The morning of the Family Ministry Summit 2025 began with a powerful call to renewal during the Plenary Session 1—if you haven’t read it yet, you can check out the full story [here]. That same spirit of reflection and recommitment carried into the breakout sessions that followed, where each Family Ministry gathered to deepen their response to the theme. For Youth For Christ (YFC), the breakout session became a meaningful space to reconnect with our mission, rediscover our purpose, and renew our commitment to walking with the youth in faith.
The YFC breakout session was graced by two of the most respected and beloved leaders of CFC Australia’s Family Ministry, Bro. Larry Buenaagua and his wife, Sis. Sheila Buenaagua. Their presence alone was a source of inspiration, a reminder of the steadfast commitment that has shaped and strengthened the ministry through the years.
Sis. Sheila, who opened the session, set the tone by emphasising that YFC is one of the most diverse and dynamic ministries. After housekeeping reminders, she introduced our theme: “Returning to Galilee.” This powerful theme encouraged us to reflect on our journey and how we can renew our commitment to serving the youth.
Our introductions were more than just stating our names. Each participant completed the phrase, “As I return to Galilee…” This simple yet profund exercise revealed deep personal reflections, with responses touching on returning to the basics, planting seeds, and spiritual growth. These thoughts were captured on the whiteboard, serving as a visible testament to our collective mission.
The Call to Strengthen and Transition
Sis. Sheila highlighted a crucial focus for this year: nurturing the growth of existing YFC members. While evangelisation remains vital, greater emphasis is now placed on pastoral formation—deepening spiritual maturity and ensuring a smooth transition from YFC to Singles For Christ (or SFC). The challenge of retention and transition has been evident in past years, making it more urgent to build programs that encourage YFC members to continue their mission beyond their youth.
Anchoring Our Service in Faith
Bro. Larry, our speaker for the YFC breakout session, began by sharing about his and Sis. Sheila’s service in Couples For Christ, particularly their involvement in ROCK (or Reaching Out Christ to Kids) training. He then revisited last year’s theme, “To Be a Servant and a Light to the Nations,” and how it was rooted in John 8:12. This year’s theme—“Rejoice! Take Courage. Return to Galilee.”—similarly holds an anchor verse, from Matthew 28:8-10. These anchor verses really serve as our guide, and inspiring us as we carry out our mission of service.
Reflecting on why we return to the place where we first encountered Jesus, we are reminded of His choice of fishermen as His disciples. Why fishermen? Because they embodied patience, perseverance, and courage—qualities that we, as YFC coordinators, also need. Just as fishermen know how to navigate stormy waters and skillfully catch fish, we, too, must develop the right skills to serve effectively.
Creating a Home for the Youth
Quoting Pope Francis, Bro. Larry reminded us: “To rise again, to begin again, to resume our journey, we always need to return to Galilee.” He encouraged us to journey with the youth, making our community a place where they encounter Jesus, grow in faith, and experience genuine belonging.
He challenged us to rethink how we engage the youth, suggesting shorter talks paired with more interactive activities—sports, arts, writing, and even a renewed focus on the sacraments. Through prayer and creative expression, young people can deepen their faith while feeling at home in our community.
Recognising Our Worth and Mission
An engaging discussion followed on the value of authenticity. Bro. Larry humorously compared our worth to that of luxury branded products, highlighting that just as we protect valuable items, we must also safeguard our own dignity. We are priceless, redeemed by Christ, and called to live holy lives. The same applies to our youth—they are treasures who need to be nurtured and protected.
The YFC vision, “Being and Bringing Christ Wherever We Are,” reflects the dual mission of formation and evangelisation. We are called to embody Christ in our lives and to actively spread His message.
Our Calling as YFC Coordinators: A Heart Ready to Serve
At the heart of our mission as YFC coordinators lies a deep and personal calling, rooted in Scripture. Bro. Larry reminded us of Matthew 9:36-38, where Jesus, filled with compassion, saw the crowds as sheep without a shepherd and called for labourers in His harvest. This is the very essence of our role—we are called to guide, nurture, and lead the youth toward Christ.
Are We Qualified to Be YFC Coordinators?
Bro. Larry posed a deep and serious question: Are you qualified to be a YFC coordinator? The answer, he shared, is not found in our personal achievements or skills but in our love and willingness to serve. Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” and “A new commandment I give you: Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 14:15, 13:34).
As YFC coordinators, our calling is anchored in love—love for Christ and love for His people. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1241) reminds us that through our baptism, we share in Christ’s threefold mission: as priests, we make sacrifices; as prophets, we bear witness; and as kings, we lead others and embrace our God-given inheritance. This means that regardless of our background—whether we were once YFC members ourselves, are parents, teachers, or simply individuals who have a heart for young people—we are indeed qualified.
Are We Willing to Serve?
Beyond being qualified, the greater question is: Are we willing? Bro. Larry pointed out that sometimes, we are willing but not ready. Other times, we may feel ready but not willing. The truth is, answering the call to serve comes with challenges and trials. Yet, Sirach 2:1-2 encourages us: “When you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast.”
Serving the youth is no small task. It requires dedication, patience, and faith. Are we willing to take the risks and embrace the sacrifices necessary to build Generation Christ? Psalm 145:4 urges us: “One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts.” We are not just filling leadership roles—we are shaping the next generation of faithful disciples.
Are We Ready? Training the Head, Heart, and Hands
To be effective in our calling, we must prepare ourselves completely—mind, heart, and strength.
Training the Head (Mind): We must root ourselves in God’s Word. Just as we expect students to study before an exam, we too must equip ourselves with Scripture. How can we guide the youth if we are not immersed in Christ’s teachings, His mission, and His sacrifices? Feeding our minds with God’s truth allows us to lead with wisdom and clarity.
Training the Heart: Our emotions and attitudes play a crucial role in our service. When we are anxious, our hearts race; when we are burdened, we lose sleep. The remedy is not just physical rest but a deepening of our relationship with Jesus. Through prayer, self-examination, and surrender, we cultivate a heart that is loving, humble, and aligned with God’s will.
Training the Hands (Strength): Our hands symbolise our physical service—our time, energy, and presence. Serving the youth often means sacrificing our own time, leaving our families, and stepping out of our comfort zones. Bro. Larry reminded us that while we must give of ourselves, we also need to guard against burnout. Rest, prayer, and rejuvenation are vital, just as Elijah rested, ate, and regained his strength before continuing his mission (1 Kings 19:5-8).
A Call to Renewed Commitment
As we left the morning session and shared a meal with fellow delegates, we were reminded that our calling as YFC coordinators is not just a duty—it is a privilege. We are part of a movement that shapes lives, transforms hearts, and leads the next generation closer to Christ.
But the journey doesn’t end here. In the afternoon session, we will delve into the seen and unseen battles that the YFC coordinators face. How do we overcome these challenges? And what can we learn from two engaging activities designed to strengthen our resolve?
Stay tuned—there’s so much more to uncover as we take courage and return to Galilee together!
In the meantime, feel free to scroll through glimpses of the other family ministry breakout sessions below. If you are on your phone, you can click the dropdown menu and select a Family Ministry tab. While there are no written articles for those sessions, these shared photos, graciously provided by our CFC brothers and sisters, beautifully reflect the joy, unity, and grace that filled the day.
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