Year 9 students with Ms J. Tandog at LIFTED Unleashed.
Students from across the Parramatta Diocese participated in LIFTED Rise and LIFTED Unleashed this month providing an opportunity to celebrate faith, hope and the joy of youth.
Students from across the Parramatta Diocese came together this month for LIFTED Unleashed and LIFTED Rise. Organised by Catholic Schools Diocese of Parramatta and Catholic Youth Parramatta, LIFTED Rise was held on Wednesday, 6th May for Year 8 students and LIFTED Unleashed on Thursday, 7th May for Years 9 & 10 students.
The event gave secondary students from across the Diocese the opportunity to join together to celebrate faith, hope and the joy of youth.
Student reflections from this event are below:
LIFTED Unleashed was a meaningful and faith-filled experience. The day began with uplifting praise and worship music, creating an energetic and welcoming atmosphere for all students attending.
Throughout the day, we were encouraged to step outside our comfort zones and make at least one new friend. Through warm-up games, group activities and discussions, everyone had the opportunity to socialise and connect with students from different schools.
The central theme of the event explored the question, “If God loves us, why does He allow us to struggle?” Students reflected deeply on suffering, hope and the importance of faith during difficult times.
A highlight of the day was hearing the testimony of Lou Daniels, who shared her personal experiences of struggling to fit in while growing up and how an encounter with God at the age of sixteen transformed her life. We also listened to an inspiring talk from Deacon Adrian, who spoke about the story of Job and the reality of pain and suffering in life. He reminded students that although suffering can be difficult, God is always present beside us.
One of the key highlights during the entire day was Eucharistic Adoration. During the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament, there was the opportunity for personal prayer and meditation. This made a lot of people connect with God.
LIFTED Unleashed was really inspiring and unforgettable, reminding students that God will always be by their side. The whole day was characterised by friendships and meditations about God, and it united the whole community as one.
Katrina N., Year 9 Media Team
LIFTED Unleashed was an enjoyable and meaningful experience where students from many different Catholic schools came together to celebrate faith and community. We were given the opportunity to strengthen our connections with students across the Parramatta Diocese by engaging in fun games that not only helped us feel more comfortable, but also encouraged us to think more deeply about our relationship with God.
One highlight of the day was hearing from guest speaker Lou Daniels. She shared her personal story, including the struggles and difficult times she faced, similar to experiences many young people go through today. She explained how her encounters with God helped her overcome these challenges and strengthened her faith. Her story was inspiring, showing how faith can guide people through hard times and provide hope.
Throughout the day, we also participated in activities with our table groups, which encouraged teamwork and discussion. We continued singing hymns and worship songs throughout the event, helping to bring everyone together and creating a joyful and spiritual atmosphere.
Overall, LIFTED Unleashed was a memorable experience that strengthened faith, built connections, and created a strong sense of community among Catholic schools.
Marie R., 10 Veritas and Riya F., 10 Dobson
Katrina N., Year 9 Media Team & Marie R. and Riya F., Year 10 students
Catherine McAuley Westmead
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LIFTED UNLEASHED โ An inspiring day for the Years 9 & 10 students who attended! A day of music, reflection, prayer and meaningful conversations, students had the opportunity to connect with peers from across the Diocese and strengthen their faith journey. A highlight for many students was stepping outside their comfort zones to build new friendships and reflect on important questions about faith and life. Moments of praise and worship, inspiring talks and Eucharistic Adoration created a powerful experience that reminded students they are never alone and that God is always by their side.
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