Fifty-two years, the Flushing Module Youth Program started its mission to offer teens a monthly space to develop their relationships with God. The following information is a brief description of our origins (I believe written by Joe Roach):
“In 1970, Bishop Mugavero invited a group of Xaverian brothers to set up programs in liturgy, youth ministry, and adult religious education for the eight parishes of Flushing. Among several projects directed by representatives of each parish acting as the Flushing Modular Planning Project, the brothers created an innovative multi-parish teenage retreat program, usually called the Flushing Module Youth Program. After the brothers’ contract ended in June l972, the teens asked some of the adults who had trained with the brothers to continue the program. A team consisting of adults and youth from each parish developed a proposal that was approved by the Flushing parishes. (Some years later, the name was changed to the Module Youth Program of Northeast Queens to include Bayside, Whitestone, and College Point parishes.) On May 6, 1973, the first “day” (Search Day) was produced in St. Michael’s basement hall on Barclay Avenue. Something new was born.”
In my early years as a Team Member, I remember a discussion about the world changing but teens don’t. I think that is true in many ways, but how can teens, adults too, not be changed by our world? My emotions and opinions can definitely change on a daily basis, but a few good things remain. The times I have experienced (and the people I met) as part of the MYP have changed me, remain with me & continue to challenge me to be better & more Christlike in this world. I am grateful for this ‘something new’ being born & I pray that it continues for a long time into the future!
