Well it’s come around again! Today youth swarmed from around the nation to gather at St Marys Seminary for the start of the National Oblate Youth Encounter! Everyone was in high spirits ready to greet and meet fellow Oblate Youth’ians. After a quick lunch the group began its 2 ½ hour migration to Coonawarra Farm Resort.

While the group was boarding buses to head to camp, an advance party arrived to setup the camp site. The busy beavers dashed around the campsite setting up rooms, musical equipment and catering supplies. Of particular entertainment to onlookers was the construction of a tent Gazebo in the middle of the camp grounds. The tent construction team battled gail-force winds as they attempted to assemble the "bargain" priced tent with notable aerodynamic design.

When the buses finally arrived at the campsite it was all systems go! Our MC’s (Patrice Costin and Ben Stevens) welcomed participants and introduced our camp theme "ActIV8 The Power". The title derived from the World Youth Day 2008 preparation programme, from Acts I verse 8:

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses"

The afternoon consisted on ice-breakers and dinner. Before participants had too much time to digest their evening’s meal, Daniel and Helene introduced the evening’s activity of "The Amazing Race (Oblate Youth Style)".

This version, much like the TV series, involved Groups competing against each other to be the quickest team to solve a series of riddles to lead them to find hidden envelopes. Unlike the TV series however this version did not include further plane, train, bus or car trips! Groups ran (and skipped) around the campsite with the one restriction that group members had to be holding hands in a chain whilst completing their tasks. Watching groups retrieve hidden envelopes in the sand of the Volley Ball was particularly amusing! Success varied between the groups, some employing dubious tactics (sabotage) to confound rival groups. Many groups came unstuck with the following riddle:

"This room is a nervous Titanic"

The long day’s travel causing groups to be unable to apply the lateral thinking required to get an answer of ‘Rec Room’.

Days One Results

An overall 'Good' result after round one.

After Race 1 of the Amazing Race, the group caught their breath before an evening prayer service and Mass. With the aid of 8 fellow Oblates, Fini (Fr Christian Fini) managed to remember most of the parts (not necessarily in the correct order mind you). We finished the Mass by processing outside to our ‘open air’ Chapel for a song and quiet prayer. With weary heads the group had supper before heading to bed.

Well that’s about it thus far, tune in tomorrow for the latest camp news!

Although it may only be the second day of the camp, there were plenty of tired eyes at breakfast this morning. Some of us were even so game as to attend a morning mass service held outside under the “bargain”-priced marquee (which surprisingly managed to stay standing until midday, surpassing most expectations of its aerodynamic capacities).

Following the breakfast was the second leg of the Amazing Race, in which teams had to estimate the prices of eight different items. After that, we found out what the real prices were and the winning team was the one with the smallest difference between the estimated and real prices (Similar in concept with ‘The Price Is Right’).

Today’s theme was “Activating the Power”, which was developed in a talk by Bernard Costin. He showed us how to recognise the power within ourselves and in others by reflecting on how a number of famous people used their own powers to make positive changes in our world.

Our bellies were graciously filled with yet another wonderful meal from our generous chefs, and we were all ready to take on our Power Workshops. There we discussed our ability to use our Powers in politics, the workplace, the church, a Superpower nation, and to combat racism. Discussions were passionate and occasionally heated, but seemed to be enjoyed by all.

The afternoon allowed for some community time, during which some of us took part in games of volleyball, cricket, table tennis and much more. Then groups set about designing their team sailboats. The purpose of these sailboats was to represent the way we all to capture the power of the Holy Spirit. As demonstrated, the boat with the largest capacity to capture the wind, won the race. We too must create large sails within ourselves to capture the power.

Amazing Race Results : Day 2

Once again another exciting round with many an upset. After round two there seems to be a big decline in overall goodness. Many people are definately finding their faith and wisdom challenged, and in dire need of more wise counsel. But the real winners on day one appear to knowledge and fortitude, with kindness rounding out the top 3.

Once the winning team finished celebrating, we were spoilt, yet again, with an outstanding dinner from the Mums and Dads in the kitchen. It was then that we were all stunned with the announcement that Garry and Ann from The Briagolong Bush Band would be joining us this evening for a real true-blue Aussie Bush Dance. Although many were sceptical, the dance went off exceptionally well. Everyone gave it their all swinging their partners with plenty of doe'se'doe action on the dance floor. We expect many aching bones tomorrow

This morning started out with a cloud of haze due to the smoke of surrounding fires. Lucky we have not yet been evacuated! Fingers crossed everyone!

After breakfast the group moved outside for yet another leg of the amazing race which was an exciting game of tunnel balloon.

Amazing Race Results : Day 3

There has been little movement in the top 3 sinse round 2, Fortitude now taking a clear lead of the pack. Day 3 saw significant improvement of Self-Control closely followed by Understanding and Peace. In last place trails Wisdom, many people expected much more from Wisdom this year. I'm certain Wisdom will come back stronger than ever in 2008. It is still anyones game leading into tomorrows final challenge. It will be interesting to see whether there is still a little bit of room for Kindness and Understanding to make a final challenge for the cup tomorrow afternoon.

Afterwards we moved into the meeting room for Morning Prayer, which was reflective and spiritual as everyone renewed their baptism.

Petrina then entertained and enlightened the group with her talk on “Channelling the Power”, which was our theme for the day. Brendan Vaughan took this message a little too literally by harnessing the power of the plumbers crack (see picture below for those game enough!). An inspiring story called “Ryan’s Well” left everyone in awe (and tears) of such an amazing little boy.

