Diocesan youth days. Pilgrimages. Retreats. Catechesis. Leadership training.
Ever wonder what it takes to keep these faith-building projects and activities thriving? Well, just ask your friendly neighborhood Youth and Young Adult Ministry Advisory Council!
Also known as YYAMAC.
You may not have heard of this hard-working group of youth and young adult ministers, but they have been playing a crucial role behind the scenes in the diocese’s goal to reach its next generation of Catholics. The council, which was created in 2010, assists the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in various ways, from planning events to checking in on parish programs.
Ten members were appointed to YYAMAC at the beginning of January. They represent the diocese’s nine vicariates plus Hawaii Catholic Schools:
- Charlie Silva (Kauai)
- Debra Arellano (East Honolulu)
- Grace Benitez (West Honolulu)
- Kathy Lee (Windward Oahu)
- Bobby Morris (Leeward Oahu)
- Kainoa Fukumoto (Central Oahu and Molokai)
- Maka Secretario (Maui and Lanai)
- Sally Ganiron (East Hawaii)
- Edwina Fujimoto (West Hawaii)
- Brent Limos (Hawaii Catholic Schools)
The Hawaii Catholic Herald took a closer look at the YYAMAC and how it hopes to make an impact in the new year.
Roles and responsibilities
People who want to be a part of the YYAMAC must have a “willingness to share their faith in Jesus and their ongoing journey to God with others,” said Lisa Gomes, director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Gomes and the members of her office — young adult ministry coordinator Makana Aiona and administrative assistant Chucky Unciano — serve as the selection committee for YYAMAC members.
There is a thorough process to search for the best candidates for the group. Youth and young adult ministers must submit letters of intent and of recommendation from their pastor or school head. Then, they are evaluated on their commitment to and understanding of ministry.
Once selected, YYAMAC members serve a two-year term. They are asked to maintain regular communication with the priest who heads their vicariate, and to coordinate regular meetings with other youth/young adult ministers in their region.
They are also required to attend four gatherings of the council each year — two through conference call and two in-person. At these meetings, members must present an oral or written report on their vicariate activities.
All the work done by YYAMAC members is voluntary. Gomes said their efforts are very important, however, since they serve as the eyes, ears and voices for youth and young adult ministry in the entire diocese.
“We hope to increase communication and networking of youth and young adult ministry leadership within in the vicariates,” Gomes said. “We’re hoping that this newly appointed group will fulfill the purpose of the council.”
The new group
The 10 members selected this year for the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Advisory Council are a diverse bunch, with different ages, backgrounds and views. They share a passion, however, for building a strong faith foundation for Hawaii’s young Catholics.
“I love their ‘Aha!’ moments,” said Edwina Fujimoto of the West Hawaii vicariate. “I love to see their transformation.”
Charlie Silva of Kauai has been involved in youth ministry for 32 years. He said it’s extremely rewarding “seeing how the youth, as they become young adults, become responsible participants in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community.”
When asked what goals they have for the YYAMAC, one ideal stood out among the rest — to establish a youth/young adult program in every parish.
“It is within the parish community that most youth and young adults will first encounter any interaction with their Catholic faith,” said Kainoa Fukumoto, who represents the Central Oahu/Molokai vicariate.
Kathy Lee of Windward Oahu, who has been a catechist for more than 25 years, said she hopes to help youth and young adult ministries gain more support from pastors. This would help ministers “feel that they have the resources they need to do their job,” she said.
Debra Arellano of Star of the Sea Church said her role on the council is to foster communication on all levels of ministry. She aims to be an “advocate for parishes in the East Honolulu Vicariate.”
Building camaraderie among young Catholics is an important mission for the council as well. Grace Benitez of West Honolulu said she “would like to see a lot more fellowship so that the youth would be more comfortable with each other.”
Brent Limos, the Hawaii Catholic Schools representative, wants to create more activities, retreats and communities. The campus minister from Damien Memorial School said it is also important for the council to “draw in more youth to the Catholic Church.”
Aside from communication and event coordination, a bigger goal exists for these 10 new members of the YYAMAC. Bobby Morris, a parishioner at St. Jude Church in Kapolei in the Leeward Oahu vicariate, summed up the greatest mission for the council.
“I want to help everyone grow in love and faith in the Lord,” Morris said.
