Waimakariri Youth Group 2024 - What a journey!

St Peter Chanel Parish in Waimakariri youth group is led by their Youth coordinator, Sarah Blair. This year, they subscribed to the LifeTeen International Parish resources, which Sarah described as “a total game changer.” She added, “The content is so well thought out and really meets our teens where they’re at, giving us a solid foundation for each term.”

In Term One, they dived into the theme of connection, so their teens could see how important it is to have a community around them as they walk with Christ. The sessions were packed with community-building games and chances to support each other, making faith real and relatable. The goal was to get them fired up to grow in faith, serve and love like Christ, and appreciate the power of the Church as one big family.

Guest speakers were at the heart of Term Two, which hit on some thought-provoking topics such as entitlement, chasing after things that don’t satisfy letting go of control, and trusting in God’s will. They wrapped up the term with their annual tramp to Lake Daniell in Lewis Pass, always a favourite and a chance for everyone to connect and reflect in God’s beautiful creation.
Against the backdrop of the Paris Olympics, Term Three saw the series “Anthem” on offer. This series speaks of running the “race of faith” with intention and focus. Each session was based on the four pillars of the Catechism: bringing in the Creed, Sacraments, Life in Christ, and Prayer.
The youth group also engaged with the consultation on the new parish church build, the All Saints Party, and the celebration of the Sunday Mass, including the monthly youth Mass. There’s plenty on the move as they look ahead to next year, including sending a big group to LifeTeen Summer Camp, alongside our Cathedral Parish.