Maronite Youth Organisation

The Maronite Youth Organisation “OLOL YOUTH”

HISTORY

Formed in 1984 by Fr. Michael Kairouz, the Maronite Youth Organization (MYO) is the Official Voluntary Youth Committee of Our Lady of Lebanon (OLOL) Church, Harris Park. Since the formation of the MYO, there have been a number of young individuals who have contributed significantly to the Community in a range of successful Spiritual, Social and Charitable activities. The previous Presidents and Chaplains of the MYO are as follows:

Jan 1994- Feb 2003: Fr Geoffrey Abdallah
Feb 2003- Sept 2004: Fr Alain Fares
Sept 2004 - Jan 2016: Monsignor Shora Maree
Jan 2016 - June 2017 : Fr Raphael Abboud

June 2017 - Present : Deacon Charbel Dib

 

TODAY

Our Current Committee for 2021 - Current 

Youth Chaplain: Deacon Charbel Dib
Coordinator: Roy-Charbel Farah
Assistant Coordinator: Chloe Bou Serhal
Secretary: Jessica Lahoud 
Treasurer: Ashley Mejalli
Spiritual Events Representative: Patrick Mardini 
Social Events Coordinator: Louis Ayoub
Media Liaison: Mayliz Boumansour 

VISION

The Vision of the MYO is to strengthen the Maronite Community Faith within the Parish and the Wider Australian Community

MISSION

The Mission of the MYO of OLOL Co-Cathedral, Harris Park is to:
1. Foster, Strengthen and Grow in our Maronite Faith and Commitment to our Parish and Church.
2. Understand and Address the needs and issues of the Youth in our Parish.
3. Organize, Encourage and Promote social interaction for Youth in our Australian-Lebanese Community.

MOTTO

’It is not enough to discover Christ - you must bring Him to others!".

WHY WE CHOOSE TO BE PART OF THE MYO?

The MYO has offered, amongst many other things, support, encouragement, understanding, spiritual and personal growth and above all, friendship.
It has provided the opportunity for many to develop skills in different areas, work autonomously and as a team member, and allowed people to give something back to the community.

MYO EVENTS

These are some of the examples of MYO Events that are run by the Committee (but not limited to):

•  Spiritual Retreats
•  Trivia Nights
•  State of Origin Viewings
•  Wine Tasting Tour
•  Charity Fundraising: World’s Greatest Shave
•  Cricket and Chicken Nights
•  Youth Celebration for Feast Week
•  Interstate Trips
•  Ski Trip
•  Dinner Dances and Balls
•  Karaoke Night
•  Spiritual event Days
•  Harbour Cruises
•  Picnic/Beach Days
•  Christmas/New Year Nights

In addition to the above mentioned events, The MYO helps facilitate the 7:00pm Masses and also initiated a second collection plate during the Lenten and Christmas period for a selected charity.
The MYO has contributed to many of our Parish celebrations and activities, both spiritual and social, such as Palm Sunday festivities, Good Friday and Easter Masses, Feast week celebrations and Christmas festivities.

The MYO has assisted with Diocesan events by regularly attending Maronite Youth Diocesan Committee (MYDC) meetings and assisting in the organization of the Maronite Sports Day and Dinner Dance.
In addition, The MYO serve various other Parish and Diocesan committees such as Living Word Bible Studies, Traffic controllers, Choir, Media and IT, Fersen Al Adra, Teens, Arabic classes and more.

MEETINGS

The following is the types of meetings that the MYO will run:
1) MYO Youth Night- the purpose of this is to engage the wider youth group and to update them on upcoming events. This is also a chance for General Youth group to become more involved in events and activities as well as voice feedback. These meetings usually happen on the first Friday of every month.
2) Monthly Executive Meeting- is chaired by the Youth Coordinator. The purpose of this meeting is to allow the Executive Committee to table and discuss things that are happening in their area as well as what guidance and support they need from the Executive Leadership Team (Chaplain, Youth Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator). This is also an opportunity for the Executive Leadership Team to communicate changes, policies or discuss any wider parish feedback that concerns the Youth.
3) Subcommittees- the purpose of these meetings is to discuss the specifics of a social, spiritual or charity event. These subcommittees are chaired by the Social/Spiritual/Charity Coordinator and must commence 4-6 weeks prior to an event to allow for proper planning and execution. It is the responsibility of the Social/Spiritual/Charity Coordinator to ensure this happens and keeps the ELT abreast of all proceedings. Subcommittees can involve members outside of the Executive Committee who are willing to participate and champion various activities. The Executive Leadership Team will only be involved by exception or where required/requested.

We always welcome and encourage any Youth interested in our activities to join, and we Pray that through the strength of God, that we may help make our Maronite family stronger in faith and in love. If you would like to join or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Youth Chaplain Deacon Charbel Dib on 0410759795, or our Youth Coordinator Roy Farah on 0434553775.