By Catholic Youth Ministry Perth
More than 200 youth and young adults from parishes, schools and communities around Perth gathered at Seton Catholic College last Friday evening, 14 August, for the Ignite Youth Live event.
The biggest of the Ignite Live events to date was attended by youth from Kolbe Catholic College, Chisholm Catholic College and other participating schools who came together to enjoy themselves and witness the power of communion centred on Jesus Christ.
Southern parishes also came in support of the event, bringing their youth groups from Thornlie, Canning Vale and Bateman.
Host school Seton Catholic College also provided a number of student volunteers who helped in various roles throughout the evening, creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for those in attendance.
The evening began with live music from the Ignite house band and was followed by a special Q and A session with Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton.
Within the context of the theme chosen for the Ignite Live event, entitled One Direction, coordinator of Ignite Live Perth, Ronan McGinnis, gave an eye-opening talk about trusting God and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in our lives.
Ignite Live’s contemporary Christian music, humorous video presentations, dynamic presenters and prayer experiences have received an overwhelmingly positive response within Perth’s Christian scene.
Joelle L’Aguille, a first-time attendee at Ignite Live Perth, said, “What I took away from Ronan’s talk is how paramount it is to put 100 per cent trust in God and let Him guide our way”.
Parish Youth Leader from Bateman, Josh Low, also said that the event made him think a lot harder about God’s will in his life.
“What Ronan mentioned encouraged me to really let go and let God take the wheel or, as Ronan put it, let God control the wheelbarrow across the tightrope of life,” he said.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Eucharistic Adoration led by Bishop Don. You could hear a pin drop in the room as the 200-plus young people gazed in awe at the presence and majesty of Jesus in the Eucharist.
The session ended with the band leading the congregation to more vibrant music and spontaneous dancing, which escalated into loud cheers from the crowd.
At the close of the event, many stayed back, still buzzing from the energy they received and shared their experiences with one another.
The night was aptly summed up by Trevor Fernando, Youth Leader at Lockridge parish.
“Ignite was a great event. The talk got us thinking about how much we need to trust God, and we had the magnificent opportunity to bring this to Jesus Himself in Eucharistic Adoration.”
The next Ignite Live Perth on 16 October will be held at Prendiville Catholic College.