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Summer 2003

The Young Carmelite Group

We have been asked to tell you what we get out of the Young Carmelite Group. Where to start? What we don’t get we don’t need. The main thing is the awareness of God’s personal love and constant inspiration to try to return that love. And we now truly believe that Solo dios basta.

Peter and I were married in October 2002. It would be drawing a long bow to say that we got the courage to make the step because of our involvement with the Discalced Carmelites at Varroville and the YCG – but not by much. It was during YCG and general retreats over a few years that we pondered most deeply on what vocation attracted us. There we talked, together and separately, to Fr Greg Homeming about our hopes, fears and difficulties and desire to cultivate a deeper prayer life. Peter even proposed on the Retreat Centre grounds one Sunday afternoon.
We didn’t meet through YCG (it doesn’t function as singles club!) although most of us are single, in the workforce or studying. Rather, Peter and I belonged to the same parish, but have both been involved with YCG since its conception in 1996. Most of the original group present at a youth retreat weekend at Varroville in 1996 have moved on – many new young people have been attracted since and we have made friends that we’re sure will be life-long. Among our YCG friends we don’t discount the blessing of having Sts Teresa, John and Therese alongside us.
What attraction does Carmel hold for young people?
We would say the same attraction that Christ holds for young people looking for something to inspire them, to direct their lives towards, because we have found the love of God there. God has pervaded our experiences at Varroville; of prayer, liturgy, reconciliation, discussion, study, sharing meals, reading, singing, meeting beautiful people, going for long walks, even watching a video on Thomas Moore and many of Fr Greg’s art slides.
One of things that continues to attract us to Carmel is the realisation that as human beings we can have an intimate and real friendship with Jesus Christ. This relationship gives our lives meaning.
The YCG meets monthly at the Discalced Carmelite Retreat Centre in Varroville, Australia under the direction of Fr Greg Homeming OCD. About 20 regularly attend the monthly meetings. The aim of the YCG is to encourage and enable young people to contribute in a real way to the life of the Church, through personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The YCG meets to learn about Catholic spirituality with a Carmelite flavour, theology (we have looked at St Thomas Aquinas, Karl Rahner and others) and Church history, plus how to pray with the Scriptures.
Although YCG does not have an active ministry of its own many of us are involved in our own parishes, youth groups, St Vincent de Paul societies and in other ministries. The YCG provides a place where young people can access the beauty of Carmelite spirituality. As we have discovered, the Discalced Carmelite tradition provides a unique and very beautiful perspective on theology, Scripture, Church teaching and prayer.
Thank you for your interest and please keep the YCG in Sydney and Brisbane in your prayers.
With love, Peter and Marilyn Rodrigues

Summer 2003 edition

Reflections of the Regional Vicar

This little reflection shares with you some experiences of my new role as vicar.
Read this article by Aloysius Rego.

Friars

The Carmelite Friars have three houses in the Australian Region.
Box Hill - Morley - Varroville (Retreat Centre & Parish)

Nuns

Read personal sharings, community profiles, general information, jubilee news, and lots more for the following Carmelite communities of nuns:
Bomana Carmel
Launceston Carmel
Christchurch Carmel
Goonellabah (Lismore) Carmel
Ormiston Carmel
Nedlands Carmel
Varroville Carmel

Other Sections

The Southern Cross Association
The Young Carmelite Group
Welcome to Aspirations

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