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The origin of the Jesus Youth Movement was in Kerala (India) a picturesque coastal state in the southern most tip of India, with a rich cultural background and diverse Christian traditions of three different Catholic Rites and numerous other ecclesial communities. In the 1970s the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) touched the lives of many, young and old, and resulted in the formation of a number of youth groups. By the early 1980s, these groups had already matured into a vibrant presence. In 1985, the International Year of the Youth, these groups came together under a single name, Jesus Youth, seeking a clearer vision for themselves and for the wider participation of young people in the Church. Over the years the movement has grown and developed. This development is the fruit of a genuine commitment to various ministries and apostolates: an eagerness to share and serve children (Christeen Ministry), students (Campus Ministry), those in parishes (Parish Ministry), the poor and the suffering (Outreach Ministry), floating professionals and young married couples. By the 1990s, Jesus Youth had spread to different parts of India and today Jesus Youth is active in many other Asian countries and in various parts of the United States, Canada and Europe. In many instances this is the result of the initiatives of the members of Jesus Youth who migrated to other parts of the world for academic or professional reasons. In other cases, older people, deeply impressed by the transformation of young people by their association with the movement, actively promote Jesus Youth and try to establish the movement in other countries. An International Team co-ordinates Jesus Youth at the international level and in each country where Jesus Youth is present, a national teams co-ordinates its activities. Being a Catholic movement Jesus Youth is accountable to the Catholic Hierarchy of the area and functions under the guidance of the Catholics Bishops. At the diocesan level the Bishop gives guidance to the Zonal Jesus Youth Team, in particular through the presence and assistance of the official Diocesan Priest Liaison for Jesus Youth appointed by the Bishop.
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