National Oblate Youth Encounter 2019 - Day 3/4
Update for Day 3 and 4 of the National Oblate Youth Encounter 2019
Day 3 of our National Oblate Youth Encounter saw the spirits of our young people rise to new heights as they continued to bond together and discover the beauty of their shared faith. The morning started with the third talk in our series, focusing on achieving sainthood. It was presented by Husharn Duggan and made us all realise that we are called to holiness. In our discussion groups, the youth participated in activities such as painting re-usable bags to take home with them. More workshops were presented by several of our youth leaders, as well as an opportunity for Q&A with our Oblate priests. Following lunch, our participants presented a series of skits, prepared by each discussion group, re-enacting different parts of scripture that focused on our theme, ‘On the Road’. The community time in the afternoon saw our participants play games, get to know each other and they even had the opportunity to write lots of affirmation notes to each other.
Our Saturday evening finished the day off with our closing Mass. Celebrating the vigil of the Feast of the Epiphany, our Oblate youth prepared a beautiful liturgy, which was celebrated by Fr Christian Fini OMI and Bishop Mark Edwards OMI. Fr Christian preached about the gifts which the wise men brought to Jesus and encouraged us to offer our gifts as well. The joy of the Eucharist urged our young people to sing their hearts out in praise of our God and this joy continued on into the night with lots of singing and dancing.
The following morning we started with morning prayer, which included our commissioning. A representative of each Oblate community was called forth to receive an Oblate Youth candle to take back and use in their local communities. Following prayer, Bishop Mark Edwards and Tishan Lokuge led us in a plenary council sharing session, where all the young people were able to share their thoughts on the future of the Church in Australia and these recorded thoughts will be submitted to the Bishops for the Plenary Council in 2020.
Once everyone’s bags were packed, hugs were shared as people wished each other goodbye. It was a quick 4 days, but the Holy Spirit definitely moved amongst the young people here drawing them together as one, big, Oblate family.
A video update from our MCs can be viewed here.
Thank you to those who supported this camp in many ways and especially for your prayers during this time. Keep an eye out for dates for next year’s National Oblate Youth Encounter on our Oblate Youth website.
National Oblate Youth Encounter 2019 - Day 2
Update for Day 2 of National Oblate Youth Encounter 2019
The second day of the National Oblate Youth Encounter started off without a hitch despite the extremely hot weather. One of our groups, led by Husharn Duggan, facilitated our morning prayer focusing on the Resurrection of Christ. It involved each person removing a handful of sand from a large bowl until a crucifix was revealed demonstrating how Christ can be revealed to us in our own lives. The prayer was followed by a stellar talk, given by Roshali Lokuge, focusing on the second part of our theme, becoming Christians. Roshali shared deeply about her own personal journey of faith and demonstrated how each of us can grow in our relationship with Christ and how this makes us Christians.
The rest of the day saw discussion groups being had, candles being painted, a variety of workshops presented and even enough time for a dip in the pool to cool off from the scorching heat. After dinner, the Oblate Youth of Australia gathered for the sacrament of Reconciliation and we were blessed to have seven Oblate priests to help us. Some of the youth helped us prepare for reconciliation through a dramatised examination of conscience and Fr Michael Twigg spoke to us about the beauty of the sacrament and the greatness of God’s mercy. Following a beautiful and reflective session, the youth pulled out their competitive spirits for a games and quiz night.
We are thankful that a cool change come in the early evening and it cooled down for everyone to have a good night’s sleep. We shall see you all tomorrow!
Video update from our MCs can be found here.
You can also follow what we are doing on social media with #noye19
National Oblate Youth Encounter 2019 - Day 1
Update of Day 1 from National Oblate Youth Encounter 2019
The 18th National Oblate Youth Encounter started yesterday on the 3rd January in Healesville, VIC with 75 participants from 10 Oblate communities across Australia. Young students from four Oblate colleges, young adults from Oblate parishes, youth leaders, seminarians, Oblate priests and staff have gathered together for another amazing National Oblate Youth Encounter. The theme for this year is taken from the Oblate rule where St Eugene wrote that the Oblate mission is to help people to become human, then Christian, and finally, saints. On our first day, following the initial welcoming, ice-breakers and group discussion, the participants were given the challenge of an ‘Amazing Race’ where teams had to compete in challenges that involved puzzles, riddles and tricky challenges like fishing out marbles from ice-cold water with only your toes. A lot of fun and team-building was had by all.
Our evening started off with Adoration, which included beautiful music from our musicians, a short reflection from Br Josh and all participants praying reverently before the Blessed Sacrament. Fr Christian finished the prayer with benediction, before we moved into our first talk for the event delivered by Alison Whitten, Campus Minister for St Eugene’s College, Burpengary. Alison focused on what makes us human and how our Catholic teaching helps us to understand that as humans we were made in the image of God; God made us in love and for love. Community time that evening allowed our participants to get know each other better, and hopefully restful sleep was had for another big day tomorrow.
Check out the video updates on the Oblate Youth Australia website here.
Check in tomorrow for more news!
