The Gospel of John took centre stage at the recent Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) annual ‘Stronger’ teens camp held earlier this month.
The camp, which was held at Eagles Nest Youth Retreat Centre in Gidgegannup, presented an amazing weekend of faith, fun and fellowship, according to CYM director Anita Parker.
“Participants and youth leaders came from parishes across Perth and one teenager even travelled from Melbourne,” Ms Parker said.
“This year’s theme, ‘The truth will set you free,’ based on the Gospel of John 8:32, was an opportunity for participants to learn about freedom through their faith.”
The presenters included CYM staff Vincent Haber, Eliza McKay, Anita Parker, and CYM chaplain Fr Mark Payton.
A new presenter for the retreat was 2014 CYM scholarship student for Acts 2 Bible College, 18-year-old Aura Beccera.
“All of the talks and activities built upon the understanding of how the Catholic faith gives us great freedom, joy and love in our lives today,” Ms Parker said.
Ms Parker added that the spiritual highlights included the session ‘Set Free from Sin’ by Fr Mark Payton preparing the teens for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
“The desire for the teens to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation continued beyond the main session in the morning, and continued throughout the afternoon free time and evening prayer session,” Ms Parker said.
The night of Adoration and prayer also allowed the young people the time and space to personally and prayerfully reflect on and deepens their own relationship with God.
“The night was a dynamic evening with youth leaders available as prayer teams for the teens, while praise and worship music filled the room,” Ms Parker said.
Social activities at the camp included ‘The Amazing Grace’, an interactive re-enactment of the TV reality show, ‘The Amazing Race’.
Eliza McKay created an activity-based team competition that incorporated ‘road blocks’ and activities centred around the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati – a patron of CYM whose feast day was celebrated the same weekend.
The teens also showcased their talents in an evening talent show and continued the fun night with toasting marshmallows around the campfire.
Parents joined the participants for the final Mass on the Sunday and were able to capture a glimpse of the culminated enthusiasm and joy of faith-filled teens, particularly with their passionate singing and dancing to the camp theme song Freedom after Mass.
The teens now have an opportunity to continue their own spiritual growth with the parish teens youth groups as well as their own 20-day challenge to spread God’s love with their family and friends beyond the camp.
Ms Parker said the weekend camp has allowed the teens to deepen their faith and develop friendships with other young people from other parishes.
“It continues to build upon the parish youth groups and the teen rally nights held throughout the year across the diocese,” she said.