Youth initiative gaining momentum

22 Jun 2016

By The Record

Perth youth are flocking to regular faith events held by Ignite Youth where they unite with other like-minded young Catholics in praise, worship and interactive activities. Photos: Joshua Low

Perth youth are flocking to regular faith events held by Ignite Youth where they unite with other like-minded young Catholics in praise, worship and interactive activities.

More than 200 teenagers and young adults gathered on June 3 at Seton Catholic College for the third ‘Ignite Live’ event of the year.

Ignite Youth Perth Coordinator Ronan McGinniss, explained how various aspects of the night were specifically created to appeal to young people who might not regularly participate in the church.

“Before walking into the main theatre we have created an area for large games, a live DJ, a cheeseburger eating competition and a pop-up cafe. The main event commences with contemporary praise and worship from the Ignite Youth band and then some lively banter from our enthusiastic MC’s.”

Mr McGinniss said the main message of the evening, delivered by Ryan Shelton, was about living life without the negative filters that society often leads young people to place on themselves. Numerous comparisons were made between the visual effect filters used on social media posts and living an authentic life, incorporating personal faith.

“His passionate and humorous style was extremely well received by the crowd, after which the night transitioned to a reflective tone through an emotive drama followed by a dedicated time of prayer,” Mr McGinniss said.

Following the conclusion of the main event, the ‘party’ feeling was re-ignited with the majority of the attendees staying around to enjoy the food, DJ and the company of new and old friends.

“Having more people than seats in the room is a great problem to have” Mr McGinniss said.

“Ignite Live is able to bring together a large crowd because we genuinely believe in being an event based on partnership,” Mr McGinniss said.

“This event was a collaboration between the host school, other school groups, parish groups, Catholic Youth Ministry and many more people.

“We were also fortunate to have the involvement of NET Ministries, who have 10 travelling youth ministers in Perth at the moment.”

The next Ignite Live event will be on Friday September 2nd at Chisholm College. This event will serve as the official World Youth Day reunion in which pilgrims from Perth will be able to share their Poland experience with others. Archbishop Costelloe will also be the special guest on this night.  

For more information about Ignite Youth Perth, and upcoming Ignite Live events can be found at www.igniteyouth.com/perth