St Joseph's Catholic High School Albion Park
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16 Macquarie St
Albion Park NSW 2527
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Email: info@sjchsdow.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4230 8500

Youth Ministry Leaders Spirituality Retreat

On Friday the 24th of May, the Youth Ministry Leaders participated in a spirituality retreat at the Jamberoo Abbey. The retreat was facilitated by the experienced Mother Hilda, a Benedictine Nun. The retreat day was developed to spiritually form the YMLs and also form their understanding of Scripture, as this is the core theme for Term 2. In reflecting on a scripture passage of Jesus helping a leper, students explored their role in upholding our school motto to “Act Justly” within our school community. Mother Hilda imparted three life lessons for the students to live by:

  • Read scripture 
  • Spend at least 10 minutes talking to God each day
  • Actively see others as we are all made in the image of God

The YMLs experienced time for solitude in the beautiful Abbey for a conversation with God. For many, this was a time for expressing gratitude and others asked God for help in the trials they face. Mother Hilda led students through a guided meditation where they encountered Jesus in a home. Jesus offered the students a bottle containing the gifts from the Holy Spirit. Some students selected the bottles of “loyalty”, “kindness” and “compassion”

Before leaving the retreat, the Youth Ministry Leaders expressed one word that surmised their experience with Mother Hilda. Some of the words from our Leaders were “refreshing”, “enlightening” and “comforting”. Matthew Shepherd, one of our Year 11 leaders greatest takeaway from the retreat was the key message that “No matter how much our lives change God will always love us”. Chloe Norris believed it was a great opportunity to stop in the busyness of our lives to reflect and sit with God.

It was a truly rewarding experience being present with the leaders as they were open to encountering God and the various activities run by Mother Hilda. These students were respectful, willing and thoughtful throughout the experience. I would like to thank each of the parents of the Youth Ministry Leaders for supporting their roles and also their spiritual formation.