ST Bernard’s Parish, Upper Mt Gravatt youth group, Luke 18 explored the story of Noah and the Ark through prayer, song, games, projects, meditation and discussion on May 17-18.
For the past three years St Bernard’s has organised a retreat weekend with a special theme for the Year 7-9 Luke 18 group.
This year the group explored the theme ‘Return to the Ark’.
Youth group co-ordinator Jaye Barros said the group of 30 focused on the question, ‘What does God want me to be?’
‘It was a challenging question for most of us but one which these young people took on board with much enthusiasm, energy and faith,’ she said.
She said a youth leadership team of 15 young people spent three months organising and planning the weekend retreat.
‘By bringing the youth leadership team together prior to the weekend it allowed them to develop a trust and respect for each other and their roles, as well as giving them a real opportunity to workshop with the adults and develop a rapport among the team,’ Jaye said.
‘They had been meeting during the six weeks leading up to the weekend to ensure they were on track with talks, questions, share groups, worksheets, music and leadership training.’
They were joined by 15 adults, 15 members of the ‘God Squad’ and members of the Mark 10 youth group, who helped out in the kitchen.
The weekend ended with a Mass, a barbecue and a closing ceremony.
Jaye said the group was given the chance to give feedback at the end of the weekend.
‘Most of the time this was highly constructive and gave us the opportunity to update, change and add to the program to ensure we are always giving the youth what they feel they need and would benefit from.’
For more information about St Bernard’s youth groups contact Jaye Barros or Nev Yun on (07) 3349 7158.
