"Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."

There are moments in life when our calendars are full, our minds are restless, and our hearts quietly long for something more. We become so accustomed to rushing from one responsibility to another that we often forget how to simply stop, breathe, and be with God.

It was into this reality that Jesus spoke His timeless invitation: "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." (Mark 6:31)

On Saturday, 18 July 2026, our LNS Young Adults (YAG) accepted that invitation as we gathered at the peaceful and beautiful surroundings of St. Anthony in the Fields Church, Terrey Hills, for a truly grace-filled Day Retreat. What unfolded was much more than a day away from our usual routines. It became a sacred journey of prayer, reflection, friendship, healing, and renewal.

The retreat began with warm smiles, morning tea, and joyful conversations as old friends reunited and new friendships were formed. There was already a tangible sense of welcome and belonging, a reminder that one of God's greatest gifts is the community He places around us.

Through prayer, the proclamation of Scripture, and a simple icebreaker that invited everyone to share where they feel most at peace, we were gently reminded that God often reveals Himself not only in extraordinary moments but also through the ordinary experiences and stories we share with one another.

Our opening reflection, "Jesus' Invitation: Come Away with Me," explored the difference between simply being busy and living fruitful lives. Together we reflected on the many pressures young adults face today—work, study, relationships, expectations, uncertainty about the future, and the constant noise of modern life. Yet amid all these demands, Christ continues to invite us to lay down our burdens, rediscover His presence, and allow Him to restore our weary hearts.

That invitation naturally led into a period of personal silence and journaling. Participants scattered throughout the church and its tranquil surroundings, finding quiet places beneath the trees, along peaceful pathways, or within the church itself. In the stillness, many encountered something increasingly rare in today's world: silence that was not empty, but filled with the loving presence of God.

One of the most enriching moments of the retreat came during our small-group sharing. In an atmosphere of openness, trust, and genuine listening, participants spoke honestly about their struggles, hopes, fears, and experiences of God's peace. As stories unfolded, strangers became friends, and friends became family. We were reminded that the Christian journey is never meant to be walked alone but together, encouraging and praying for one another along the way.

We were then blessed by our second reflection, "Finding Rest in God's Presence," led by Fr. Stephen. His thoughtful and inspiring message reminded us that authentic rest is not simply taking a break from our responsibilities. True rest comes from trusting God, embracing silence, deepening our prayer, and allowing Christ to renew us from within. His words beautifully prepared our hearts for a deeply prayerful period of guided silent reflection before we gathered to enjoy a delicious lunch and the joy of sharing life together.

After lunch, our retreat expanded beyond the walls of the church as we were privileged to be guided by Anne Lanyon, a local parishioner and Sydney-based community educator dedicated to promoting peace, ecology, and justice. Anne graciously introduced us to the rich history of St. Anthony in the Fields and its beautiful natural surroundings.

Drawing inspiration from Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si', Anne challenged us to recognise that caring for creation is an essential part of Christian discipleship. She invited us to see the beauty surrounding us not merely as scenery to admire, but as God's gift entrusted to our care, a reminder that our relationship with the Creator is inseparable from our responsibility to care for our common home.

The spiritual heart of the retreat came during Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Before the Blessed Sacrament, words became unnecessary. In the silence of Christ's Eucharistic presence, hearts found peace, burdens were surrendered, prayers were offered, and lives were quietly touched by God's grace. Many also experienced the healing embrace of the Father's mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

We are especially grateful to Fr. Vincent, who so generously made himself available throughout the afternoon to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, allowing many to encounter God's infinite mercy, forgiveness, and healing love.

Following this sacred hour of adoration, prayer, and reconciliation, we concluded with a beautiful Commissioning Prayer and Benediction. Having rested in Christ, we were reminded that the purpose of every retreat is not simply to withdraw from the world, but to return to it renewed, ready to become joyful witnesses of Christ in our homes, workplaces, universities, and parish community.

The remainder of the afternoon reflected the joy of that renewed spirit. Our Young Adults planning meeting, group photos, games, laughter, and conversations celebrated not only what we had experienced during the day but also the friendships and mission that continue to grow within our YAG family.

This beautiful retreat was made possible through the generosity and loving service of many people. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Fr. Stephen for leading our second session with wisdom, warmth, and encouragement, and to Fr. Vincent for generously offering the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the afternoon.

We also sincerely thank Camille and Mai for preparing such a delicious and generous lunch that nourished both body and fellowship; Frances' dad, Ramil, for quietly serving behind the scenes with remarkable humility and generosity; Anne Lanyon for sharing her passion for creation and helping us appreciate the sacred beauty of St. Anthony in the Fields; Ingrid and Issy for beautifully capturing the unforgettable moments of the day through their photography; and James for kindly organizing the carpool and ensuring everyone arrived safely.

We also extend a very warm welcome to our newest member, Meagan Chin. We are delighted that you joined our YAG family, and we look forward to walking together in faith, friendship, and service.

Most especially, thank you to every member of our LNS Young Adults family. Your generosity, enthusiasm, cooperation, willingness to serve, and joyful presence transformed this retreat into far more than a well-organized program. Together, you created an environment where Christ could truly be encountered. Your openness, prayerfulness, laughter, conversations, and genuine care for one another revealed the beauty of a community rooted in faith and united in love.

As we prayed our closing retreat prayer, we were reminded that the true measure of a retreat is not how peaceful the day was, but how deeply it changes the way we live afterwards.

May this retreat never become simply a cherished memory. Instead, may it mark the beginning of an even deeper friendship with Jesus and with one another. May we continue to make time to "come away" with Christ, allowing Him to renew our hearts so that we may return to the world with greater faith, hope, love, and joy.

Until we gather again, may the peace of Christ remain in our hearts, and may His invitation continue to echo in our lives: "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while."