Ahead of the commemoration of Pentecost, young people across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains have been invited to listen to where the Holy Spirit is calling them in their lives.
Concluding its two-day LIFTED program themed around the Holy Spirit and Pentecost, Catholic Youth Parramatta hosted an intimate LIFTED Live gathering at West HQ, Rooty Hill, on Friday 20 May that was stripped back, reflective and contemplative.
During the evening, a panel of four young youth leaders from the Diocese shared on what the Holy Spirit is to them and how they connect with it in their everyday lives.
Youth leaders Kusi, Sarah, Claire and Isaiah speak on a panel during LIFTED Live at West HQ, Rooty Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Isaiah from Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, explained that it is easy to feel close to the Holy Spirit during the good times in our lives, but added that it is present and strongest the most during the everyday hardships.
Claire from St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook, described the Holy Spirit as being a mighty warrior, preparing to fight our battles for us. “I also experience Him as peace and He is the comforter and a constant friend for us all,” she said.
Sarah from Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills, said that the Holy Spirit is her guide, taking her down the right path, even if there are troubles ahead. “Sometimes I get lost along the way, but like a GPS, he will tell me to turn around and go back,” she said.
Kusi from St Joseph’s Parish, Kingswood, added, “Everything I need to know and to love and serve God, I always find in some way that the Spirit provides it for me. It continues to bear fruits of faith, hope and love in my heart.”
The panel stressed the importance of having the time in your life to be open to what the Spirit is saying whether it be through prayer, reading scripture or in everyday conversations.
Youth leader Claire from St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook (centre), speaks during LIFTED Live at West HQ, Rooty Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“It’s very rare that the Holy Spirit will enter someone’s life without you asking for it first,” Claire explained, “so always ask, and He’s never going to say, ‘sorry, not today.’
“So make it a habit each day to ask the Holy Spirit, ‘where are you guiding me today’ and He often answers.
“The more you look, the more you are going to recognise His voice and recognise the things around you that He is pointing you to,” she said.
Isaiah added, “Coming to events like this [LIFTED] lets you know that you’re not alone and there are other people that are supporting you along your journey of faith.”
Special guest performer, Melbourne Catholic singer-songwriter Gen Bryant, resonated with the comments made by the young people on the panel.
Melbourne Catholic singer-songwriter Gen Bryant is seen during LIFTED Live at West HQ, Rooty Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“It’s something extraordinary when we gather together and God and the Spirit moves through that,” she said.
“We ask the Holy Spirit to empower us tonight and to move within our hearts.”
The evening concluded with a prayerful meditation as Gen and the LIFTED Band sung Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here.
Catholic Youth Parramatta’s LIFTED series is a unique and dynamic brand of large-scale experiences that inspire renewal and celebration of faith and mission in young people across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Want to understand the purpose and hype around LIFTED? Watch their story below.
View more photos from LIFTED Live here or below:
