ABOUT KCYM

Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) is the official State/Regional Organization under KCBC Commission for youth. It is affiliated to the National Youth Body ‘Indian Catholic Movement’ (ICYM). From 1968 onwards some of the dioceses began the work of organizing youth and using their youthfulness both for the church and for the society. It took a long period of 10 years to organize the movement in the state/ regional level. And it was in 1978, with much preparation by bishops, priests and laity the youth organization started by the name Kerala Catholic Youth Movement. It is consisted of youngsters between the age group of 15- 35 years who subscribe to the Catholic values and principles. The beneficiaries will be even the youth of different religion.

The main aim of KCYM is ‘the Integral Development of the Catholic Youth and the Total Liberation of Human Society in accordance with the Christian values’. It is to coordinate and empower the human potentials of youth based on the Gospel values, to make them effective agents of change in the socio-religious-political-economic and cultural reality of India, especially of Kerala through National integration. It also aims at making the youth committed to the serving mission of the Church to the least, last and the lost.

In this regard, suggestions have to be called in from all sections to work out the ways and means as to how it will be possible for youngsters to bring in changes in our culture without sacrificing its values, integrity and dignity. Culture is the theme of our existence as also the backbone of the religious cultural activities. To formulate a liberative culture is not an easy task nor is it the work of an individual alone as it is associated with religion and other cultural activities. Therefore in view of this, we are called collectively and unitedly to reform cultural activities, irrespective if caste, creed and religion so that we can live in the world of today in an atmosphere of understanding, love and togetherness.

It is a federation of 29 diocesan youth movements of Kerala. Each affiliated diocesan movement has equal rights in the federation. Youth between the age of 15- 35 are eligible for membership. Each diocese has its own structure in the Parish, Forane and Diocesan level under the patronage of the local bishop. The representatives of the parish units come to constitute the Forane body and the Forane representatives form the Diocesan body of KCYM. Representatives are elected from the diocesan bodies to constitute the state body which is called the Senate and Syndicate of KCYM.

How Helping Others Can Reduce Stress and Increase Happiness

Helping others brings good feelings to the giver and the receiver of the good deeds. Using your special gifts to help others can be a gift to yourself as you enjoy a self esteem boost for making others’ lives better, and make the world a better place. You feel more worthy of good deeds yourself, your trust in the decency of people is reinforced, and you feel more connected to yourself and to others. In fact, research shows that those who demonstrate more altruistic social interest tend to enjoy higher levels of mental health, above and beyond the practical benefits of receiving help and other known psychospiritual, stress, and demographic factors that you would expect.

Creating a balanced lifestyle that includes service to others can help you feel less stress as well, as you feel more connected to your spirit, more grateful for what you have, and less invested in the ‘rat race’ that causes stress for so many of us. The following articles can give you ideas and resources for how to create a life that includes more helping others.

The Feeling You Get When You Giv

By Mark Webb

A woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry and the woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the woman.

"I've been thinking" he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I will give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."

Giving is one of the greatest character building exercises on the planet. When you give of yourself without expectations of return, you expand in your ability to love. A sense of abundance develops. A win-win situation is created because everybody gains. This type of thinking goes against what most people believe. Most people believe that if you give, then you have less. Instead of a sense of abundance and prosperity, they experience a sense of scarcity. People who think in these terms tend to struggle with fear, frustration, depression, illness, and anger.

Recall the last time you did something for someone else. Do you remember that feeling of happiness you experienced? When you give, you always receive as well.

If you are feeling unhappy and empty, I suggest that you seek out someone or a group in need. And then look for ways to fill their needs. By giving, you receive feelings of love and happiness, which will replace your sense of emptiness.

The quality of your life can be measured by what you give.