Gathering for the Pilgrimage

The 2023 Gathering for the Pilgrimage program was a privilege provided to Youth Ministers and Lasallian Volunteers to expand their knowledge and skills.

The team-building exercises, the expansion of knowledge in areas such as; faith, communication and the expectations for their roles created an atmosphere of support, conviction and accomplishment. These exercises enabled participants to develop and share skills - a meaningful passing of knowledge and wisdom - that will support and guide them in aiding young adults through their school and faith journey.

A significant part of the Gathering, particularly for me, was the demonstrations of the various understandings and expressions of faith and relationships to God. Traditional, personal and communal in nature, expressions that I consider vital to understanding and effectively communicating with students.

Two of the most notable moments of the 'Holy Spirit' was visiting the outdoor Chapel and the showcase of the many talents of participants. The Chapel was deeply ingrained in nature. The small hike through the bush with the elements of the altar is reminiscent of the Pilgrimage's struggles. The second was the showcase of the widely talented group of Youth Ministers and Lasillian Volunteers and their drive to better their wider communities.

The communal aspect of the experience and how moving from the Gathering for the Pilgrimage program to the Lasallian Student Leaders Seminar (LSLS) was easy should not be understated. The harmonious, motivational and supportive relationship that both Youth Ministers and Lasallian Volunteers built with each other fostered vital healthy foundations for the development of the student leaders at the seminar, causing a ripple effect of enrichment in Australian Catholic communities.

(Author: Jayden Goodhchild, Youth Minister (edited)