Over 30 young adults from Perth answered the universal call to holiness when they attended the Catholic Youth Ministry retreat at Eagles Nest in Gidgegannup over the weekend of October 5-7.
The aim of the retreat was to bring Christ into the everyday lives of the young as many are of the misguided opinion that holiness is reserved for the clergy.
“The retreat’s theme was the ‘universal call to holiness’ as described in the Second Vatican Council document Lumen Gentium,” Tom Coffey, a participant said.
“Each person was called to be a saint by following in Christ’s footsteps, conforming themselves to His image and seeking the will of the Father in all things.”
Other features of the retreat included keynote speakers dealing with a wide range of topics all aimed at bringing the youth closer to their faith.
“We heard from many inspirational speakers about the importance of prayer,” Mr Coffey said.
Starting from the ‘Year of Grace’ focus led by Anita Parker, the Director of the Perth Catholic Ministry, the speakers over the weekend worked through the program of Everyday Sanctity led by Sister M Rebecca Sampang, Prayer and Silence led by Father Roman Wroblewski SDS, Sacraments led by Friar Gabriel Cortes FI and Day by Day Call to Holiness led by Kelly Clark.
As well as the speeches, the participants were invited to ‘switch off’ from the noise and distractions of their busy lives through silence and pray.
“This can be challenging at first for young people,” Anita Parker, said.
“But generally after an hour in silence and prayer most people crave more silence; prayer and silence becomes central to helping our relationship with God grow and can help in dealing with our everyday lives too.”
The retreat was very enjoyable and showed the young people that holiness doesn’t mean abandoning the idea of fun.
They engaged in a number of fun activities, from games and music to watching Friar Gabriel skateboard jump over some of the participants.
“With holiness comes true Christian joy,” Anita Parker said.
“The retreat truly inspired attendees that holiness is attainable in our everyday lives and to share the joy of our faith with others we encounter every day.”