Parish Youth Day

by: Teenie De Leon

This Year’s Youth Fiesta kick-off was extra special as it coincided with the culmination of the Year of the Youth. Thus, the title represented the gathering of all youth orgs in the parish: CTK Days with The Lord, CTK Knights, PREx Youth, and the Young Catholic Professionals. As envisioned, the event was similar to a fair. Each youth org had a table with games, exhibits, and other interactive activities. These encouraged the youth participants to join their orgs. Fr. Steve Zabala also played with the young parishioners. They enjoyed taking pictures, playing board games, and accomplishing challenges with the parish priest. Father Steve might look intimidating with his height and seniority, but spending leisure time with him proved otherwise. The youth definitely felt the parish was a welcoming and accepting community.

This was reflected in the Freedom Wall. Two questions were posted: What do you love about Christ The King Parish? And what will you do to make CTK a Parish for Others? Among the many positive and inspiring answers, one wrote, “I love CTK because it brings people together through the Lord!” Another wrote, “I love CTK because it is open to everyone who wants to be a part of it.” Yet another said, “I love the community that supports and accepts you for who you are.”

Of course, any youth event would not be complete without games. The icebreaker and getting-to-know-you activities took away the awkwardness among the young. And to inspire the next generation of parishioners, speakers were invited. Kritzia Santos of YCP encouraged all to pray to God always, and love and serve His people. With His grace, you can overcome your weakness and do what scares you. Older parishioners, Bet Montecillo, Bing Del Rosario, and Fely Ong shared their own experiences in serving the parish.

As a response, the youth ministry heads declare: