Young people encounter fun, faith and friendship

By Wendy Shaw

Sharing faith, making connections and building friendships were the hallmarks of Encounter, a special one-day event for young people in Launceston.

It was organised by the Young Apostles Society, a vibrant group for young adults, at Sacred Heart Church Parish Hall, Newstead, on 22 September.

The day included Adoration, games, activities, talks, faith sharing, praise and worship.

Mersey Leven Parish assistant priest and University of Tasmania Launceston campus chaplain Fr Chathura Silva spoke about understanding relationships with God through the Holy Trinity.

“During the talk I highlighted how we are created through the relationship of the Holy Trinity; through the love that the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit share with each other; and that we are created to love and to be loved,” Fr Chathura said afterwards.

Also present were the Archdiocese of Hobart’s Director of the Office of Youth Evangelisation, Sam Clear, and Merin Abraham and Aleena Nelson, from Anointing Fire Catholic Ministries, who are assisting with the running of the Young Apostles Society this year.

Merin and Aleena shared about their journey with God, in a presentation entitled ‘Why God?’

Fr Chathura added: “Some people think that faith is only about going to Mass on Sundays and reading the Bible and praying every day.

“But this faith is about a relationship: a relationship with God and with one another in which we are called to enjoy and live this life for the fullest. So, it was really nice for the youth to come together and enjoy their time, to have fun, to laugh and share that joy with each other, to pray and to praise our God together.

“It doesn’t have to be a big number [of people attending]. Even in small groups to come together like that is just amazing. 

“The event was a great opportunity for us to come together and talk about our faith, pray together and to share our fellowship.” 

Fr Chathura said about 12 people attended the earlier sessions, with more coming later in the day. Most were from Launceston, with one young person travelling from Sheffield.

Also included in the program was a ‘very competitive’ soccer game that ended in a 6-6 draw, a shared lunch with help provided by parishioner Mary Sexton, Adoration, more fun and games, and dinner.

Fr Chathura also paid tribute to the work of Merin and Aleena. 

“Merin and Aleena end their mission year in mid-November,” Fr Silva said. “They’ll go back to Melbourne. They have been a great support for the youth ministry in the North and North West. Without their support I don’t think we would’ve achieved much.

“Their faithfulness to the ministry, their dedication to the work, their love for the youth and their courage to face the challenges is amazing.

“I’m so grateful that God inspired them to come to Tassie this year to work along with me.

“Apart from our usual events, Merin and Aleena have been gathering at youth’s houses fortnightly sharing a meal and praying together. It is a great way to connect with the youth more closely and to listen to their stories.” 

Fr Chathura also thanked Fr Leonard Caldera for providing the venue for the event.

In addition to its regular gatherings, the Young Apostles Society is also planning a special Christmas celebration later in the year. 

For further details about the Young Apostles Society, please email youngapostlessociety@gmail.com  or contact Fr Chathura Silva on 0401 240 164.