We at Catholic Youth Parramatta have felt the joy of accompanying our young people strongly these last few weeks.
After a fruitful weekend retreat spent with 18- to 35-year-olds in Collaroy, we held a day retreat for 16- to 18-year-olds during the July school holidays in St Marys.
Students from local Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, neighbouring dioceses and even an international student who was visiting from Jakarta, Indonesia, came together to experience and encounter God through our rich community, prayer and formation.
Having chosen the theme of Metanoia for both of our LIFTED Retreats this year, during the first session, one of the students questioned, “What is Metanoia?”
I shared with the participants that I learnt about Metanoia whilst standing on top of Mt Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration, in Israel. One of the chaplains who was travelling with me knew several languages and taught us the meaning of words that were often lost in our English translation of the Bible.
Hannah Portelli speaks during the Catholic Youth Parramatta LIFTED Retreat for students at St Marys in July 2025. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Metanoia, meaning a change of heart is the Greek translation of the word repent which is often associated with Lent due to the changes that occur through prayer and fasting. In choosing this theme, we wanted to emphasise that self-reflection and transformation shouldn’t be restricted to Lent.
Metanoia is more than a rejection of sin. It is about encountering a God who loves us as we are, creating a burning desire for us to become a better refection of Him in our lives. This transformation of our hearts leads us to become the people he always created us to be. To turn from sin and to fix our eyes on Him.
This message is so important for our young people as they seek their place in our world.
As I spoke with the students during the retreat, it was clear to me that those in Year 12, in particular, needed this reminder.
Hannah Portelli (left) speaks with young people during the Catholic Youth Parramatta LIFTED Retreat for students at St Marys in July 2025. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
In the last years of high school, it is easy to get caught up in grades, friendships, achievements and the future. Whilst these things are important, this reflection on Metanoia helped them to consider a different perspective – their worth is not dependant on the things that they do or don’t do. Instead of looking at what the world says is important, we encouraged the students to turn around and look to God for what He says is important.
Each person came with a different intention for the day. One retreatant told me that her reason for coming was that she “just wanted something to do during the school holidays” and this seemed like it would be a fun way to occupy herself. For others, they were drawn to the opportunity to refocus their lives on God.
Watching each student open up to each other and to God was a beautiful witness. Although many entered as strangers with different intentions on the surface, they quickly connected through their interior desire to grow closer to God.
Young people participate in Eucharistic Adoration during the Catholic Youth Parramatta LIFTED Retreat for students at St Marys in July 2025. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
It is truly such a special gift to facilitate events like these through Catholic Youth Parramatta. I was moved to hear the students share their reflections from the day. It has become evident to me that even in just one day, true transformation is possible. From new friendships to a recognition of their worth as a child of God, this one event has the potential to provide fruit for years to come and I feel beyond blessed to be a part of this mission.
We would like to thank the Salesians at the Don Bosco Youth & Recreation Centre for graciously providing us with a welcoming space to host the LIFTED Retreat.
The LIFTED Retreat is an example of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Mission, Prayer and Formation.
Hannah Portelli is a Facilitator – Catholic Youth Parramatta in the Mission Enhancement Team of the Diocese of Parramatta.
View images from the CYP LIFTED Retreat here.
