20 August 2026 · 2026-08 newsletter
Throughout the year girls are invited during the school holidays to a Girls Day Out at the Shrine at Mulgoa. This was held once again during the last school holidays on Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th July with a great response for both days. The first day attracted 11 teenagers, all who have been to a Girls Day Out previously. The second day there were 22 girls, many for whom it was there first time coming to such an event. On both days there was a couple of young women volunteers who assisted in the group discussions and supervision throughout the days.
Six girls from the first group stayed overnight to assist as junior leaders for the following day which was aimed at the younger girls. The junior leaders had the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and did a fantastic job organising the games and running the craft session. Each day’s program was filled with a variety of activities, games, singing, a rosary bushwalk, group discussions and craft activities. The schedule and content of both days were essentially the same but tailored to the different age groups.
The theme of the days was based on the topic of TRUST. After a few games the girls were asked to gather as many words as possible related to trust. This built the first part of the day as we discussed what trust meant in general and some characteristics related to being trustworthy. We then went on to discover some figures in the bible as well as some saints who displayed a great trust in God and explored how they can be examples and models for us. Finally, the girls discussed together what God has entrusted to us and how we can develop the skills and talents that he has given us to be great Marian Apostles.
One of the highlights of the days is the “Ask me Anything” session. The girls have the opportunity to ask Sr. M. Rita and the leaders any questions they might have. Many are hesitant at first but as soon as we start answering the first questions, the flood gates just seem to open, and it is very difficult to find an end to this session. On the second day in fact, we had to shorten the rosary bushwalk as the questions kept on coming. The girls really appreciated this time and gained a lot of new insights on the topics of faith, vocation, science and relationships.
Two songs accompanied the Girls Day Out. The camp song which many have come to know and love and “I trust your might” song which is in fact one of Schoenstatt’s common prayers. At the end of the day the girls gathered in the shrine to bring their final thanksgivings to the blessed Mother for this very enjoyable and fruitful day. As a gift in return the girls presented to the blessed Mother, the new songs they had learnt. It was so beautiful to hear them sing with such great passion and devotion.
All the girls enjoyed themselves and new friendships and connections were made. They had an amazing time learning more about how we can trust God and Mary in all circumstances of our lives and how we too are entrusted with great things which we should love and cherish.
Sr. M. Rita Baysari
Filed underNewsletter · Youth