SEVERAL parishes and youth groups are planning a Catholic camp at the Sonfest Christian music festival in January.
Sonfest is held each year at Boonah, south of Brisbane.
International bands such as Third Day, Audio Adrenaline and The Lads, as well as Australian Christian bands covering rock, pop, worship, rap, ska, punk and heavy rock will perform at the three-day festival from January 20-22.
There will also be sports and skate competitions, movies, Bible studies, seminars and Christian speakers.
The vision for a Catholic camp at Sonfest was proposed by Emmanuel Youth Outreach co-ordinator Luke Plant after he heard about the success of a similar camp at the Parachute Christian Music Festival in New Zealand.
‘The thing about Sonfest is that it’s a great Christian event for young people, but it is a bit of a new thing for Catholics,’ Luke said.
‘What we hope is that a bunch of youth groups and young adults from parishes and deaneries across Brisbane, as well as places like Toowoomba and Gladstone, would come together and attend Sonfest.
‘I suggested the idea to a number of other youth leaders, and it’s great, because there’s been about a dozen groups who have shown interest.’
Luke said the camp would not belong to Emmanuel Youth Outreach or any other group, but it could be shared by everybody.
‘The idea at this stage is that we would be able to camp together in a general area, to have some times of fun, prayer and fellowship and to maybe share a meal or two together.’
He said the Catholic camp idea had worked at the Parachute Festival for a number of years.
Toowoomba diocesan youth co-ordinator James Bryant will supply two marquees for the group to use as a common area at Sonfest.
Parish Youth Ministry Services (PYMS) is also supporting the Catholic camp.
PYMS development officer Malcolm Hart said: ‘I think it’s great that youth groups are getting together to organise something like this.
‘It’s a great initiative and it is sure to bear fruit in many parish youth programs.
‘It can be scary sometimes to invite friends to church events, but the nature of Sonfest makes it ideal for anyone to come along, and they are sure to have a positive experience of contemporary Christian culture.’
A group discount costs $75 for three days and includes a free Third Day CD.
Groups will need to provide their own food.
Parish youth groups and individuals keen to join the Catholic camp should e-mail Luke at luke@eyouth.com.au, visit www.eyouth.com.au or phone (07) 3394 4333 or (0405) 820 023.
For further information about Sonfest visit www.sonfest.com
