New youth group thrives on faith and friendship

By Wendy Shaw

Creating opportunities for the active engagement of young people in the Church and wider parish community are the motivation behind the formation of a new Burnie-Wynyard youth group.

It started in late February and followed the high uptake for last year’s parish sacramental program.

Among the group’s members are the altar servers, children and parents who took part in the Nine Day Novena Mass last Christmas, participants in a newly-formed parish music ministry and those who were involved in the Children’s Station of the Cross at Easter.

Now it is hoped that that more families and young people who heard the choir on Easter Sunday or saw the Stations of the Cross reenactment will feel inspired to join the youth group, as Burnie-Wynard Parish administrator Fr Jessie Banez explained.

“Learning songs and hymns for each part of the Mass helps our children grow in understanding and appreciation of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist,” Fr Jessie said.

“Through practices for the Stations of the Cross, they come to recognise the depth of Jesus’ Passion and sacrifice, and the importance of remembering and commemorating it. As mentioned by one of the children, they also learn that offering their time and talents is a meaningful and worthy offertory to God Our Almighty Father.

“Our hope is that these parish-led activities will bring our families and community closer together, renewing their faith in Christ through reverent participation in the Mass and a deeper commitment to living out Jesus’ teachings in their daily lives.”

The parish recognises that young people are not only the future of the Church, but also essential and active members today. With the support of parents and guardians, it is hoped they will grow in their spiritual identity and continue to deepen their faith into adulthood, forming resilient Catholics along the way.

The group is developing its music ministry and supporting the weekly children’s liturgy during Mass at Burnie. Visits are planned to other churches in the parish as well as aged care facilities, to share music and fellowship.

As more parents volunteer their time and talents, it is hoped to offer arts and sports activities.

The group meets after the 10am Sunday Mass at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church in Burnie. It has 14 members, aged 5 to 13, as well as their parents and parish volunteers. More are welcome.

To find out more: speak to Fr Jessie after Mass; visit the Burnie Wynyard Catholic Parish Facebook page; read the weekly parish newsletter; or drop by the youth group after Sunday Mass at Burnie.