Some say that youth is the future of the Church but at St Patrick’s Pakenham on Saturday February 7th, the youth were and are the Church. The Church was buzzing as 170 youth gathered to witness to one another and to be witnessed to.
The 8-hour program saw Christian rapper Josh Angrisano mix music, his life story and the impact of Jesus on his life. From growing up in the USA to patrolling the dorms of youth detention in Melbourne, Josh gave insights on how prayer and the scripture influences his words and actions and how his faith grew. One quite moving story was his interaction with a detainee when Josh was a detention social worker/security person – a strange mix. A group of young detainees had been brought in that day. What Josh thought was friendly banter between friends ended up with the boy being drenched with Gatorade. Lock down time was scheduled for that moment and Josh did not pick up the anger of this young person. So, when Josh eventually secured him in his room, the young boy erupted and started to destroy his room. The racket saw Josh open the door to this seething youth. He tried to explain to the youth that he did not understand that the youngster was boiling inside. As the youth cooled down and Josh to addressed his needs, Josh heard some of his story and felt very moved.
When Josh arrived the next day, his changeover meeting was informed that the same group of boys had escaped during the night, stolen a car and crashed it. Three boys had died, including the one Josh had spoken to. Josh was the last to speak to him. As Josh talked about the guidance of the Holy Spirit, his witness of his closeness to Jesus was clear to all the listeners. During the next break the young people sought him out for advice and to share their tough times.
This event is called “The Lamp”. About twice yearly, it involves the youth groups of Western end of the Sale diocese. Youth from Warragul, Traralgon, and Bairnsdale, mixed with large groups from Narre Warren, and Cranbourne and everywhere in between. Saturday’s event was led by the dynamic team of Ruth, Matt, Donna, and Amy from St Patricks Pakenham. Fr Jeff was a prime mover and his prayerful words so often spoke the needs of the organisers’ anxious hearts.
In the next part, Amy and her gang Eleven 88 got the whole crowd up and moving with their fast-paced dance moves. Their name says it all “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” Psalm 118:8 or Eleven 88 Youthful Holiness can mean be alive and praising.
Diana and her band of helpers from St Michael’s Berwick provided a healthy lunch and some not so healthy but yummy snacks for afternoon - loved that caramel slice.
Off to Church and adoration, where there was a short video on the life St Carlo Acutis and the miracles associated with his canonisation. Then a beautiful time of adoration followed, where they came even closer to Jesus. The generous local priests of the Western Region of the diocese saw many accessing Reconciliation. Certainly. the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and long periods of silence was fittingly accompanied by beautiful music led by the band from the St Agatha’s Cranbourne. I felt my spirit lifted.
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In the afternoon session, Matt got the youth into small groups where they took apart the scripture of the Samaritan woman at the well. Matt’s words on the Living Water of Jesus touched many but, just as important, was the passion of his personality and his conviction of his talk. It was indeed a day of many witnessing Jesus’ love to each other.
Mass was a fitting end to the day. Celebrated by the Bishop, concelebrated by Fr Jeff, Fr Edward, Fr Peter Kooloos and Fr Peter Slater. The youth choir of St Patricks provided the music, with many of the various parishes represented in the readers of the Word and prayers of the faithful.
A most successful day, the result of dedicated work by the St Patrick’s parish. There were so many volunteers from the parish and other local parishes. It is easy for visitors to say of the day
“Every time I pray for all of you, I do it with joy.”
— Philippians 1:4
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