Finding Peace in Christ: LNS Young Adults Reflect on Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith

On Sunday evening, 28 June 2026, the Lower North Shore Parish Young Adults gathered at St. Leonard's Church Hall, Naremburn, for another enriching Formation Evening. The theme, "Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith," spoke directly to the hearts of many young adults navigating the challenges and uncertainties of modern life.

The evening began with a shared dinner, giving everyone an opportunity to relax, reconnect with familiar faces, and warmly welcome those attending for the first time. As always, the meal reminded us that our Young Adult community is much more than a formation program, it is a place where friendships are nurtured and faith is lived together.

Following dinner, participants took part in a light-hearted icebreaker, introducing themselves by sharing their name, what they do for work or study, and a creative "weather report" describing how they were feeling that day. The activity sparked plenty of smiles and laughter while encouraging everyone to be open and authentic with one another.

The evening then moved into prayer, centred on Jesus' comforting invitation from Matthew 11:28–30:

"Come to me, all you who labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest."

These words beautifully prepared everyone for the night's formation, reminding us that Christ invites us to bring every burden and worry to Him.

The formation talk was presented by Fr. Roger Delmonte, who explored anxiety from both a human and a Christian perspective. Acknowledging that anxiety has become an increasingly common experience among young adults today, Fr. Roger reflected on how even many of the great figures of the Bible experienced fear, uncertainty, and discouragement. Yet throughout Scripture, God's response is always one of reassurance, presence, and hope.

Drawing on Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25–34, Fr. Roger encouraged participants to distinguish between natural human concern and allowing anxiety to take control of our lives. Rather than promising a life free from difficulties, Jesus invites us to place our complete trust in God's loving providence and to discover the peace that comes from walking closely with Him.

The talk also offered practical ways of growing in faith amid life's challenges. Fr. Roger highlighted the importance of daily prayer, meditating on Sacred Scripture, frequent reception of the Sacraments, gratitude, and belonging to a supportive faith community. These spiritual practices, he explained, help us surrender our worries to Christ and deepen our confidence in God's loving care.

The small group discussions that followed provided a meaningful opportunity for participants to share honestly about the sources of anxiety they experience in daily life. Conversations touched on work and study pressures, uncertainty about the future, relationships, family responsibilities, and the challenge of balancing faith with the demands of modern society. Many also shared the Scripture passages and prayers that have sustained them during difficult times. It was inspiring to witness the openness, compassion, and encouragement shown within each group as participants listened to and prayed for one another.

The evening concluded with a guided reflection and prayer experience centred on the words of St. Paul:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

In the quietness of prayer, everyone was invited to surrender their fears, worries, and uncertainties to the Lord. Through intercessory prayer and a period of silent reflection, participants encountered the gentle peace that only Christ can give.

The evening closed with the beautiful reminder from 1 Peter 5:7:

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

This Formation Evening once again reflected the heart of the LNS Young Adult Ministry: building authentic friendships, growing in faith, and discovering that we never walk alone. In a world where anxiety and uncertainty can easily overwhelm us, our greatest hope is found not in having all the answers but in knowing the One who walks beside us.

We thank Fr. Roger for his insightful formation, and all who joined us for making the evening such a welcoming, faith-filled, and prayerful experience. We look forward to our next LNS Young Adult Formation Evening as we continue growing together as disciples of Christ, supporting one another with faith, hope, and love.

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