BRISBANE East Deanery youth and youth leaders are focused on the archdiocesan mandate of “Jesus, Communion, Mission”.
With 25 of them on retreat in late August at Lake Moogerah, south-west of Ipswich, Brisbane East Deanery youth ministry co-ordinator Christian Nobleza said the mandate was an important part of the experience.
“Across the two and a half days we took the archdiocesan framework of Jesus, Communion, Mission and created sessions where we could think about what part faith plays in our lives and how we need to make the necessary decisions to live out that faith in authentic and life-giving ways”, he said.
“There was a real vibrancy in the questions and discussions raised over the weekend and I was really encouraged by how much the young people wanted to learn, particularly from the life experience of the adults who were present.”
Christian said the retreat also allowed responses to the question, “Where to now?”
“The leadership team for our World Youth Day pilgrimage all agreed that it was important for our young people to have another opportunity to reflect and think about how the Sydney experience has impacted on them,” he said.
“Since returning from Sydney we’ve come together to share our experiences … then of course we had our ‘Deanery McFormal’ which saw a large group of our young people dress in formal attire for dinner at our local McDonalds to build on the friendships formed during our pilgrimage.
“But the retreat at Lake Moogerah was to take a different angle.”
The retreat was also facilitated by Brisbane seminarian Nigel Sequeira, both leaders “impressed … (that) young people understood that they could no longer just linger on their Sydney experience, but rather take what they’ve learnt and apply it to the everyday life now”.
“At first, I really had no idea what a post-World Youth Day Church was going to look like,” Christian said.
“(But) I’ve just been amazed and simply taken aback by how much God has really stirred in the hearts and minds of the young people that I minister (among) such a strong love for Christ and the Church.
“So many different things are now happening around the place, that it’s hard to keep up with everything.
“I just know that now is that time where young people are claiming their place in the Church like never before … and that’s exciting.”
To find out more about youth ministry in Brisbane East Deanery, contact Christian on 0401 017 144, email youth.edeanery@bne.catholic.net.au or visit www.beyouth.com.au.
