OUTDOOR camping was out for the Ignite youth group from Star of the Sea Parish, Gladstone who travelled to Monto from June 20-22.
Wet weather forced the group, who were joined by a Queensland National Evangelisation Team (NET Ministries), to stay indoors for the two and a half day retreat, but it couldn’t dampen the spirits of the campers.
Star of the Sea parish youth co-ordinator Bernadette Walters said thankfully youth leaders had arranged to stay in the Monto presbytery and used the parish hall for their activities, which included skits, dramas, talks, testimonies, small group sharing and big group activities.
The camp aimed to give the young people time to spend together, sharing their faith, investing in each other’s lives and having fun, while at the same time taking time out for quiet prayer and reconciliation.
On the final day, Gladstone assistant priest, Marist Father Kevin Redmond, celebrated Mass for the group.
A highlight for Fr Redmond was the music and singing that illustrated to him ‘that when we sing we pray twice’.
Bernadette said it was awesome to see each member of the Queensland NET Ministries team bring their individual gifts and talents to serve God in a ministry for young people.
‘The testimonies had great impact on the young people and on the leaders and many of the young people are discussing doing NET when they are finished school,’ she said.
