Ignite Conference: Investing in the Next Generation

Kathryn Ball (Kingdon Youth Leader): “For our last youth group of the term, we were honoured to host members of the wider parish for Encounter Night. Before the event started, we enjoyed some time together catching up on our week and playing basketball with Fr Minje. When we joined our friends from across the parish in the chapel, we heard from a fantastic guest speaker before spending time in Adoration, which is always a favourite amongst our teens, who value the opportunity for prayer, worship, and time one-on-one with Jesus. It was wonderful to gather with parishioners of all ages for the evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to all who worked behind the scenes to make the night a success!”

Encounter Night is one of the many ways our parish seeks to accompany young people in their faith throughout the year, alongside our regular Friday night youth gatherings and other opportunities for formation. Undoubtedly though, one of the highlights of our yearly calendar is Ignite Conference. Isaac’s testimony is just one example of the great impact it can have.

Isaac Gomez (Year 12 Student): “Attending Ignite Conference has genuinely been one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. Ever since I first attended in 2022, my life has never been the same.

Before Ignite, I often struggled with confidence and wasn’t fully comfortable being myself. Over the years, Ignite has helped me discover who I truly am, find my voice, and become far more confident in every area of my life. It has shown me that I don’t have to pretend to be someone else to fit in because I am already deeply loved by a God who wants a real and personal relationship with me. That realisation has completely changed the way I see myself and the way I live each day.

One of the greatest gifts Ignite has given me is the incredible community I have found. I have made lifelong friends who encourage me, support me, and inspire me to keep growing in my faith and as a person. Knowing that I have people who genuinely care about me has made such a difference in my life.

Every year I leave the conference feeling refreshed, inspired, and excited for what lies ahead. Ignite has taught me to live with joy, hope, and purpose, even when life is difficult. It has given me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone, to trust in God’s plan for my life, and to become the person He created me to be. Ignite has transformed my life in ways I never imagined, and I am so grateful for the lasting impact it continues to have on my faith, my friendships, and the person I am becoming”

This is just one of the many testimonies of the students who have been to Ignite Conference. Every year lives change, faith grows and people encounter God. The beauty of Ignite is that we get a higher number of people wanting to commit to teen initiation afterwards. Last year, two of our Kingdom Youth teens sought initiation after attending Ignite Conference.

We are inviting parishioners to sponsor a teenager through prayer and a donation of $100 (or more if you are feeling generous), helping make it possible for more young people to experience Ignite Conference. Please consider and pray about whether you are feeling called to support this beautiful initiative. For those who can sponsor, you’ll receive updates on the young person’s journey leading up to, during, and after Ignite. Updates will be provided through email, letters, reflections, testimonies, or short videos coordinated by Youth Ministry. It is envisaged that both the young person and the sponsor would pray for one another throughout the journey.

For safeguarding reasons, all communication and connections will be facilitated through the Youth Minister rather than through direct contact between the young person and sponsor. If you would like to be part of this initiative, please email Christyna at cp.youthandyoungadults@bne.catholic.net.au with your name, contact number, how many young people you would like to sponsor, and the amount you wish to contribute.

Thank you for saying yes and supporting our young people. May God bless you.

Christyna Malietoa-Brown – Parish Youth Minister