“Don’t put things on hold, the Lord wants you now!”
This is the message given to over 80 young people from over 19 parishes represented from across Sydney on the evening of Wednesday 7 June at Theology Hour.
Coming together for the first time, the team at Catholic Youth Parramatta had the absolute privilege of collaborating with the Campion College team to host this night on the beautiful grounds of Campion College in Toongabbie.
Young people from across the Diocese are seen at the recent Theology Hour, co-hosted by Catholic Youth Parramatta and Campion College. Image: Supplied
As young people made their way onto the grounds of the Campus, they were welcomed to the smell of roasting lamb, freshly cooked chips, live music, bonfires, expo stalls and young adults from all over Sydney.
Anna Todhunter, a youth leader from St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens shares her experience. “I think my favourite part about Theology Hour was the opportunity for fellowship at the beginning of the night. It was so great to see so many friends and meet new people who are also serving in the diocese.”
Shortly after arriving, all attendees made their way into the dining hall for the vocations panel where they were greeted by emcee Deacon Tom Green (Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown), alongside four panellists Sr M Rebecca Sampang (Secular Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary), Fr Andrew Rooney (Assistant Priest at Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown) and Campion President Paul Morrissey and his wife Soizic.
Deacon Tom posted several questions to the panellists who each shared from their own personal experience, alongside practical advice on knowing your vocation and stressed the importance of taking an active role in one’s life and vocation.
“Don’t wait!” said Mrs Morrissey. “Pray for your vocation now. Live for your life now. The Lord will reveal himself to you.”
Soizic Morrissey (second left) speaks at the recent Theology Hour, co-hosted by Catholic Youth Parramatta and Campion College. Image: Supplied
Fr Andrew echoed that sentiment saying, “Seek sanctity now; that will be part of your pathway to discerning. You’re here now, put your all into what you’re doing now. Start building up your prayer life and spiritual life, building up your character and virtues. Whatever you are doing now is preparing you for your vocation. Building up your virtues now will help you for your vocation.”
Sr M Rebecca suggested pilgrimages and spiritual retreats as unique opportunities to find moments of silence and listen to God’s call. “Be open,” she said, “And hold onto the belief that God has a plan for you. He already holds it lovingly and with mercy in the palm of his hand. He will lead you.”
She also spoke on the importance of moving forward with conviction. “Once you’ve discerned, do it! Don’t be a perpetual discerner. Don’t let it wait, go for it!”
Young people from across the Diocese are seen at the recent Theology Hour, co-hosted by Catholic Youth Parramatta and Campion College. Image: Supplied
Vanessa Mathew from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville, said, “There were so many gems of wisdom shared by each of the panellists that I left the session with so many thoughts. It also helped me to find out different ways to pray and grow closer to God when I need his guidance in discerning these big things!”
Theology Hour was developed in response to a desire from our young people to have a space where they could gather with like-minded people in order to encounter Christ, and connect with one another through formation, prayer and fellowship. Theology Hour will be back at Campion College later this year and all young people 18+ are welcome.
Eleanor Bonwick is the Project Coordinator for Catholic Youth Parramatta. Christine Vella is the Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager at Campion College.
