Nepean Street Count

As some of you might know, on the 3rd of May there will be a count of all those people sleeping rough in the Nepean area. Approximately 5 BasicGifters have already signed up for the event but if you want to do it, you need to do it soon because information and training days need to be attended to be part of the count on the day! If you want more information, contact Patty on 0423 968 054, or send her an email at pm12_88@hotmail.com. Alternatively, go to the website and do it yourself, but let Patty know if you want to do it with the other BasicGifters and she’ll tell you how to fill out the form! This isn’t a “Basic Event” however, if you are going to come with us, you need to be over 18, simply because we can’t have duty of care for you in this potentially dangerous situation. Sorry guys! Next time maybe!

This is an awesome oppurtunity to be faith in action and be part of something that could positively effect the problem of Homelessness in our area for the next decade! Alright!

When: arrive 11.45pm 15^th February
Count: 1.00am – 3.00am 16^th February

Where: selected locations in the Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith areas. We’ll do Penrith : D

YMN +1

It’s time to get back into it! Youth Masses and Nights are back for the month of April. And this time it’s going to be our +1 month. So bring a friend, bring a relative, bring someone you just met of the street or even your old ach nemesis. Feel free to use facebook, myspace, email, enenews, websites, twitter to advertise for this weekend. Whatever! Its going to be exciting! We’ll be having a praise and worship night. Our first one for the year! Enjoy a night full of activities, praise and prayer. So be sure to be there for mass, food and then an awesome youth night. We’ll see you there.

Dates: 11th & 25th April 2010

Time: 6pm Youth Mass, 7pm Youth Night, 9pm Finish

Where: Holy Spirit Parish

He Is Risen!

A NOTE FROM THE YC

As the title states,”He Is Risen.” I don’t know about you, but it seems like yesterday that we were celebrating Ash Wednesday. The 40 days are up, the chocolate eggs have now been unwrapped and devoured and we are now in the season of Easter Before I go more in depth, I first want to congratulate the 20+ young people that sacrificed their time, efforts and even their pride, to be part of the 2010 Good Friday production. In disbelief, the congregation even gave an applause at the end of the service as the group made their way down the centre aisle. I have to admit, I was surprised. The first reason was that I didn’t think that it was appropriate, for the purpose of maintaining the reverence of the service. Secondly, this is the first time during my time here that the congregation EVER gave an applause! Nevertheless, their passion for the Passion was appreciated by many parishioners that attended the service. Many thanks also go out to the those who helped on the day from the banner people, the cooks (thanks mum), the ambience crew and the lighting and sound crew. I love seeing how a community can come together and get involved for one purpose.

I love Good Friday’s at St Clair. Not because of the result after 40 days of preparation, but because of the 40-day preparation to took to get them to that point. As a youth group, we wouldn’t call ourselves actors or actresses. We’re a group with a willing heart. Willing to step up to the plate and do what ever is necessary to achieve our goal. Which is why I want to take this time to thank Seaview Kama for directing the 2010 Good Friday batch. This is her first time leading and directing the play. As youth events go, there are a lot of problems, but to see Seaview go through that and manage herself effectively was a real blessing. I’m sure there are a lot of things to learn from this experience, but I assure you Seaview that you have not only made an impact on BASIC, but you’ve also made an impact on your own personal development and spiritual growth. Thank you.

As I stated earlier, BASICGIFT is not a group of trained acting professionals, but a group of willing hearts. To see young people step up to those roles was a real delight for me. I loved seeing people really get into their characters and giving it their all. And that’s what it’s all about. It’s not about whether you can act, it’s about giving it a go. Seeing first timers such as Aaron (Jesus), Kieran (Judas), Patrice (Mother Mary), Sarah (Mary Magdalene), Alex (John), Ralph (Soldier), Kate, Jannine, Nikita (Shouters), Bella, Monikah (Accusers) and Denise (Pontius’ Wife), really brought home the message of sacrifice and humility. And I can’t forget the strong youth that regularly take part at Good Friday: Ana, Karen, James, Darren Morrila, Darren Singh, Oliver, Evret, Rosina, Miranda, Beth, Raecine, Justine, David, Trina, Theresa, Martha, Chervawn. You all make us so proud to be part of this wonderful community. Keep living out what you’ve just experienced, a deeper relationship with Christ through sacrifice, prayer, community and leadership. Thank you and God bless.

P.S. I encourage to all our young people reading this to take part in the 2011 Good Friday production. We’re always encouraging of people who would like to be part of it.