Re-Encounter: A Weekend to Reconnect, Reflect, and Renew

On the weekend of September 19th, Oblate Youth Australia gathered for Re-Encounter—a chance for young people who attended the National Oblate Youth Encounter (NOYE) in January to reconnect, reflect, and renew their faith journey together. For many, NOYE is an experience that fills their “cup of faith” and inspires them to share their faith in their communities. Re-Encounter serves as a top-up of this cup, carrying us through until the next NOYE in 2026.

The weekend began on Friday evening at Mazenod College, Victoria, with a reunion of interstate friends, followed by a quiet time of reflective adoration that set the spiritual tone for the weekend ahead. Saturday saw the group travel down to the Mornington Peninsula, beginning at Holy Family Church in Rye. After small group discussions on hopes for both the pilgrimage and our wider Church, we embarked on a 10km journey towards St Mary’s Star of the Sea in Sorrento. Along the way, we shared stories, laughter, and moments of prayer, reflecting on our faith and our call to inspire other young people. Despite forecasts of poor weather, we were blessed with sunshine (with just enough Melbourne rain to make it memorable).

Arriving in Sorrento, we admired the historic hilltop church and learned about its history before enjoying generous hospitality from Fr. Angelo. Back at Mazenod, we continued reconnecting with each other with a pizza dinner, games, and a glimpse of the new campsite at Newborough, the future home of NOYE. Sunday morning brought the Oblate Family Mass, where we were joined by past Oblate Youth members and witnessed the passing of the baton from Fr. Fini to Fr. Josh as Director of Oblate Youth Australia. As the weekend came to a close, everyone left with joy and their spiritual cups filled, ready once again to live out the Oblate Charism and share faith within our parishes and communities.

by Jason D’Rozario