Faith and Mission 

Jan Holewa is our new Youth Minister in 2020 and he has made a considerable impact in the community.  He is a faith-filled young man who also has a wonderful singing voice and a joyful spirit as he works with our students and staff.  I asked Jan to reflect on his experiences with the Youth Ministry Band:

“The Youth Band is a space where students come together to create spirit filled Christian music. All students are welcome ranging from novice to advanced musicians. We recently recorded Oceans by Hillsong and the gospel hip-hop track Shackles by Mary Mary for Virtual Assemblies. They were and are epic! Since COVID-19, the band has had to perform virtually. However, at the beginning of the year we were lucky enough to perform live in front of the whole school and at the Year 7 Welcoming Mass.” 

“Since the beginning of the year the youth band have developed from a group of mostly new members into a small community. The students continue to bring their best in the way they sing and play their instruments and it is a joy to lead them. I am super stoked to have a bunch of such awesome young people and look forward to what we will create together in the future.”

Voices from the Youth Band:

What instrument(s) do you play? Chrishni: Piano/ vocal Chris: Guitar and vocals

How have you found being a part of the youth band? Chrishni: I find it fun. Not only does it let me connect with my school mates, but I also get to focus on my love for music and the Power above. My experience in youth min is filled with unforgettable memories and new knowledge. So far it has been a good opportunity.  Chris: I have found that being in the Youth Band is definitely a worthwhile experience. In participating, I have met new people, consolidated skills I wouldn’t use otherwise and just, overall, have had a lot of fun.

What has been your favourite moment within the band?  Chrishni: In my first year, we performed for the Year 12 Graduation. And right after that we all just laughed. It’s like a family, music connects us all together.  Chris: My favourite moments with the band are all of the performances and bonding experiences before and after those performances. This also combines with all of the enjoyable practice sessions we have where we all get along, and even manage to have a laugh every now and then.  If you could describe the Youth Band in one word, what would you say?  Chrishni: Refreshing Chris: Passionate - We are all there because we do what we love, and we love what we do.

It has always been said that ‘music is the language of the soul’. Our Youth Ministry Band under Jan’s leadership has done a tremendous job in assisting our community to ‘reach for the stars’.  Well done to them indeed.

Mr Tim Swan – Director of Faith and Mission