Young Couple Apostolate (YCA)
History
The YCA (earlier known as Golden Youth movement) was initiated in 2011 within Mandya Diocese by Vicar General of Mandya Diocese Rev. Dr. Mathew Koikkara (our Vicar 2013-2023). In our church it started in 2012.
1- Engage young couples in church activities
2- Guide couples in their personal spiritual life
The Young Couples Apostolate has:
Structure:
1. Diocesan Level: Bishop, Secretary, and nominated representative.
2. Parish Level: Vicar, Office Bearers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Joint Secretary, Treasurer).
Activities:
1. Meetings: Regular meetings for young couples.
2. Retreats: One-day retreats for couples, Bi-Monthly adoration for the spiritual growth of YCA family
3. Social Activities: Visiting orphanages, AIDS centres, old age homes, medical aid, educational aid etc.
Objective:
1.Support: Empowering young couples in their faith journey.
2.Community Building: Fostering a sense of community among couples.
3.Equal Participation: Encouraging equal participation of couples in their spiritual journey.
4.Fellowship and Communion: Building fellowship and communion among couples to pass on to future generations.
5.Systematic Approach: Implementing a systematic and organized approach by following by-laws.
6.Reaching Out: Extending support to more families, fostering a sense of belonging to a larger parish family
Fostering Family Life:
1. Post-Marriage Classes: Conducting classes to strengthen marriages and family bonds.
2. Addressing Issues: Providing a platform for couples to discuss challenges and find solutions.
Community Engagement:
1. Awareness Seminars: Organizing seminars on relevant topics.
2. Forums: Creating spaces for discussion and engagement.
By focusing on these areas, YCA is helping to build stronger families and a more engaged community.
The Young Couples Apostolate (YCA) in Hongasandra church seems to be a vibrant community that fosters spiritual growth, unity, and bonding among its members.
Here are some of the activities they organize:
- Inter Parish Tournament: An annual cricket tournament is scheduled for parishes in Mandya Diocese
- Inter Ward Badminton Tournament: An annual event appreciated by the diocese for its quality and organization.
- Family Day: A celebration that brings together families and promotes bonding.
- Communication: WhatsApp group for immediate communication among representatives.
- Picnics and Pilgrimages: One-day outings to foster familial relationships within the YCA group.
- Family Get-Together: An annual event where members, families, and children spend time together, share dinner, and create sweet memories.
- Annual Gathering: A significant event that promotes unity and bonding among members.
In Mandya Diocese, the Young Couples Apostolate is active in 15 churches, with 9 parishes in the initial stages, and aims to expand to other parishes.
The Young Couples Apostolate (YCA) commission has several key objectives:
1- Transforming Families: Fostering transformation in families, parishes, dioceses, and society.
2- Family Welfare: Promoting the welfare of families and spousal relationships to build a better generation.
3- Reaching Out: Extending support to more families, fostering a sense of belonging to a larger parish family.
The Young Couples Apostolate (YCA) is making a positive impact by:
Supporting Parish Activities:
- Assisting with day-to-day parish activities as needed.
- Contributing to the community through various services.