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"One"
The Vision of Bright Lights
Our theme for this year is "ONE" - One spirit,
One Mind, One Heart, One God..... ONE.
This year will feature JEAN
VANIER!
Some consider him to be a
Modern Day Prophet, a powerful voice in our world. He is internationally
renound having set up the L'arche community and he has written many
books. Jean Vanier will inspire and challenge us. You can't miss him!
And back again for a 2nd Year
- MATT MAHER
Last year he blew us away
with his talent and he loved us so much he's coming back. Matt Maher travels
the world playing at some of the largest Christian events. This year you
will be able to experience Matt and his band in one of his more intimate
dates in his diary.
BrightLights was born out a vision for a weekend Festival of young people,
aged 16 - 30, set in the beautiful grounds of All Saints Pastoral Centre at
London Colney; a place where you can discover something more about
yourselves, others and God in a safe and relaxed environment; a place where
you can experience something of the depth and diversity of the Catholic
Church and share your own faith and experiences with others of the own
age-group and outlook.
The first BrightLights Festival was over a decade ago. A marquee sprung up
in the field outside the SPEC building, there was lights, sound, bands, an
impressive line-up of speakers, workshops, prayer, Reconciliation, Mass,
barbeque, sports and fun. And the people came. A host of small tents
mushroomed around the central marquee area. Bedrooms in the Pastoral Centre
and dormitories in SPEC were filled. The first BrightLights was a success
and the evaluation forms spoke enthusiastically about the opportunity for
change and growth that this weekend had opened up in many young lives.
A sense of BrightLights community began to develop and 'BrightLighters'
would meet up at events in Central London, and elsewhere, during the year,
at SPEC for retreats and conferences and, more recently, for the sparkling
bonfire night "Explosion" evening. Groups from Bright Lights have travelled
to World Youth Days with the Pope. Then, of course, there would be the great
reunion at BrightLights the following year.
The festival has grown and developed over the years. Many familiar faces
still return, many new faces join us each year. But the unique BrightLights
atmosphere remains unchanged. Each year's festival is "the best ever!" even
when it rains!
This year we are planning our 13th Bright Lights.
We're hoping that every parish will be represented, making it the most
comprehensive gathering of young people in our Diocese yet. Once again there
will be a marquee - bigger than ever. Once again there will be great live
music. Once again there will be inspiring speakers workshops, activities and
prayer. Once again there will be the great BrightLights atmosphere which
nourishes and sustains the faith of those who come so that they can return
to their lives, their work, their parishes renewed and recommitted to living
their Christian faith and vocations more deeply.
It is easy to think of 'church' as the place where we go on Sunday -
familiar, predictable and - for young people - sometimes boring. But the
Church is more than that. It is rich, diverse and filled with young people
who shine with the real joy of being part of it. BrightLights is a glimpse
of this rich, wider Church where there is something for everyone, and
everyone is welcome. BrightLights offers an experience of Church which is
engaging and enjoyable. Religion ceases to be 'something that other people
do' and begins to become 'relevant to me'. It is a place where you can
simply be...
The young people in our parishes are the Church of the future. They need to
be equipped to carry the faith forward into the 21st century. Bright Lights
is one way to contribute to their growth and formation. It is a sound
investment. |
