Revisiting 3rd Sabah Youth Day - An Evaluation

By DS / ST

The Main Organizing Team (MOT) and Sub-MOT. 

TAMBUNAN : The third Sabah Youth Day (SYD3) themed 'Rooted and built up, firm in faith', Colossians 2 : 7, began 19th August and after five full days of faith-filled activities, the once in four-year program came to an end on 24th August. Last 29th September 2012, , the Main Organizing Team (MOT) and the Sub-MOT gathered at Holy Cross, Toboh to evaluate the program, its strengths and weaknesses (before, during and after) ~ setting the way forward for the next SYD in Tawau in 2016.

L-R : Rev Fr. Ronnie Luni (spiritual director for SYD-3) and Wilfred James (coordinator for SYD-3)

Focusing on the objectives of SYD3;

• call to live a life of holiness
• living witnesses of Christ, rejecting the negative effect of globalization
• be future leaders of the local Church

the Organizing Team searched deep within to analyze the processes of its preparation, implementation and effects. As it is said in the book of Ecclesiastes, "Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins". There are many successes and yet there are also shortcomings. Many of the youths shared that their faith has been strengthened, they are more confident to share in front and are proud to be Catholics. They not only believed but belonged to the bigger family of God. A gathering of some 3,000 youths from across the 3 arch / dioceses has brought them closer to God and to one another. Friendship has been established, build on and enhanced. 

Pony (MOT for registration)

Through feedback received, the participants highlighted that time management should be given priority without which there would be confusion regarding the flow of events. The placement of partcipants to the various foster families in the five different zones had been very effective, promoting participation from all sectors, participants and local parishioners alike. 

Rev Fr. Ronny Mailap 

According to Rev Fr. Ronny Mailap, the assistant rector of Holy Cross Toboh, the event took off as planned and the flow had been quite smooth. However, there were hitches here and there that could be improved and enhanced. The weaknesses offerred opportunities for growth as we commit to correct the flaws. Incoming organizers could build on the strengths. He took the opportunity to thank all members of the Main Organizing Team, the Sub-Main Organizing Team and all those involved in one way the other to make SYD-3 a reality and a success.  A progarm of such magnitude would not be possible without the joint effort of every member. Teamwork is the main ingredient of its success as in Ephesians 4 : 16, 'From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.' Till we meet again in SYD4 in Holy Trinity Church, Tawau. God bless.