“Growing into faith” was echoed by hundreds of young Catholics who gathered to celebrate the 10th anniversary of LIFTED Live in the Forecourt in Parramatta.
With Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, joining the crowd in joyful witness and former manager of Catholic Youth Parramatta, Qwayne Guevara, bringing the milestone event to life, the evening blended worship and wonder and was crowned by a powerful performance from The Voice Australia 2025 winner Alyssa Delpopolo.
For a decade, LIFTED Live has given young people across Western Sydney a place to sing, serve and celebrate their faith. This year’s milestone was no exception.
On Saturday 25 October, hundreds filled the St Patrick’s Cathedral forecourt, transforming it into a vibrant, festival-style celebration of faith and joy.
Members of the Good Shepherd Youth Choir perform during the 2025 LIFTED Live in the Forecourt. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Ranging from teens to young adults, the crowd sang, danced and swayed with the performers, making “a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 98:4).
Bishop’s message of hope
In the midst of the festivities, Bishop Vincent thanked those gathered.
“It’s wonderful to gather here in the forecourt of the Cathedral to make a noise for the Lord – a noise for the Church,” he said.
“I’m very much encouraged, being here and experiencing the vibe and dynamism of the young people of our Diocese.”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, speaks during the 2025 LIFTED Live in the Forecourt. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Bishop Vincent shared reflections from his recent pilgrimage to Rome, where he met Pope Leo XIV. He recalled how Pope Leo saw him approaching and said, “Oh, you’re the Bishop of Parramatta.”
“We want to remind him that Parramatta is a happening place,” Bishop Vincent said.
“A place of faith, a place of goodness, and a place where young people form a force for solidarity and the common good.”
Pointing to the illuminated ‘Hope’ sign, Bishop Vincent linked the moment to the Jubilee Year of Hope, saying, “Let’s never forget that God is with us.”
Young people are seen during the 2025 LIFTED Live in the Forecourt. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
“God is involved in our endeavour to build His Kingdom on earth and, through His Spirit, gives us the strength to do our work. So, young people of the Diocese, let us remember that and be Pilgrims of Hope,” Bishop Vincent said.
Faith and friendship
Among the revellers was Nick Velasco, dancing with friends and belting out the crowd favourite – a timeless pop hit, Lean On Me. Nick shared that it was his third LIFTED Live – and each year it keeps getting better.
“I think it’s the music that brings me back,” he shared, adding that it also supports his personal faith journey and closeness to God. “I’m growing into it,” he said.
For Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown parishioner Joshua, aged 16, this year’s LIFTED Live offered a space to connect with others.
“It’s a chance to be around people who understand my experiences and struggles as a young Catholic,” he said.
Joshua, a young parishioner from Mary, Queen of the Family Parish, Blacktown, immersed himself in the LIFTED Live experience. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
An evening of stars
Returning for their third year, St Andrew’s College Marayong brought fresh energy with a new band line-up and an electrifying breakdancing crew. The crowd was also treated to soulful performances by Koe Evangelista and Chris Solo.
A highlight of the evening was a surprise performance by Alyssa Delpopolo, alumna of St John XXIII Catholic College, Stanhope Gardens, who wowed the crowd with a string of powerful ballads including a showstopping rendition of Alleluia – unaware that one week later she’d be voted the winner of The Voice Australia 2025.
‘The Voice Australia’ 2025 winner, Sydney singer-songwriter Alyssa Delpopolo, performs during the 2025 LIFTED Live in the Forecourt. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Among those cheering on her performance included St John XXIII Catholic Parish Glenwood–Stanhope Gardens, her family and friends.
“It’s beautiful,” said Alyssa’s mother Richelle, a LIFTED Live first-timer.
“I love the energy.”
Farewell and new beginnings
For Qwayne Guevara, who was deeply involved in leading and growing the LIFTED movement, the night was both a farewell and a celebration of all that God has accomplished through it. The event marked her final milestone before stepping into a new national role overseeing formation and youth ministry at the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
“It’s nice to leave on an anniversary,” she said, adding, “Where the Lord calls, my friend…”
Former Catholic Youth Parramatta Manager, Qwayne Guevara, during the 2025 LIFTED Live in the Forecourt. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Since joining the Diocese of Parramatta in 2017, Qwayne – a parishioner of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville – has played a pivotal role in shaping youth and young adult ministry across Western Sydney, leading the Diocesan Synod and the development of the pastoral plan Behold, I am with you always (2024–2028).
Reflecting on her years in the Diocese, Qwayne said her greatest joy has been witnessing the power of young people to renew the Church.
“I’m constantly surprised by what God can do through our young people,” she said.
Former Catholic Youth Parramatta Manager, Qwayne Guevara (second left) with members of the CYP team (L-R) Hannah Portelli, Sebastian Duhau and Eleanor Bonwick, during the 2025 LIFTED Live in the Forecourt. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Catholic Run Club
One of Qwayne’s parting gifts to the Diocese was the creation of the Catholic Run Club, a faith and fitness initiative encouraging participants to “Run. Mass. Repeat.” and “Run to Jesus.”
The idea sparked instant enthusiasm, with LIFTED Live attendees eagerly signing up throughout the night.
“I’m so vibin’ this initiative,” said stallholder Ania Markowski from iWitness, a volunteer-run community for young adults.
Beyond the stalls, the festival atmosphere buzzed with life, from arcade-style surfing and basketball games to spontaneous selfies and laughter that rippled through the forecourt. There was also Mass, prayer and Eucharistic Adoration throughout the night.
Adoration and Confession were made available during the 2025 LIFTED Live in the Forecourt. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
This initiative aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Community and Formation and the Objective to be renewed a Church in spirit and prayer. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View images from LIFTED Live in the Forecourt on Flickr.