After lunch with enough hotdogs to feed an army we headed off into the workshops for more discussion on uses (and misuses) of power in world

After everybody took the chance to go swimming/canoeing and relaxing indoors as the heat set in we headed back into our joined groups to prepare our skits. Groups were asked to create a super hero would bring a biblical story into a modern setting. In true Oblate Youth Encounter form they were all excellent. Most notable came from group ‘WIZACE’ (Groups ‘Wisdom’ and ‘Peace’ combined) with their super hero ‘Body Odour Man’ ( a.k.a. Kyle). WIZACE took out the cup in 1^st place and were rewarded with a packet of Minties. There was much rejoicing.

After dinner the group headed out to the volley ball court for the start of our reconciliation liturgy. Reflecting on the adulteress condemned to be stoned, we came to understand our own sins and those that which we wish to cling to, but we need to let go of; just as those who would stone her.

As always the reconciliation liturgy created a moving and reflective atmosphere. This included a contribution from Fr. Chava who emphasised in his American twang the need to focus in our relationship with God not just dismissively on the now but “right now right now!” providing more than ample spiritual energy.

Fini is now on our backs to go to a meeting so we best leave with this quote we received in an email today from Fr. George at Eaglevale in keeping with the theme of the week and the climate here “where there is smoke, there is fire!”… No SES sirens can be heard yet..

I write this review with a feeling of sadness as another Oblate Youth Encounter comes to a close. Day 4 focused on the upcoming World Youth Day and International Oblate Youth Encounter in 2008.

After Morning Prayer the group was entertained by 6 brave souls as they answered questions in a Hypothetical hosted by Br Matthew Beckman. The Hypothetical (run similarly to the TV version) was based around the story of a young 20 year old youth named 'Christian'. Christian was trying to decide whether he should attend WYD 2008 and it was up to Greg, Lauren, Michael, Bernard, Alisha and Fran to convince him of his decision.

After the Hypothetical's the group listened to various presentations regarding WYD and the upcoming IOYE from the Head's of Portfolios. With heads full of information, the Oblate Youth'ers were left both excited and overwhelmed at the work at hand.

In final 'End of Camp' Mass was held in the evening. Before leading into our final Amazing Race Challenge: "Thank God You're Here! Groups were asked to create a funny situation which group leaders would be forced to jump into and handle as best as possible. A crowd favourite involved Emma walking into an Aerobics scene having been fully dressed kayaking gear and carrying a mattress. The opening phrase she was asked "Thank God You're here!! Umm.. Why on earth are you wearing canoeing gear??".

Amazing Race Results : Day 4

Well what an exciting year's competition for our Great Racers! Who would have guessed that Fortitude would endure the rigors of this competition to take this year's crown! With great moral strength they led the pack by example. Also of worthy note was Kindness happy to allow Fortitude the win giving them 2nd position. Brute strength was Knowledges' only weakness causing them to stumble at the last hurdle finishing in 3rd. Patience sat back just too long for a top 3 placing in 4th. Self-control and Understanding allowed Peace to rein amongst the mid ranks. General Goodness allowed Faith to slip into the top 8. , whilst Counsel was humbled to 11th position. The aggressive nature of friendly competition was completely lost on Joy and Love throughout the Great Race managing only equal 12th, with Piety clearly held back by overwhelming Awe of their opposition. Wooden-spooners this year was Wisdom, clearly unable to apply their understanding and knowledge of sound theory to real life.

Day 5 we were allowed a late start with Bacon and Eggs for breaky! After group photos we cleaned up camp and prepared for our trip back to St Mary's. On arrival back at St Mary's pizzas were waiting for us as we had to day our final farewell's to many of our fellow campers who continued with their trips homeward.

Fr Wilhelm Steckling


14th December 2006

Dear Friends in Christ,

The announcement has been made; the cross has been blessed, transferred and is on its way! The journey to World Youth Day 2008 continues and as you come together here, to prepare to welcome the cross and all who believe and live by its message, I welcome you to another step on the journey.

For many of us, there comes a time when we are confronted by the truth of who we are in the eyes of God. It may come at a time of crisis or at a time of great joy or simply when we least expect it. Whenever it occurs, this truth changes us and makes us into ministers of the Good News, sources of immense hope for the world.

St Eugene de Mazenod discovered this truth for himself as he knelt before the Cross, on Good Friday 1807. At that moment, he knew the compassion of God in a profound way. It was then he realized his mission as a co-redeemer with Christ the Saviour. Throughout his ministry as a priest and Bishop, Eugene was compelled to preach this compassion and the hope it offered to all he served, including in a particular way, the young people.

In the youth he worked with, Eugene discovered a source of energy and life, which was to empower his ministry. In fact, it was the vigil of prayer his youth group in Aix en Provence undertook, which helped him through a serious illness. Together, they realized the power of a group united in prayer, living and sharing their faith for the good of others.

Nearly two hundred years have passed since then and the message of hope, which the Cross proclaims, is as relevant now, as it was then. In fact, it is a message, which people around the world are longing to hear. Unless it is proclaimed, not only in word but also by lives changed and empowered, in truth by you, it cannot save and redeem. As Oblate Youth, you are co-redeemers, just as Saint Eugene was and as in fact all Oblates are today.

The faith, work, gifts and energy, which you will share over the coming days, will serve to enrich not only your own lives but also the lives of those whom you are preparing to welcome in Sydney, in 2008. This day may still seem to be a long way in the future but nevertheless, it will be here all too soon. It is time to prepare for the day, to “Activate the Power”!

Yours in Jesus Christ and Mary Immaculate,

Fr. Wilhelm Steckling OMI
Superior General