On Saturday 22nd January, several members of Oblate Youth Australia (OYA) gathered for “Reconnect”. Due to COVID-19, OYA has not been able to host the annual National Oblate Youth Encounter since January 2020.
“Reconnect” was organised to give the young people in the Victorian contingent of the community an opportunity to finally gather in person and ‘reconnect’ with one another, after two years of extended lockdowns and online ministry. The theme of the day was “The Most United Family” - exploring ways in which each of us as individuals are connected to the wider De Mazenod Family. It was a great chance for us to explore the importance of community in our lives and the way in which each of us is called to serve our community and each other, making use of our unique gifts and talents.
The day involved a combination of prayer, personal sharing, discussion and finished with Mass, where each participant was given the chance to reflect on the experiences and challenges faced during the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was a great way to begin 2022 with a sense of renewal in the community of OYA participants in Victoria, as we now turn our attention towards the opportunity to “reconnect” with our wider national community at the National Oblate Youth Encounter 2022, planned for April (so stay tuned for more info!).
