Drawing on many artistic images of Christ, Bishop Peter affirmed their calling by God as leaders with the gift of the Holy Spirit and implored them to be the face of Christ in service of others.
Students asked questions of the Bishop, who shared insights from his life and his own journey of faith. He emphasised the importance of the parish community and of participating in youth events such as the Diocesan Praisefest nights.
At Mass, the Bishop reflected on St John’s account of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, and challenged students to lead in imitation of Christ as humble “servant leaders”.
At lunch, students from different schools mingled and spoke about their challenges and plans for their leadership in the coming year.
The day concluded with the students being commissioned, in the name of the Bishop, as Diocesan leaders.
Students spoke highly of the day, and were impressed by Bishop Peter’s obvious delight in being with them, his willingness to share and celebrate his faith with them, and the wonderful chance to meet and talk with leaders from other schools.