year of youth

Official Description

Christ Our Joy

Artist: Amunda Gorey, Alice Springs.

“Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection: for the sake of the joy which lay ahead of him”

 

Hebrews 12:2

 

This image was commissioned for the Australian Catholic Bishops Year of Youth to inspire new horizons for spreading joy.

 

The central figure of Jesus, risen and glorified, has an arm pointing to God the Father. His other arm reaches toward Mary His Mother, and to the Church, drawing us to Him.

The central pink circle represents the Heart of God. Storylines of different lengths and shapes lead to and from the central Heart of God, representing our differing journeys and pathways to God.

 

The many dots and circles represent young people and the Church. The size, shapes and colours of the dots are as many and varied as young people, their backgrounds and stories.

 

Some young people (dots) are sustained around communities through sacrament and the Holy Spirit (water, fire and light). Others may be isolated or distant, closer or further away from the central figures. All are integral to creating one vibrant image of Church.

The Cross extends to the borders of the painting. At its centre is the Heart of God, Jesus and Mary. It reaches all young people, those in communities and those in-between. The Cross breaches the edge of the painting, calling us into the peripheries, to New Horizons.

 

Everyone will see, feel and sense the image differently. Each interpretation is valued as our stories and experiences are different. Reflect upon and spend time in prayer with the image to develop your own thoughts and inspirations to open new horizons for spreading joy in the Year of Youth.

 

Prayer for Youth

Come Holy Spirit of this Great Southland

Inspire our entire faith community, as we prayerfully discern new horizons for spreading joy in the lives and communities of the People of God.

 

Come Holy Spirit of Youth

Fill the hearts of young people with the hope and love of Jesus Christ; enliven our community with the creativity, energy and joy of youth; guide us together, as we strive to offer God’s mercy to those who feel abandoned or outcast.

 

Come Holy Spirit of Faith

Empower our community to be courageous;

unite your people as witnesses of love.

Walk with us, as we blaze new trails of discipleship; accompanying young people as we renew the Church together.

 

Come Holy Spirit of Vocation

Stir within young people an awareness of God’s call; reveal to us the graces of young people; guide us all, in finding our place and raising our voices

To build a civilisation of love.

Amen

 

Our Lady of the Southern Cross, Help of Christians, pray for us. St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, friend of the young, pray for us.

Dates For Your Diary

Monday 12 February - Deanery Mass @ 5.30 pm at St Michael’s Church, Coolamon

Tuesday 13 February - Opening College Mass @ 10.00 am in the College Hall - All Welcome

Wednesday 14 February - Ash Wednesday - Liturgies will take place in House groups

 

Christine Savage | Leader of Mission