ABOUT 200 people attended the Mega Youth Barbecue at St Bernard’s Parish, Upper Mt Gravatt, to officially launch three new youth groups after the Sunday night Mass on March 23.
The parish groups, which have grown over the past six months from two to eight, cater for children from Year 1 through to ‘young marrieds’ and a coffee shop called Martha’s Kitchen for parents.
Crossroads for Years 10 -12 and The Water Pump for young adults and ‘young marrieds’ have joined already established youth groups The Garden, Mark 10, Luke 18 and The Lighthouse.
Jaye Barros, who is co-ordinator of the parish’s school-aged youth groups said it has been exciting to be part of the rapid growth.
‘We are keen to ensure that the momentum continues to build,’ she said.
The barbecue, hosted by the youth groups, provided parents and young people with an opportunity to pick up information, talk to parent couples and group leaders and enjoy a meal
She said young people, parent couples and leaders wore name tags and something red so they were easily recognisable during and after Mass.
‘It was amazing to stand up at Mass and see so many red T-shirts in the congregation,’ she said.
‘It really gave our parish the chance to see just how many of our young people have committed to their faith.’
Ms Barros said allowing the youth to host the barbecue gave them the opportunity to serve their community as well as establishing a sense of team spirit and ownership.
‘We need to allow our young people to experience a sense of belonging when they attend Church, while at the same time ensuring we develop the leadership skills they need to carry them through into adult life.
‘This was a wonderful opportunity to provide all this.
‘It meant all hands on deck from the little Grade 1s representing The Garden group through to the young adults from The Lighthouse.’
For more information about the youth groups contact St Bernard’s youth office on (07) 3349 3753 and talk to Jaye Barros on Tuesdays and Fridays or Nev Yun (co-ordinator for young adult groups) on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
