Young Adults in Kingsgrove finally received the recognition they deserved in 2007 when their needs and desires for their parish were formally recognised in the formation of a young adults network.

The young adults network started on 31st January 2007, where a group of young people came together to decide how they wanted the group to run, its purpose and form. This began a conversation about the need for social as well as spiritual formation for our young adults, and as a result, the Kingsgrove Young Adults Group was created.

However, in the first year, it seemed that things were not working as well as it might seem. We recognised that young adults in Kingsgrove already had a strong faith, and were often involved in the liturgy or in various groups. However, there was still a need for them to come together as a group of young Catholics, and so, in November/December 2007, the first young adults retreat took place.

The retreat was such a success, that it will now take place annually in conjunction with the Youth Team and JAM Team retreat, as well as an independent retreat. As well as this, socials will take place throughout the year where a sense of community can be developed amongst those who celebrate our faith together each week as Mass.

Keep an eye out as we look into the possibility of running Branches in the Parish!
 

Young Adults Retreat 2007

This has been a retreat of many firsts for me, inaugural OLF young adults retreat, first time attending a youth retreat held by the OLF parish and encountering many fresh faces for the first time.  With simply the retreat theme "Taste and See" (the Goodness of the Lord) in mind and the good company of my wife Jennifer, I jumped onto the bandwagon of unknowns without any expectations whatsoever.  More because I didn't know what to expect!

The moment we arrived on Saturday morning I faced my first challenge.  In a stimulating sharing session on "silence" we were asked to gauge for ourselves the barrage of noise we are subjected to every moment of our daily lives.  It was only then I realised how desensitised and distracted I have been to the noise we face every day, and how it has been an implicit obstacle between God and myself.  By internalising this experience, I walked away feeling reinvigorated knowing there are simple means one could undertake to be more connected with Him.  There was also a sense of overwhelming joy knowing that the lens of "silence" has helped me focus on the retreat theme with even greater clarity, that is, through quietness we "taste and see the goodness of the Lord". (Psalm 34)

Moreover, and finally, the singing, group prayer and meditation on Saturday night reaffirmed the day's experience.  We also had the rare opportunity to gaze upon the stars and absorbed the stillness of the night to acknowledge the wonders of God.  I can say it has been one of the many great retreats I have been to and I absolutely look forward to next year's one! - HL