On the 8th of June Year 6 went to Mary Immaculate Primary School in Eagle Vale. After we got off the bus, we entered the school hall to be welcomed by Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong. We were welcomed, and two other schools and ourselves started singing Catholic songs together. The three schools were Mary Immaculate,  Holy Family and us (St. Francis). Later after singing a few songs, we started playing a game and it was called the Extreme Scissor Paper Rock. It was a game where all of the schools got a chance to interact with one another and have fun together. 

After a few more songs, there were three youth ministry members who had explained to us how the game was related to three of the Sacraments which are Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. One of the Youth Ministry members had explained to us that we should appreciate the gifts that we had received and use the gifts in our everyday life instead of leaving them on the shelf. We all received a number and were formed into groups with other students from other schools. There was also a team leader who was either a high school student or one of the Youth Ministry members that led the group and asked questions to us about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Sacraments that we will later receive in life. 

The second game was that all the students in all three schools were formed into two circles. One circle in the middle and another circle outside. We had gathered together with the number that was called out. Once we were in our groups we had to use the points in our body to form the number of contacts that were called out. The main reason for playing that game was to interact with students in other schools and work together with them.  

Overall, it was a great experience to interact with new people and learn in a fun and creative way to learn about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the sacraments.

Written by- Jiya K

On the 8th of June, Year 6 took a short trip to Mary Immaculate to learn more about Confirmation. They learned through discussions in small groups, games, songs, speeches and reflections. The experience was beneficial for their learning and understanding of Confirmation. Everyone learned the way to deepen their relationship with God and how to help others do the same. What made the experience even more fun was that they got a sausage sizzle and we can all agree that it was delicious. Overall, everyone had a great time and most importantly learned that once you open the door to God and let him into your heart, he will always be by your side and never ever leave you alone.