Passionist Youth Retreats - North Island 2007

Due to ‘popular demand’…..entreaties by various people from Taranaki & Wellington who shall remain nameless but were very very very keen to see the friends from last year again…….

The 2007 Passionist Youth Retreat went ahead but was organized by a slightly wider support network than last year, thus spreading the load.

Thanks must go to Linda Darbyshire for keeping the vision alive. Kevin Hennessy CP was very disappointed not to be in a position to come over for this year’s retreat, but Brian Traynor CP was able to fill the void and because of his generosity of spirit the youth this year experienced his awesome input. Those of us who know Brian, will be aware of what a gift he was to our youth.

Linda approached Kate McNamara of P.North who took over responsibility for the menu and made those delicious lasagnas which were consumed with gusto on the first night.

Linda also called on Rose Comber to help, and Rose purchased supplies but more importantly talked her lovely son-in-law Jonny into coming along as a leader – and this years retreat would not have been the same without Jonny. Who would have smeared the lightbulbs with marmite? Who would have encouraged the kids to throw balls inside and play bullrush? Who would there have been to throw buckets of water at? Johnny was a legend!! And his two gorgeous children also provided entertainment when they came out to visit Dad for an afternoon.

The 2007 retreat was truly blessed with engaging and interactive leaders who made the time together so much richer with their differing personalities –Paul-Patch , Johnny, Chris & Jane.

My 10 year old daughter Vanessa also had a lovely holiday within the business of the retreat – apart from grating carrots and doing dishes she has found her vocation in life when Linda loaned a digital camera for those ‘precious moments’. Vanessa snapped away happily, sneaking up on people when they least expected – but she took some great pics.

And of course there was the absolutely delicious, restaurant standard food prepared by …well Joan, Colin & me! Again, thanks to Joan & Colin from New Plymouth who gave up holiday time to support this retreat because of their belief in the value of the gathering. We didn’t do too badly and even managed to finish the retreat in style by turning the box of bananas left over into ‘banoffee pie’.

My contribution was also to act as registrar and out of the 25 who came on this year’s retreat, 16 intrepid souls were those who came last year. It was such a wonderful feeling of ‘return’ as people arrived on the first morning. Once more Clare transported a van load over from the ‘Naki’ – the support of the parents to get the retreaters out to the venue from literally one end of the North Island to the other (Auckland to Wellington) was outstanding and a testimony to the value they place in events such as this.

The venue was set within bush and while the weather could not compete with the HB sun, it didn’t affect the atmosphere of the camp at all. Much sport was to be had outside on the grassed area – and much mischief (Tory & Tim…& Johnny)inside & out The fire was kept going for the majority of our stay creating a warm gathering spot and filling the hall with a bright glow. Well done everyone, once again the spirit of Christ was blazing in the atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance and song.

Norma McCormack Camp coordinator