On the 31 August, which was also the pupil free day, 56 students from Years 9-12, attended the LIVE Wollongong Catholic Youth Festival at the Win Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. The day featured many opportunities for students to explore their faith journey including guest speakers, reconciliation, music ministry, seminars and personal reflection opportunities. The students were excellent representatives of the College and have provided testimonials of their experiences.

Student testimonials:
This year's LIVE Festival brought about new and exciting experiences and throughout the day, I continued to feel inspired and empowered. This year's approach was on a much grander scale and it was very heartening to see the large number of students who were willing to give up some of their time in order to encounter God and deepen their faith and spirituality. I really enjoyed the talk presented by Jonathan Doyle regarding mental health, as it is an area I am specifically interested in and the talk inspired me to take action and help those who are experiencing mental health issues. Jonathan's approach was light-hearted and humorous but at the same time, serious and thought-provoking. For me, reconciliation was a very moving experience as it not only encouraged me to confront my immoralities, but it also inspired me to become a better person and I was able to walk away feeling cleansed, stronger than before and knowing that I was forgiven by God.
- Mia Asuit (Year 11)

The LIVE Festival was a chance for everyone to connect and experience God individually, and to hear his calling. Through prayer, worship and reconciliation opportunities available throughout the day, we were given the ability to fully immersed ourselves in the experience of LIVE and to appreciate everything, and everyone in our lives. A highlight of the day for me was the truly inspiring workshop by Jonathan Doyle, where he educated us on mental health, strategies to cope with mental health, and furthermore, connecting it to our relationship to God. His words resonated within all who were able to hear him speak.
- Jaala Marie Sadler (Year 11)

LIVE Festival was an amazing opportunity to encounter God on a larger scale. The talks and workshops really reached out and spoke an immense amount of wisdom into many of us; it got us thinking and, personally for me, gave me an chance to really dive back deep into my faith. I am super grateful for the opportunity to attend this event. I have taken so much from it and I can't wait to see what more the team at LIVE has to offer in the future.
- Jaiden Valencia (Year 10)

Live festival was an experience I will always remember. Seeing everyone unite through faith really did bring a sense of community and joy in my heart. One of my all time favourite part of the festival was the worship. There are many ways to pray and coming together to praise Gods name through music is a way many people can connect to God on a deeper level. It was a very chilly day but everyone remained positive and participate in multiple workshops and listened to many guest speakers who spoke about their testimonies and about the theme of the festival 'Called." I cannot wait for next years festival. I highly recommend for more people to come along, no matter where you are in your faith it’s something you will never forget.
- Maureen Abdelnour (Year 10)

LIVE Festival 2019 was an enthralling, energising and highly motivating experience consisting of music, prayer, reflection and worship. The day greatly focused on what it means to be Catholic in today's contemporary society, and how our faith impacts the many challenges our generation faces as young people in the twenty-first century.

It was a valuable opportunity for me to reflect and renew my faith, and come to terms with purpose and calling as a follower of Christ. This year’s theme, ‘Called’ was challenging in many ways, as I was challenged to contemplate my relationship with God, spirituality and the Church itself in a much more profound and potent manner. I came to realise that we as Catholics are called to find God within ourselves, others, and the world. It was both entertaining and enlightening to listen to the powerful, thought-provoking messages of each presenter. Their genuine concern, wise words, and awareness of the state of society today was admirable and inspirational; giving us a number of practical and worthwhile insights into their own spiritual journeys.

Most notable for me was guest speaker Jonathan Doyle, who eloquently spoke about his own personal experiences, including the adversity he has, and continues to face, with regards to mental health. I was deeply moved as he spoke about how these challenges have moulded his worldview, formed his faith and shaped his future. He stated a quote from St Augustine which I found deeply affecting: “He who made you without your cooperation will not save you without your cooperation.”

This is the quintessence of what we as Catholics are ‘called’ to do: to let Christ dwell within us so that we may bear His love to all people. It is through our faith that we are able to enrich the lives of others and achieve our spiritual calling.

Gabriel Garcia (Year 9)