CONFERMENT OF MINOR ORDERS

On the 23^rd of May, 2019 was a remarkable day in Good Shepherd Major seminary Kaduna, because the conferment of Minor Orders is a ceremony every seminarian always look up to. The ceremony signifies one of the customary steps on the path toward ordination. While the lectors are saddled with the responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God, the acolytes are to be uniquely tasked with the mission of serving.

In his homily during the Mass in which the institution of the lectors and acolytes took place, Most Rev. Dr. George Dodo, the Bishop of Zaria diocese spoke of the “real presence” of the Lord in the Eucharist. He admonished seminarians who were to receive the minor orders that, with the reception of this ministries they are being reminded that as ordained priests they will minister the mysteries of the faith from the altar. “You will become engaged in making real and present the saving mystery of the death and resurrection of the Lord.” He reminded the seminarians of the honor of their role as lectors and acolytes. “It is a great privilege to distribute the holy Eucharist, the new manna, to the faithful.” “As you know, as acolytes, you must show the greatest reverence for the most holy Eucharist with your behavior, your attire and the way you handle the body and blood of Christ.” Turning to the lectors he said “to you is also given the privilege of proclaiming the Word of God, make sure the Word you proclaim reflect in your lives.”

Seminarians, who after the Mass could not hide their joy affirmed that the event was an exciting and significant step in the journey to the priesthood. One needed to see how the younger students felt a moment of expectation and admiration. However, one of the newly lectors who could not hide his excitement acknowledged that “the event is essential because it tells us of the coming of something greater than this.”  While one of the newly acolytes affirmed that “becoming an acolyte is a step we have always looked up to, since it is a step to diaconate ordination.” “We feel like things are happening and we are almost there,” he said. The event came to a close at the school Terbena (canteen) where newly acolytes and lectors were celebrated by their friends. It was indeed an awesome event and we pray that the steps our brothers have taken in entering into the ministries of lector and acolyte be a moment of grace to prepare their hearts and lives for the service of God and the people in the future as priests (Amen).

YOUTH IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD MAJOR SEMINARY  MAGAZINE

OUT NOW!!! AND AVAILABLE!!!

EDITOR'S NOTE 

A prevailing notion today is that the youth of this generation are not interested in Church or the of God. Of course, they are desperate for an exquisite and grand story to make sense of the world around them. They want meaning out of everything base on their inclinations and are desperate for a true hope. Many parents have put their hope in the economy, the government, and the military strength of the nation. Their children, however, see a continuous failing economy with high political unrest, and an ongoing terrorist threat which seems to be fueling up on a daily basis. The future doesn’t seem that rosy. So what’s left for them to hope in if they don’t have the future? The moment is what we can invariably say they have, and their happiness is what they pursue. Youth pursue happiness, but the means given by the world; shopping, entertainment, sex, social media, cultism and other enticements of this age and time undermine their very endeavor. This Pleasure is fleeting. Relations, often only surface deep but get messy quickly. Entertainment can’t provide lasting satisfaction. In the end, happiness for them is little more than momentary escape from the realities of the world. 

Given the circumstances, it’s no surprise that many youth are restless, insecure, jaded, and desperately searching for meaning to explain all the hurt and suffering which they experience and see around them, and also the meaning to their very existence. Sadly, many within the church offer nothing more substantive than the vaporous teachings of the world. In some churches, “youth group” have become synonymous with fun gathering, entertainment, and shallow teaching. 

It is important therefore, for the truth to be passed down from generation to generation, in order to grow the Church (the body of Christ). Ultimately, helping youth to grow spiritually, morally, economically, socially, etcetera, in their formative years will equip them to make an impact for Christ, both now and in the future. If the youth are the Church of tomorrow, then they need to be a priority in the church today, hence the theme of this Edition: Youth in the Life of the Church is indeed apt, geared towards addressing the challenges of the youth both within and without the Church. 

This Unique edition of the Good Shepherd Magazine, espouses on the fact that; the problem of the youth is also the problem and indeed the concern of the Church. This edition tells us about the necessity of pursuing righteousness and its allied virtues through character formation. Our Guest Writer Prof. (Mrs) Rose Ayaka Nkom, brings home the fact that; commitment to the Church is a Challenge to the youths, and re-echoes the fact that they are the hope of the Church and proffer’s ways through which they can be committed. Furthermore, this edition brings out the missing link, in contemporary practice and instances where youths worship just for fun. In a generation when so many detest old age, some of our writers came to the rescue by assuring us that old age is not a loss of youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength. Concerted effort is made also in this publication which you read now to establish a stand on the fact that youths are theological Pillars of pastoral ministry, and so the Sacred Scripture is a formidable guide for their formation. More so, in this edition, a reflection on the crazy fashion trends as devaluing our valued assets is critically presented thereby encouraging Parents to play their active role in educating youths and generally teenagers especially as regards sex. Some of our well-regarded contributors also give a vivid explanation on the point that the Church, family and the society are agents of evangelizing the youths, and so must brace up to the responsibility. With the high rate of divorce and broken homes; living the children to face the consequences of such actions, we also strain to accentuate the fact that true Joy in marital relationship is a product of long and deep commitment. Being in a highly technological age, precautions on not losing the meaningfulness of life on the altar of technological advancement is also offered. Succinctly, an outline on the ways through which the youth can engage actively in evangelization is distinctly spelt out. 

Our alluring cover Stories, exotic Opinion Polls and other intriguing Interviews with men and women of great value, make this edition unique and phenomenal. With all that is contained therein, read through and you will not regret having a copy of this magazine. I do wish you a happy reading as you sail through the pages of this magazine.

JOHN KELVIN MAKAMA

Editor-in-Chief
08148163370