Ode to Kathy

When people call up the parish asking what time mass is, when can they get their baby baptised or even file a complaint, your bound to get the friendly voice of Kathy Yates. She is the trusted parish secretary. She has done fabulous work throughout the years at Holy Spirit parish, being the glue or the point of contact for all things Holy Spirit. I was sent this article by non other than Jacinta Paulo, who happily works with Kathy and after reading, found it a great testament to what it means to be involved in parish life and community. Although challenging and sometimes stressful, it does have its awards and happiness. So from BASIC GIFT, we say thank you.

http://www.parra.catholic.org.au/mass-times—parishes/salute-to-parish-secretaries-1/salute-to-parish-secretaries.aspx/parish-secretaries-profiles/kathy-yates–holy-spirit-st-clair.aspx
From Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Website

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.

Holy Week

A Note From The YC

Hey BASIC! Well we’re now in Holy Week. Lent has gone so quick! Kudos to everyone who has kept their lenten promise. I pray that it has in some way or another brought you closer to Christ. If you haven’t, then it’s all good. Let this week be a time of prayer and sacrifice as we journey towards Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday. In this edition of the eNews, we’ve included a little cartoon to reflect upon.

If there was one sentence to describe how I felt about BASIC over the weekend it would be this. I am so proud of BASIC for representing at the Parra Dio Palm Sunday Youth Mass. I’m so proud and humbled to be your YC. Your spirit and life really shone through as BASIC led the congregation in song, not only in the mass, but in the praise and worship that followed afterwards. Thank you to all of BASIC that turned up on the night because your participation was key to the success of the night. Even to those who don’t normally sing, I thank you for making up the numbers. Thank you. Pictures are on the BASIC GIFT website.

God bless

Mike

The Lenten Edition

A note from the YC. Good afternoon everyone! I trust that you are all doing well on this fine Tuesday afternoon. Would first like to say a big welcome back to Fr Jun who is back from the Philippines after visiting her mum who has fallen quite ill. We continue to pray for her, Fr Jun and the rest of the family. It’s still the lenten edition of the eNews as we move to the 4th Sunday of Lent in which we look forward to our 2nd Youth Mass and Youth Night (YMN) of the year. After starting on a good note 2 weeks ago, we look further and deeper into the season of lent as we prepare ourselves for Holy Week. Just a reminder that this would be the only YMN for March as BASIC GIFT has been asked to provide the music for the Palm Sunday Youth Mass for the Parra Dio. So as a result, there will not be a YMN on the 28th. Rather, we look to invite all of our young people to Parramatta Cathedral for the Mass and a Q&A session with the new bishop. There are more details below.

The Lenten Edition

A note from the YC.

Three words. We’ve officially started. Last night was the official start to BASIC GIFT with the youth mass and youth night. But that’s not only thing that started. We have already started Lent. We’re into our 2nd week already! So for those who have made Lenten promises, may you stay true to them. And for those who seem like all hope is lost, it’s never too late to start again. It was great to see old and new faces at BASIC. Your smiles, laughter and sharings really make BASIC all the more worthwhile. We had around 30 young people rock up to simply get to know each other, themselves and God. It was really encouraging to see everyone be as one community, as brothers and sisters.

Come, Now Is The Time

A note from the YC.
BASIC are you ready ready? That’s the question we’re asking you today as we begin the first of our youth nights this Sunday. This year we’re bringing it “back to basics”. This year is going to be a jam packed year full of fun and excitement. Just by the look of this already such as the “Blueprint” event and the upcoming Palm Sunday and Good Friday events, BASIC is going to be a great year. So I would like to personally invite you this Sunday to our first youth mass for some fun, games, a bit of catechises and prayer. Not to mention food. So bring your mates, your relos or just some randoms for a good night out at the very first YMN (Youth Mass and Night). Be sure to be there to see what BASIC will be up to this year.

