Helen O’Sullivan RNDM
Some 77 young people spent Queen’s Birthday weekend at Highland Home Christian Camp in the Pohangina Valley.
A retreat team from Challenge 2000 supported other young leaders from Hawke’s Bay to lead the 50, 15 to 25-year-olds considering the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Luke Collins and Manisha Jobard, who are leading the programme, said the weekend was great.
‘The young people threw themselves into every session and opportunity and really united as one community.’
A range of topics including the seven sacraments, the hero’s journey, the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, trust and communication were interspersed with adventure-based learning, outdoor activities and physical exercises.
Everyone was encouraged to move out of their comfort zones, move into their stretch zones and work together.
The time was enriched by Mass, prayer and reflection with the young people being challenged to move away from noise and discover their inside sacred space.
The silent time at the river was a significant experience and we were graced by the presence of four keruru – sacred symbols considering what we were doing.
The young leaders who were confirmed last year were absolutely fantastic and the future looks good for the young Catholic community in Hawke’s Bay.