As you move through the crowd, the warm air fills with laughter, the rich aroma of sizzling food, and the steady hum of music drifting from the stage.
Pausing to take in the scene, you see people chatting, families sharing meals, and friends swaying to the rhythm of local bands on stage.
At first glance, you might have thought you stumbled into one of the city’s famous street festivals.
But something deeper is unfolding here — a sense of connection, of belonging.
You’re at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Marist Place, where LIFTED Live in the Forecourt weaves together faith, music, and community into one glowing evening.
SAC Music Ministry, an ensemble of Year 9 and 10 students from St Andrew’s Catholic College Marayong. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
About LIFTED Live
Catholic Youth Parramatta’s annual LIFTED Live in the Forecourt has become a cherished gathering; attracting teenagers, young adults, and families for an evening rich in community and reflection.
This year’s event marked its ninth anniversary, with more than 250 attendees.
Coinciding with the City of Parramatta Council’s Parramatta Lanes community event, the music and celebration from LIFTED Live drew people of all faiths and backgrounds, including those from the neighbouring festivities; to see what the celebration was all about.
Young people at the ‘This Is Heaven’ Catholic clothing stall. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
With 13 unique stalls, inflatable games and a live music stage, the night had something for everyone: delicious food, engaging games, a market of Catholic merchandise, and moments for prayer, adoration, and connecting with various missions and ministries. But the heart of the evening was the music — performances that wove messages of hope and faith into every note.
MCs Jacob Boulus from Our Lady of the Rosary Kellyville and Fololina Mafi from Holy Family Mt Druitt guided the evening with energy and ease, keeping spirits high and the crowd engaged.
The evening kicked off with Chris Solo’s heartfelt acoustic set, the only solo act of the night.
“Playing music for people is always special for me, but performing my original song ‘1955’ in front of my friends was especially meaningful, and incredibly humbling and heartwarming to see it received the way it was,” Chris shared, expressing the joy of celebrating the gift of music with others.
Chris Solo playing his solo acoustic set. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
Following him, the local band ‘Modulation’ brought a burst of lively energy to the forecourt, warming up the audience for what was to come.
Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv addressed the crowd and highlighted how the evening honours the legacy of St John Paul II and his feast day on 22 October.
Echoing Pope Francis’ message, Bishop Vincent reminded us that young people are a vital part of the Church’s mission today, not just its future, and celebrated the role of creativity and the arts in their journey.
SAC Music Ministry, a recently formed ensemble of Year 9 and 10 students from St Andrew’s Catholic College Marayong, performed for the first time at a public event of this scale.
Reflections on the night
Year 9 student Kayya said the performance meant much more than simply playing music.
“It was more than just a music performance but a form of prayer,” she said.
“We’re able to lead others in prayer and worship, unite people as one community.”
Local band Always Sunny in Mounty and choral group Good Shepherd Youth Choir closed the lineup, layering rich harmonies and inventive arrangements onto classic Christian and worship songs and adding a fresh energy to beloved melodies that resonated with the crowd.
‘Always Sunny in Mounty’ local band comprised of young people from Holy Family Mt Druitt Parish. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
Beyond the music, the evening celebrated community, bringing together people of all ages to enjoy food, games, and good company.
Maddie and Mikaela, who first encountered the Embers Basketball stall last year as guests, found themselves on the other side this year, running the stall with the same warmth they received.
“Last year, Embers gave us a sense of belonging, and today, we’re here to do the same for others. Seeing those smiles around the stall is worth every moment,” Mikaela reflected.
Mikaela with Embers stall volunteers. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta.
A surprise highlight came when MC Jacob took the stage, decked out in Australian paraphernalia, and launched into a breakdance-inspired routine that left the crowd in awe and cheering for more.
Co-MC Fololina looked back on the evening, saying, “Being part of this event was such a wholesome experience.
“It was an honour to introduce our talented friends, who inspired smiles, sing-alongs, and some seriously groovy dance moves on the floor.”
With its blend of music, faith, and fellowship, LIFTED Live in the Forecourt once again highlighted the Diocese of Parramatta’s commitment to creating spaces for young people and families to come together, reflect, and celebrate the Catholic faith.
Next year marks the 10th anniversary of LIFTED Live in the Forecourt, promising an even more memorable occasion for Parramatta’s community and beyond.
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