By Natashya Fernandez
Young adults from across the Archdiocese of Perth have last week enjoyed a spiritual getaway reflecting on the theme ‘Christ is Risen’ at the Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) Young Adults Retreat held at Eagles Nest Retreat Centre in Gidgegannup.
Held from Friday evening to Sunday night, the retreat aimed to provide attendees with an opportunity to rest, experience personal reflection and deepen their relationship with Jesus.
With talks from inspirational catholic speakers, music, prayer, silent time and Mass, the weekend was all about encountering Christ and deepening their faith.
With the theme of the retreat focused on Easter, CYM Youth Worker Eliza Matthys said the topics covered were centred around the resurrection of Christ, with the emphasis on hope that comes along with it.
“Participants had the opportunity to discuss points from each talk and how it related to their everyday lives,” she said.
“The retreat is a platform for these young adults to partake in the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the weekend with time for Eucharistic Adoration as well as silent time.
“A recurring activity at the retreat, silent time gives young adults the opportunity to break away from noise and chatter for quiet reflection and a chance to discern the voice of God,” she explained.
The retreat kicked off with inspirational talks throughout the weekend from Catholic speakers including Vocations Office Assistant Director and North Beach Assistant Parish Priest, Father Mark Baumgarten, who spoke about the disciple’s experience: the cross and resurrection; Centre for Faith Enrichment Director, Dr Marco Ceccarelli, who spoke about responding to Jesus; University of Western Australia lecturer Prof John Kinder, who spoke about encountering Christ and Aquinas Catholic College teacher Paul Kelly, whose talk was based on the theme, ‘Come and eat.’
CYM Perth Youth Worker Eliza Matthys also spoke on the theme of ‘Christ is my hope’.
With some 30 young adults attending the retreat this year, first time attendee Travis D’Souza said he just wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.
“I came with no expectations and wanted the retreat to be an opportunity for me to get away and refocus on my faith, and it’s been a really beneficial experience,” he said.
“The highlight for me was silent time as it gave me the opportunity to withdraw and reflect on my life and relationship with God.
“I appreciated spending time with other young people and found the brotherhood of young men to be quite inspirational.
“I gained a lot of knowledge about faith from the talks and will take what I’ve learned from the retreat and apply it my everyday life; in relationships with others and for my own personal growth,” Travis said.
Third time attendee, Sara-Ann Tuson said that while she has been to the retreat twice already, the topics presented are always relevant to her.
“Each time I attend the retreat, the talks by the various speakers provide me with a fresh perspective on aspects of the Catholic faith.
“Paul Kelly’s Ignatian spirituality meditation exercise, helped us use our imagination to consider our encounter with the risen Christ. I was reminded of the importance of having Christ at the centre of my life.
“My hope is that I will be able to use both what I’ve learnt and the experiences others have shared about encountering Jesus, in my own life so that I may discover what He wants of me and how I may respond to His message of hope and love,” Sara-Ann said.