Flame

On Saturday 4th March, students from Oaklands joined the
Portsmouth Diocese with Miss Heath and Mr Semple to attend the 2023 Flame Congress in Wembley Arena.

Flame is a Catholic Youth Conference open to those of all faiths. One of the aims of the day is to help those with faith to be open to a new vision of what a young, vibrant, active and inclusive Church can look like. The day involved guest speakers such as The Archbishop of Perth, Timothy John Costelloe, singer and songwriter, Adeniki, and Robert Billot. There was also amazing live music from One Hope
Project, Guvna B and Faith Child. The day closed with a time of
beautiful prayer and adoration.

 

Many thanks to the Catenians for helping with the costs of the tickets.

“The best part for me were the songs especially from the artist Guvna B. It was really exciting and I met lots of new people. I really enjoyed the video from Ant and Dec where they remembered Dec’s brother Fr O’Donnelly, who would help organise Flame events in previous years. I enjoyed the many speeches that were made about the faith of God. Overall it was a great experience and I had lots of fun and I would definitely recommend going!”

Marine, Year 11

“The CAFOD leadership course has been a great opportunity to develop my presentation, organisational and leadership skills. I have been able to put what I have learnt into action by practising in front of fellow students from different areas across the south - something I would be unable to do at school. Since participating in the leadership course my social skills and confidence have greatly improved, as well as my ability to engage with others and recognise leadership qualities in my peers as well as myself.”

Sophie Adams

“I chose to partake in the leadership course because I felt it was a great way to help people in need get involved in the vital work CAFOD. However, I myself have a lot from the experience - organisational and presentation skills that will help me throughout my life, and met many amazing new people who have many interesting ideas and thoughts that I have learnt and gained.”

Becky O'Rourke

“I joined the CAFOD Leadership course in September 2015 for various reasons. One of them was to broaden my horizons. I felt this course would help me to meet new people and learn how to plan and organise events that are beneficial to the community. I have gained so much from this course, for example, I feel more confident now to speak in public and know what I need to do to prepare a speech. I have also learned to listen to other people’s ideas and put them into consideration as well as being creative when thinking about how to hold events. I have learned so much and I hope to continue learning!”

Pelumi Ajelabi

“The amazing opportunity presented to us by CAFOD leadership programme has allowed us to use our power as young people to inspire and encourage not only our generation but others as well, to invest in the work of CAFOD. This programme has given us the opportunity to meet new influential young people as well as gaining confidence in speaking and presenting in public. We have also taken part in exercises that stretched and challenged our ability to work as a team. Thanks to the excellent staff at CAFOD, we have been able to make a difference in the wider world and educate young people on global issues that affect millions of people.”

Niamh Wilkinson and Ellen McGill

“I really value my place on the leadership course as it enables me to make a positive contribution to the community here at school and nationally. It has also enabled me to develop my own leadership and communication skills. I have gained knowledge about important issues that CAFOD combats and awareness about, and the recognition that every individual can make a positive impact. The decision to go on the course was made without hesitations I wanted to take the opportunity to embrace the work of CAFOD.”

Sarah Muwanga