Mentions

• Well done to BASIC Soul for a wonderful performance on Saturday at the “Blueprint” Caritas event. Their energy at Martin Place uplifted people walking. They even stopped and had a listen to the wonderful voices and music that BASIC Soul has to offer. They performed songs such as “Valerie”, “Waiting for the world to change” and a medley songs consisting of “Halo” and “No One”. With the return of Chris and John to BASIC, they performed a few beat box numbers as well. Well done again on an outstanding performance.
• Happy 1st Birthday to Samuel Moeono! May it be a reminder the precious life that is of a child. May he grow to be a fine young man of God.
• Happy Birthday to Darren Singh. A long time member of BASIC GIFT, he’s always willing to help and participate in anything. May your birthday be a reminder of God’s love for you and the many blessings he gives you every day.

A Note From the YC. Post Valentines

Welcome to our post-Valentines edition of the BASICGIFT eNews. I know that valentines day has come and gone but that doesn’t mean we should stop spreading the love. It was good to see all the old faces last night as well as meeting new ones. We started the year off with just a simple BBQ and just meeting and jamming with young people. It was just a great atmosphere to chill out, talk and have a laugh. Next youth mass we hope to get things started with the nitty gritty stuff while keeping that same atmosphere. So I invite you to keep spreading the BASIC love to everyone you meet and invite them to a great night out if their free with some gold coin food and friends.

Last night we also launched our new BASIC T’s. That’s right! The new BASIC T is already out but you need to place your order. We’ve got them in classic BASIC red and the all new white with the new logo in front. So if your keen to get a hold of these fantastic looking shirts, please send us a reply and we’ll send you and online order form for you to fill out. There will be a permanent place on the website where you can request T’s.

Mentions

• BASICGIFT wants to congratulate Jacinta Paulo for being promoted to parish secretary at Holy Spirit Parish. Having started as the youth coordinator for the parish, she’s a valuable member of the youth group and of the parish community. We continue to pray for her in her new appointment.
• Thank you to Aron and Cassie for their help with the gifts and to the collectors, Yorgi, Rachael, Aaron and Mark.
• Would like to welcome Sam and Jess into the group. We hope the both of you enjoy BASIC GIFT in 2010 and we look forward to seeing you in your first youth night in a fortnight.

A note from the YC. We’re Back!

Brothers and sisters in Christ! Welcome back to BASICGIFT in 2010! You are personally invited this year to be part of this great youth movement here at Holy Spirit St Clair as we continue on our 5th year growing together in faith and in love. As the late Michael Jackson said, “This is it!”. If you haven’t been to BASIC in a while, this is the time to come back. If you haven’t been at all, now is the time to make the choice. Either way, BASICGIFT is bringing back the BASICS.

The BASIC leaders have come together early this year and have looked at how we can make BASIC great. And we’re continuing to do that. But we need your support. BASIC is nothing without you. You are a vital part of this community and we acknowledge that you and who you are is what makes BASICGIFT the best it can be. During the break, leaders and some youth took time to see what makes BASIC great. And it’s not just the chants or the free food. Although food is a crucial part! But it’s the friendships we form, the fun we have, the faith we share and the growth we encounter. We want to bring that to you this 2010, to carry on the tradition of fellowship and community.

So welcome back! We’re going to have a lot of fun this year. With a lot of events happening and new additions to the BASICGIFT forte. So let me just remind you that you are the most important part of this community. You are the reason why BASICGIFT exists.

God bless

Gone For The Holidays

NOTE FROM THE YC (YOUTH COORDINATOR)
Hows it going BASIC GIFT! Where have you guys been? I know I know, its our fault. In case most of you were wondering, we haven’t gone anywhere. We have this unfortunate situation where we have a 5th week in the month. That means we don’t see each other for 2 weeks. Its all good. I’m really looking forward to this weekend though. Its going to be sad and exciting at the same time. You know why? Cause this weekend will be the last time that we would be together before the holidays. BASIC will be on holiday’s until February 2010. Awww. I know tell me about it. But don’t worry, you guys are still in our prayers and you’ll still see us around. Just no youth night or masses. But the exciting thing about next year is that we’re going bigger and better. Next year will be the 5th year BASIC GIFT will be running. So be sure to check in with all the updates and events. We’ll be sending eNews early in the year to  just to keep you in the loop.