By Mr Mario Borges for BIS Mumbai

Virar East, Mumbai: As the summer holidays drew to a close, the youth of Resurrection Church, Virar East, gathered in high spirits for their first formal meeting of the academic season. Held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, the assembly aimed to re-engage the parish’s young members and outline a visionary roadmap for the upcoming year.

The session commenced with a warm welcome address by Assistant Parish Priest & Administrator, Fr Gregory D’Almeida, who set an inviting tone for the gathering. This was followed by a round of introductions, allowing members to connect and build camaraderie after the break. Fr D’Almeida, then led the assembly in an opening prayer, invoking guidance for the youth and their future endeavors within the church.

Parish Priest, Fr Thomas D’costa, addressed the gathering with a motivating speech, emphasizing the vital role of young people to take advantage of the different resources of the Parish and the new youth director. "The youth are not just the future of the Church, they are the heart of its present mission," Fr D’Costa remarked, encouraging those in attendance to take an active interest in community service.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to educating the youth on the expansive nature of their ministry. The attendees were briefed on the various levels of participation available to them ranging from Parish and Deanery levels to Diocesan, Provincial, and even World-level platforms. The presentation shed light on the diverse sectors and dimensions of youth ministry, broadening the members' understanding of how they can contribute their unique talents to the wider Catholic community.

The latter part of the meeting focused on administrative renewal and future planning. The congregation moved into a consultation phase, which included the formation of the Youth Pastoral Council and the election of representatives for Yuva Darshan.

Looking ahead, the floor was open for the sharing of the planned annual calendar. The youth were encouraged to provide suggestions for upcoming parish activities, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration. The meeting concluded with 'Any Other Business' (AOB), where members raised queries and contributed ideas for the annual programme for the youth.

The gathering served as a successful launchpad for the year, leaving the youth of Resurrection Church feeling inspired, organized, and ready to serve. With a clear vision and a renewed sense of purpose, the young members of Virar East are poised to make a meaningful impact in the months to come.