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The fifth NTA/EXCO meeting was held on 26th and 27th Jan 2013 at Archbishop’s House, Mohan Nagar, Nagpur. 5 RYD’s, 9 EXCO’s, 1DYD, 1 Regional Coordinator, 3 animators, 8 DEXCO’s of Nagpur, and 7 other members were present for the meeting.

Those who were present are the National Chaplain Fr. Charles Menezes, Fr. Ranjith, Neelmani, Arman and Vikas from Odisha, Fr. Philip, Melwin and Alice from M&G, Fr. Mari Joseph, Vilas and Jovita from Karnataka, Mohith Michael from Bhijan, Laranzia from T.N., Jasica Robert, Jude Antony Augustine, Shareen and Neha from Jhansi, U.P., Frank Russel and Suzon Topno from Kolkata, W.B., Fr. Mark Lakra, Sr. Agnes, Sharmila Dhan and Johny Thongny from N.E.,  Fr. Balaswamy, Fr Fathima, Balaraj and Tania Maria, Sr, Rajith from Hyderabad, A.P., Leo Joseph from National office. Our Chairman Bishop Leo Cornelio, RYD from Goa, T.N., Northern, Bhijan, M.P. were absent for the meeting.

Meeting started at 11.am with prayer. Since the National Convener Joyce was unable to attend the meeting, Suzan the former convener presided over the meeting. Fr. Charles welcomed all. Jovita read out the report of last NTA/EXCO meeting.
Follow up of the last NTA/EXCO meet: Letter to Archbishop Leo Cornelio regarding our concerns has been sent by the National team, Joyce John and Fr. Charles Menezes visited Bethel, the Venue of 16th National Council and finalized it, happy to know that most of the regions elected their REXCO’s and DEXCO’s and have also started collecting Rs.10 each from YCS/ YSM members as proposed in the last meeting towards NC contribution.

Fr. Charles stressed on the fact that contribution from each student is important to give a sense of belongingness for the movement. He appreciated the contribution of Fr. Philip for sponsoring pens for council. We were also delighted to know that, the back page and inner page of our Souvenir were also sponsored by Fr. Richard of Jhansi, U.P., also Archbishop Leo has fulfilled his promise of giving Rs. 50000 and Fr. Fathima already collected Rs 10000 from coupons for the NC from Hyderabad.  

Introduction was followed by the regional reports. Most of the regions are doing their job excellently and Fr. Charles encouraged them to do it better.

Fr. George from the Seminary gave us spiritual talk in the evening in which he stressed on problem that youth face on modern world and how to counter the problems. Recollection was followed by mass and supper. Then we went through worksheet and decided on the job and responsibilities of each committee. Fr. Charles gave a pattern for the regions to prepare their regional report which will be presented in the National Council.
Following is the list of committees and regions in charge: 
Documentation            : Karnataka region
Constitution and Amendments    : A.P. region
Evaluation Committee        : T.N. & M.G. region
Program Committee            : U.P. and W.B. region
Media and Souvenir            : N.E. region
Animation and Cultural Committee    : Orissa and Bijhan regions
Liturgy                    : Nagpur, M.G. region
Finance                : Sr. Agnes, Fr. Mark, N.E Region and National Office.

2nd day started with mass. Fr. Mari Joseph was a main celebrant and Fr. Fathima preached meaningful sermon. After breakfast Suzan Topno briefed us about the preparation for 16th national council which will be held from 19th to 28th may 2013 at Bethel, Shillong, North East. Fr. Charles asked the regions to get a few things which depict the activities held in their regions to put up in an Exhibition at National Council. He asked the RYD’s to organize a meeting for the participants in their region before they arrive at the Council, so that they prepare the delegates well for better participation. In the discussion regarding time table Fr. Mark RYD of N.E. requested that the participants reach Gahwati on 18th May 2013, so that it will be easy for them to take the participants to the venue. Regarding the participation for National council, it will be one student from each diocese where YCS/YSM is functioning and for North East region 2 participants from every Diocese to take part in the formation session as the host region.

Then we discussed about the budget and fund raising. Fr Charles presented the draft budget of the council. He requested the regions to help in raising fund for the council through coupons, advertisements and sponsoring some items. We moved on to very important aspects of our meeting i.e. Finalization of amendments to the constitution of YCS/YSM India. The draft of the constitution was read through word by word and several suggestions made by various regions were explained, discussed, corrected and approved.

Archbishop of Nagpur Abraham Viruthukulangara visited us and posed for a photograph while sharing his experience about working with YCS/YSM. There was a surprise visit from Fr. Johnny Monteiro, former National Chaplain of YCS/YSM India. He interacted with us and gave a few guidelines as to how this movement emerged as one of the important one in the life of student community. He was full of life and all were happy to share a few moments with him.
After the tea break Fr Charles briefed us about the plight of Our National Office. He said our Office land issue has not yet been settled. Diocese of Madras-Mylapore has asked some more time for the settlement. We all hoped that this will be settled before the council.

In that case, Fr. Charles proposed an idea of shifting our working office to Delhi and working together with ICYM at CBCI Centre. When the settlement is done at Chennai, while buying a plot for our proposed building, and after putting up the building with the help of ICYM, rest of the money would be deposited in the bank and with the interest we could conduct some programs for the students. It will also encourage some student volunteers to work at the National office to expand the movement in India. All the members approved this idea and decided to move ahead in this direction, which will be finalized in the forthcoming youth commission meeting at Jalandhar in consultation with ICYM and Chairman Bishop.
 
Due to time constraint we had to wind up our meeting with this topic. Suzan thanked all those who were present for the meeting. Fr Charles thanked all the RYD’s and NEXCO’s for their continuous support for the movement. Thanks to Nagpur Region YCS/YSM for making arrangements for this meeting. Once again thanks to all RYD’s and NEXCO’s for their support.


News & pics: Jovita D’Souza, National Secretary YCS/YSM India.