Youth Ministry News
PURPOSE CAMP
During the Term 1 school holidays, a group of students attended Purpose Camp at the St Benedict XVI Retreat Centre, where they took part in activities, talks, discussions and prayer. Over the 4 day experience, students were given opportunities to deepen their faith and build new friendships. Here is a reflection from one of these students.
This year’s Purpose Camp led by Sydney Catholic Youth at Benedict XVI retreat centre in the school holidays gave students from years 9-12 the opportunity to step away from the usual busyness of school and focus on our relationship with God through a three night retreat. With many social activities, good food and most importantly, the opportunity to grow in our faith, Purpose Camp 2026 was one of the most fulfilling events in terms of growing in a relationship with God.
We started the retreat by getting to know each other through various icebreaker activities, one including an amazing race which helped us make connections with people in our team and others we competed against. We ended the day with all of us participating in a beautiful Mass. The next day we had the opportunity to hear from Madeleine and Simon Carrington who gave separate talks to the guys and girls. We discussed how to navigate Godly relationships, along with learning about self worth for the girls and boys about love so they would get different perspectives and insight on true love and how to respect women. These talks prepared us for an event called ‘Honouring Night’ later that evening, where the boys and girls would share a formal dinner and put these ideas of mutual respect into practice. On the last day, we spent two hours playing a sports round robin which was one of the best activities for friendly competition among other campers. Later that evening, we processed through the grounds and said the Rosary together as a final way of praying together, then had the opportunity for confession and all-night adoration which was my personal favourite.
The purpose retreat was the highlight of my holidays and I would highly recommend it for anyone who is even slightly interested in going next year! I have left with newfound friendships and a much stronger faith and words cannot explain the joy and acceptance you will feel while at purpose camp, so why not experience it yourself?
Aalia Elachi
Year 11
DID YOU KNOW?
During the month of May, we pause and reflect on the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of God, a model of faith, humility and discipleship. Mary holds a special place in the life of the Church because of her faithful “yes” to God’s call and her unwavering trust in His plan. She is honoured as our spiritual mother, guiding believers closer to her Son through her example of prayer, courage and love. Throughout the Month of Mary, Catholics are invited to reflect on Mary’s virtues and seek her intercession as they grow in their own relationship with Christ.
There are many meaningful ways young Catholics can honour Mary during May, including praying the Rosary. At our College, students are warmly invited to participate in “Mondays with Mary”, where we gather in the College chapel at lunchtime each Monday to pray the Rosary together.
Here are some other ways Catholics can honour Mary and deepen their relationship with her:
- Pray a Marian Novena
- Grow a Marian Garden
- Read a book about Our Lady
- Set up a Home Shrine to Our Lady
- Deepen your knowledge of the great Marian Artworks
For information on any of these ideas, click here.
Source: The Catholic Weekly
As we honour Mary this month as our spiritual mother and model of faith, we are also reminded with gratitude of the mother figures in our own lives – those women who nurture, guide and love us with generosity and care.
