Taking note of deepening faith

Townsville young people are passionately embracing the Year of Youth, with over 1600 senior students joining for a performance from international singersongwriter Jesse Manibusan.

Year 10, 11 and 12 students from 29 schools around the Townsville diocese took part in the unique two- day event in May, with 600 Mount Isa students also getting the opportunity to gain inspiration from Jesse’s “Celebrate Youth: The Life You’re Living” tour.

Jesse’s music spans across a range of age groups, and was described as being able to connect to his audience and create life- giving memories that help deepen faith and cultivate the joy that inspires service, sacrifice and the celebration of life.

Executive Director of Townsville Catholic Education Jacqui Francis said she was proud to be able to engage so many students in an event that celebrates them.

“It was really exciting, it was uplifting, the students certainly looked like they were enjoying themselves,” she said.

“Jesse is a fantastic singer and gospel entertainer; he really knows how to reach young people with his music.”

Ms Francis said students from around North Queensland including Proserpine, Bowen, Ingham, Abergowrie and Charters Towers attended.

“I think it’s very fortunate that Pope Francis decided this year would be the Year of Youth, there’s much to be celebrated getting young people involved in our church life and they have so much to bring,” she said.

“We have to honour that in our young people, I can certainly say the students in our schools are very talented and they bring all that talent to our faith community as well.

“The Pope is asking us to reach out to other people and we see that in our students doing great work in the community and doing great work in social justice.”