By Ian Jerome Leong
If you were to compare your faith to a car, is it bringing you closer towards God? Or is it unused, stalled or steering off course? This was the main idea for the Jumpstart – Reignite, Re-energise Retreat organised by the Santa Clara Parish in Bentley with assistance from the Catholic Youth Ministry of Perth.
On Ascension Sunday weekend, 23 youth came together at Eagle’s Nest retreat centre in Gidgegannup.
Parish priest, Fr Dennis Sudla, who was the main facilitator, highlighted the importance of convening the retreat.
“This retreat gives youth the opportunity to appreciate and experience the presence of God working in them,” he said.
Although Friday evening began with a heavy downpour, the rest of the retreat was blessed with fine weather.
Amid the rustling trees, cool breeze and chirping birds, the youth experienced a weekend of personal prayer; reflection; talks on challenges faced by young adults in today’s society; the expectations and social pressures of their current generation; and how to put Christ first in their everyday lives.
Fr Dennis gave a talk on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, explaining how sin creates shame and fear, destroying our relationship with God.
Having imparted understanding of the significance and beauty of the sacrament, Fr Dennis led youth into the Second Rite of Reconciliation later that evening.
During this time, the lights were dimmed and slow worship hymns were sung to create a peaceful and calming atmosphere to help people experience the presence of the Holy Spirit and to focus on God’s undying and forgiving love.
The retreat, however, was not just a weekend that nourished the soul but one that delivered much fun and laughter. Midway through the retreat, participants were separated into groups and sent running throughout the venue completing various challenges and searching for clues in a mini Amazing Race.
Excitement and an energetic spirit were once again apparent on Saturday evening during the Jumpstart Talent and Quiz Night.
With the opportunity to express their creativity interpreting Bible parables, the youth did not disappoint.
Each group presented a short skit loosely based on a particular parable with one group even composing a song that highlighted core Catholic values.
The peak of the weekend was the Mass that was celebrated just before noon on Sunday. Fr Dennis concluded that as the youth have now been re-energised with the Holy Spirit, they must go out in humility, living and serving God as ambassadors for Christ.
The Jumpstart Retreat attendees said the retreat had been successful in fulfilling its organisers intentions and goals.
“Before the retreat, I was very tired and at a point where I had no more love or care to give,” participant Lydia Atmadji said. “My positive energy was drained and exhausted from all the negativity around me.
“I have learned so much from the retreat and everyone was very warm and humble. The retreat has given me much more strength and power than before.”
Another participant, Deepak Kuriacose, was glad to have Fr Dennis as the facilitator. “Fr Dennis was amazingly hilarious and the preparation he gave us for Confession was wonderful. I walked into Confession with ease and walked out full of joy,” he said.