Faith

Australian Catholic Youth Festival

On December 7 2019, a group of St Bede’s and Kilbreda staff and students embarked on a six day trip to Perth to take part in the Australian Catholic Youth Festival 2019. Once arrived in Perth, pilgrims were able to explore the city’s magnificent surroundings as well as network with other staff and students present for the festival. Before the festival’s commencement, the Melbourne congregation was offered a Vigil Mass at the stunning St Mary’s Cathedral Perth, celebrated His grace, Archbishop Peter Comensoli. This was truly a moving experience for all involved and was also a great way for all Melbourne pilgrims to worship under one roof, before involving themselves in the festivities.

The festival itself offered a wide range of faith related activities for students from all year groups. It was wonderful to observe such a wide range of entertainment on offer for our young pilgrims, and it was evident that there was an event for everyone involved. Some of these sessions included: the ACYF expo, live faith music, storytelling, group forums, lectures, adoration, reconciliation and daily masses. Our students praised particularly, the music of Gen Bryant, Father Rob Galea and Joe Melendrez as well as appreciating sessions on some more contentious contemporary issues like climate change, mental health and alcohol and drugs.

This all culminated into an unforgettable final evening that consisted of a pilgrimage walk, followed by an outdoor mass at Trinity College oval celebrated by His grace, Archbishop Tim Costello. The theme of the festival was ‘Listen to what the spirit is saying’. Being amongst our students at this festival, I can proudly say that our young men are ready to answer the Lord’s call let the Holy Spirit move freely in their hearts to mould their futures, and the future of not only God’s church, but their church.

I would sincerely like to thank Mr John Finn, Ms Ria Greene, Brother Tony Cummins and Mr Stephen Nash (Kilbreda) for their assistance in kindly preparing the pilgrims and for co-ordinating the logistics required to provide the most faith enriching experience possible. We hope to call on a new group of pilgrims who wish to involve themselves in this immensely deep faith experience for the next Australian Catholic Youth Festival to be held in 2021.

Vinnie Hampers

The Principal, Staff, Parents and Students,

On behalf of the Chelsea Conference of St Vincent de Paul, I would like to acknowledge your wonderful generosity of donations of food for our Christmas Hampers for those people needing a little extra assistance at that time of year.  Your generosity enabled us to make up 75 hampers which were delivered and very gratefully received.

"A gift is something given out of love, gratitude or respect , expecting nothing in return."

Please accept our sincere thanks and appreciation for your generous support.

Carole Ryan-Secretary

Members of Chelsea Conference

St Vincent de Paul