When I was asked to join a Single Young Adults (SYA) weekend in 2008, I didn’t know what to expect. All the while, I thought I wouldn’t get a lot out of the weekend since I had lived a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I had firm goals in life and was on track to achieving them. I was spending just the right amount of time for God, family, work and leisure. Mondays to Fridays are mostly spent working. Occasionally, I would hang out with friends after work. Saturdays are mostly spent playing sports or going on short trips out of town. Sundays are definitely reserved for church and family.
However, a few weeks before the weekend, the life that I once knew fell into pieces. Work became too busy which made meeting with friends more difficult. Friends turned against each other. My relationship with my mom was getting shaky.
As the weekend approached, questions about life started to pile. Questions like—“Do I bother myself with these problems or do I turn my back on them?”, “How do I piece myself and my relationships back together?”, and “Where is God amidst all the chaos”?
Finally, the weekend came. I was surprised how 3 days can put things in perspective. It was a great way to reflect on all aspects of life. The weekend facilitated self-rediscovery, finding our identity—which is mostly drowned or taken over by what we do versus who we really are,our relationship with our family and friendsand how we—as Catholics—fit into the big picture. Unknowingly, it was what I needed and more. I was in the company of people going through the same uncertainties in life. I was not alone. All participants were moved by the talks and sharings, and as time went by, we have all grown closer to one another and had been each other’s confidants.
After the weekend, SYA had continually inspired me to see God in everything I do. The community is a place I know can always fall back on with no judgments and no hesitations. As I had been a prodigal son who had left and returned, SYA had always been the family who was glad to see me back.
Joining SYA had been one of the best decisions in my life. I thank God everyday for allowing me to take my journey together with a loving community. It is a group that always provides me opportunities to keep my faith strong—through various church activities like prayer meetings, birthday masses, and service at Makati City Jail and Philippine General Hospital. It is a group that continues to help me find God in the center of all things. I have never felt more purpose in life than when I found God in my center.
The 28th Single Young Adults weekend will be from September 12 – 14, 2014 (Friday evening to Sunday) at the 2nd floor of the Santuario de San Antonio Parish Center. Registration Fee is P1,000. Informational brochures are available at the Parish Office. You may also contact Jonathanat 09178367374 or jona.dcruz@gmail.com for more information.
Santuario de San Antonio Parish 