Each week our Encounter Youth Group produces a new video for its “Encountering the Word” series. This new initiative involves one of our Catholic Life leaders proclaiming the Gospel reading for the following Sunday before sharing their own personal reflections. This week we produced our fifth edition of this series and I continue to be blown away by the level of insight into scripture communicated by our young men and women. When trying to think of ideas for this week’s article, I couldn't help but be inspired by our most recent video led by our College Vice Captain and Catholic Life Leader Robert Pittavino. This week he shared his reflections on Sunday’s Gospel where Jesus reveals his imminent death to His disciples. It was a reflection that was personal yet incredibly relevant to our entire community.
Robert used this video to highlight the idea that when faced with challenges and obstacles we should turn to Jesus Christ for inspiration. In the passage Jesus reveals his destiny to die on a cross and responds rather strongly to his disciple Peter’s refusal to believe or allow such thoughts to come true. His response, while at first startling, demonstrates Jesus' strength to ignore opportunities to avoid what He knows must be done. It would have been incredibly easy for Jesus to have indulged Peter and considered an alternative path to the one chosen by God. Instead of taking the easy option, Jesus shows us that we can endure anything if our hearts are set on doing God’s will. With Year 12 nearing the end of their Trial HSC examinations and moving closer to the HSC itself, and Year 11 also moving toward their own end of year exams, not to mention all of the other challenges faced by members of the school community during this time, there is no greater source for inspiration than Jesus Christ.
If you haven’t yet taken a look at our Encountering the Word videos I encourage you to check them out at www.encounteryouth.net as they are some of the most authentic examples of our students living out their Catholic faith. In addition to these videos I have been inundated with responses from students across Year 7 to 12 to join the group. Participation in the group certainly has its own joys as it functions as a social group within the school but at its heart it is a conduit for Catholic service and it is this function that has been most effective in attracting students. Whether it be the many students who have contributed squares that will support our homeless community via the Woolpack, or through leading activities such as Christ Chat, we have an entire army of Catholic warriors looking for ways to share the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
One new initiative being launched this week is the Voice for the Voiceless Social Justice Competition developed by Social Justice Leader Fadi Jan. This competition is now open to students across all year groups and involves students responding to a social justice issue via artwork, poetry, short story, video and animation, or music. More information about this competition can be found via the Encounter Youth Website at:
Christ is very much alive at Good Samaritan and based on our Encounter Youth Group, we have followed His wish to be alive as well.
Mr Matthew Bradbury
Acting Religious Education Coordinator