MGSOSA Southern Region Fall 2005 Youth Conference

by Irine Thomas & Binu Aramath

On Saturday, November 19, 2005 St. Ignatius Jacobite Syrian Church of Dallas hosted the Southern Regional MGSOSA fall conference. The theme of the conference was “Faith: the source of our strength” (Isaiah 40:30-31 - Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint). The conference was welcome to St. Mary's Houston, St. Peter's Houston, St. George’s Oklahoma, St. Mary's Dallas, St. Ignatious and all other local parishes.

The keynote speaker for the event was Dn. Joel Jacob (MGSOSA Secretary) from New York. The praise and worship team was lead by Joel Joseph from Atlanta, Georgia. The choir consisted of members from St. George’s, St. Mary’s (Dallas) and St. Ignatious Church. There was a total of eighty-five youth members who attended this conference. Registration started at 11:00am on Saturday November 19th followed with opening prayer led by Fr. Shinoj Joseph. Mr. Binu Aramath, the regional coordinator, opened the program with a welcome speech. Dn. Martin Babu served as master of ceremonies. Shortly following the songs of praise was a social icebreaker game consisting of t.v families. Afterwards, Ms. Irine Thomas was unanimously elected as the junior regional coordinator for the southern region.

After lunch and the second session of praise and worship, Dn. Joel introduced the first half of the keynote address. Dn. Joel’s speech which consisted of algebraic formulas for faith, proved to be highly interactive and lead to fun and open discussions amongst the youth. In hopes of exploring faith even further, St. Ignatius youth created unique blindfold obstacle courses and taste test games to demonstrate the day’s theme. 

The second half of Dn. Joel’s keynote address included short meditation periods where the entire congregation in unison bowed on their knees and prayed silently.

The basketball tournament was an enjoyable experience for all those who watched and for all those who played. This time’s trophy was awarded to St. Mary’s Church Houston. Soon after the basketball tournament, Rev. Fr. Joseph C. Joseph led the evening prayer. The day’s events concluded with a tasty Indian buffet provided by St. Ignatius church Dallas. 

On Sunday morning, Holy Qurbana was conducted by Fr. Alias Aramath and the Sunday sermon was given by Dn. Joel Jacob. Mr. Aramath gave a vote of thanks at the service’s conclusion. Fr. Aramath presented gifts from the conference to the keynote speaker and Dn. Joel presented a rolling plaque to St. Ignatious Dallas, in appreciation for hosting the conference. We look forward to ever increasing participation in this region and the opportunity to meet again in the spring to further strengthen our faith.