School Evangelisation
SHINE 2025: Follow Me!
Last week, St John Paul College had the incredible privilege of hosting one of the most exciting events on the Youth Ministry calendar – SHINE. As part of the Student Discipleship Continuum, SHINE brings together Year 9 and 10 Youth Ministry (CSYMA) students from across the Diocese of Lismore to explore what it truly means to live out their faith and be part of youth ministry in today's world. This year’s theme, “Follow Me,” invited students to reflect deeply on what it means to follow Jesus with trust, courage and purpose.
Our two amazing Year 10 Ministry classes were joined by several passionate Year 11 and 12 leaders from the Senior Ministry Team, all representing SJPC with pride and spirit. Over two faith-filled days, our College was buzzing with the energy and enthusiasm of 605 students from schools across the diocese, coming together in one community to encounter Jesus in new and dynamic ways.
SHINE offered students a powerful experience of Catholic faith in action – from praise and worship, to inspiring keynote speakers, student testimonies, interactive workshops, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and Mass. It was a celebration of what it means to be young, Catholic, and alive in the Church today.
A highlight for many was the breakout session led by our Senior Ministry Team, titled “Walking the Path.” Based around praying with the labyrinth, this session gave students a peaceful and reflective way to engage with God, step by step, through quiet prayer and contemplation. It was a beautiful expression of the ongoing commitment of our senior leaders to peer-to-peer ministry.
The event concluded with a powerful and moving final address from Oliver, our College Youth Minister, who reminded students to trust in God’s plan for their lives and to respond with a resounding “yes” to Jesus' call to “Follow Me.” His message was heartfelt and inspiring. It was a fitting end to two unforgettable days of connection, prayer, and transformation.
We are so proud to have hosted such a meaningful and memorable event. SHINE 2025 was a true celebration of faith, leadership, and community. Every student walked away with something special – a renewed sense of purpose, deeper friendships, and a strengthened relationship with Jesus.
Thank you to everyone who made SHINE at SJPC such a success, especially our Ministry students, staff, and volunteers. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Sarah de Byl and Matthew Quinton
Catch the Wave
On Tuesday 26 August, St John Paul College was thrilled to host Catch the Wave, a dynamic mini-retreat experience designed especially for our Year 8 and 9 students. With the generous support of the Regional Youth Ministry team from the Catholic Schools Office, this uplifting event marked an exciting moment in the life of our school, particularly as we prepare to expand our Youth Ministry program to include both Years 9 and 10 from next year.
“Catch the Wave” is all about helping young people deepen their relationship with God through engaging and reflective activities. Using the analogy of “catching the wave” of faith, the retreat encouraged students to understand that faith is a journey — and we are all riding the waves at different stages. Whether students are only just beginning to explore their connection to God or are already growing in their friendship with Him, the day provided space to reflect, connect, and be inspired.
Throughout the retreat, students focused on recognising God’s presence in their daily lives and how His Spirit continues to guide and shape them. With a balance of music, games, group discussions, quiet reflection, and prayer, the event offered a meaningful and enjoyable experience of what youth ministry is all about.
A highlight of the day was seeing our Year 10 Ministry class take on leadership roles, working alongside the CSO team to support and lead parts of the retreat. They modeled peer-to-peer ministry with confidence and care, using the skills they’ve developed throughout the year to inspire and encourage their younger peers.
It was particularly exciting to see so many Year 8 and 9 students engage so enthusiastically with the day’s activities and show a real interest in what it means to be part of youth ministry at SJPC. The energy and openness displayed by the students was a clear sign that the future of ministry at our school is bright.
To build on the momentum of the retreat, Catch the Wave will be followed up in Year 8 and 9 classes with a special session called "Going Deeper". In these sessions, Oliver, our College Youth Minister, will further explore the meaning of youth ministry and encourage students to consider how they might get involved. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions, reflect on their own faith journey, and learn more about what’s involved in joining the Youth Ministry classes for 2026 with the opportunity to apply to be part of these classes at the end of this session.
We are deeply grateful to the Regional Youth Ministry team, our dedicated staff, and our incredible Year 10 Ministry students for making this event so meaningful. Catch the Wave was more than just a retreat — it was a spark that will continue to grow as we support our students to ride the wave of faith and discover their own unique call to follow Christ.
Leader of School Evangelisation