On Saturday 22 March, 19 students from Years 10-12 and six staff members attended RISE, a Catholic Youth Festival held at Penola College in Broadmeadows. Josh Agrisano rapped his way through the first session and singer Genevieve Bryant led a time of worship.Throughout the day we listened to engaging speakers such as Justine Cumbo, Father Dan, Archbishop Comensoli and Carlton AFL player Matthew Kennedy. We finished the day with Mass, celebrated by Auxillary Bishop Mark Edwards.
Here are some student reflections of the experience:
"I was enthusiastic as I boarded the bus heading for the long-awaited RISE Youth Festival. After the first Plenary, we split up for lunch and the other conferences. Outside were a number of food trucks that offered the most delicious food, as well as small activities, pop up shops and live music. A wide range of exciting workshops were running in the surrounding classrooms, led by spirited youth leaders and wise leaders of the church. Being in a room full of young people worshipping and believing the same thing is a truly magical experience that I will always remember. After a long day of fun and meeting new people, we headed home, tired but inspired, with many great memories and new friends."
— Willow Thomas (Year 12 Gold)
"The 2019 RISE Youth festival was an incredible experience, one that I will never forget. The day was filled with wonderful live music, interesting workshops and other fun activities. It was a place to meet new people and to discuss the beliefs and views of those living in different Catholic communities and ways of life. On this day, I felt as though I was truly able to celebrate my Catholic faith, while also knowing that others around me could do the same. I cannot wait for the RISE Youth Festival of 2020."
— Georgia Drummond (Year 11 Blue)
