, the Taizé founder lived alone, until brothers from various Protestant and Catholic backgrounds joined him. Today, as an ecumenical monastic community, Taizé represents a sign of reconciliation. Taizé prayer has become loved around the world for its simplicity and opportunity for reflection.

TAIZE PRAYER of Bagdogra Diocese was held at Our Lady Queen Catholic Church, Pradhan Nagar on 7^TH April 2019.

RETREAT

We do retreats because youth are busy, multi-tasking, surrounded by tons of other options and opportunities.   Retreats offer an oasis in the midst of spiritual deserts.  They offer silence in the midst of chaos.   They offer community in what can be a lonely teenage world.

In the life of a church or youth ministry, retreats are essential.  They provide a time and place for intentional bonding within the group. Retreats should be purposeful. Retreats are also a great place for growth.  They allow youth a safe space to step up and provide leadership. 

Youth Retreat of Bagdogra Diocese was held at Good Shepherd  Church, Bagdogra from  27^TH May- 29^TH May 2019.

NATIONAL YOUTH SUNDAY

National Youth Sunday is an opportunity to recognize young people as a gift in the Church, enable the youth ministry and parish community to celebrate young people and affirm the contribution of young people in the Church and those who work with them. The day will be celebrated by the youth in their parishes, dioceses and institutions. Young people will gather in the churches and institutions on this day to celebrate a special youth mass and organize various acts of charity, fundraising events and visit old age homes, orphanages and homes run by the Missionaries of Charity, said Father Chetan Machado, CCBI Youth Commission secretary.

Young people would observe this day by organizing community programs, recreation, outreach, fellowship, competitions, fete to celebrate their youthfulness and fellowship.

The CCBI Youth Commission also urges all the faithful and religious leaders of the country to pray especially for all the young people across the world.

NATIONAL YOUTH SUNDAY of BAGDOGRA DIOCESE at Gayaganga Parish on 4th August 2019. More than 850 Youths participated in this program. Resource Person- Fr Michael Singh, former Regional Youth Director.

KARAM CELEBRATION

Dance is an important representation of culture and art in all societies. When it comes to Adivasi/indigenous communities, dance not only plays a central role in their identity formation but also in communicating their worldview. There is a popular proverb among Oraon Adivasis, which goes, “Ekna dim tokna, Baa’na dim parna,” meaning, “Walking is dancing and talking is singing.”Among the Adivasi communities of India, dance is an inalienable part of their rituals, customs, and culture. It is not just cultural expressions of the community, but a reflection of their philosophy and more importantly, it is a repository of their collective knowledge and wisdom. 

Karam Festival of Bagdogra Diocese was held at St. Francis Xavier  Church, Faudijote on 22 ^TH September 2019.