The Hive

Program Overview

The Hive is designed to meet the needs of high school students, teenagers, and young adults. The Hive was initially setup as a youth and young adults group, however in 2017 we have transformed the Hive into a formation program that responds to the Church’s call to the New Evangelisation. The program is structured around the three theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. Use of these virtues ensures the formation of our youth and young adults is grounded in traditional Church teaching ensuring they can go out into the world and have a full Christian life.

Regular Hive activities include social interactions (Friday’s at Mater Dei, movies, bowling), scripture study, community engagement and participation in IGNITE youth conferences. In addition, there is a strong focus on ‘Mercy’. As teenagers transition into adulthood, this program reinforces the sacramental life and builds a platform for living out the Gospel in the community. This program supports teenagers aged 13 – 17 and young adults aged 18 – 35.

Telephone – 0478 150 103 | youth.ipswich@bne.catholic.net.au

Theological Virtues

Most of our youth today were alive, or at least are aware of our recent three popes so it is only fitting to look to St. Pope John Paul II, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis to emulate how they exercised these three theological virtues.

“Hope is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness, placing our trust in Christ’s promises and relying not on our own strength, but on the help of the grace of the Holy Spirit. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”84 “The Holy Spirit . . . he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.”84
Catechism of the Catholic Church – Paragraph 1817

St.Pope John Paul II was described as the ‘witness to hope’. He was pope when the world was recovering from global conflict and his ministry was focused heavily on bringing hope to the world.

The Hive Formation Program educates our youth in giving hope to the local area surrounding the Ipswich Catholic. Our mission ministries (e.g.: Vinnies and Rosies) are two such examples were we ensure we are the hands and feet of Christ.

St. Pope John Paul II

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

“Faith is the theological virtue by which we believe in God and believe all that he has said and revealed to us, and that Holy Church proposes for our belief, because he is truth itself. By faith “man freely commits his entire self to God.”78 For this reason the believer seeks to know and do God’s will. “The righteous shall live by faith.” Living faith “work[s] through charity.”79
Catechism of the Catholic Church – Paragraph 1814

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI worked tirelessly to preserve the faith of the church (while Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and as pope) in a time where the Church was heavily scrutinised and challenged from both within and outside of the Church.

The Hive Formation Program educates our youth in the faith of Jesus and his Church enabling them to be living witnesses through liturgy and parish life. This living witness must be express when our youth go out into the world, ensuring that their faith is steadfast and able to withstand the spirit of the world.

“Charity is the theological virtue by which we love God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church – Paragraph 1822

Pope Francis exudes humility and love with an expressed desire to evangelise the far ends of the earth through charity. His focus is ensuring the Church responds to the New Evangelisation called forth by St. Pope John Paul II.

The Hive Formation Program educates our youth to engage in the world in response to the New Evangelisation, while upholding Church social teaching. Both of which are important elements where our youth take responsibility for their future, and form society according to God’s plan and the social teachings of His ever growing church.

Pope Francis

Faith Formation

Faith formation is an integral part of the life of a Christian. We are formed in the life and teachings of Jesus so that we may become more attentive to the needs of the world; going beyond ourselves and living the Gospel in our homes and communities. This formation takes many shapes throughout the seasons of our lives, and we as a community are committed to creating a sort of “training ground” so that we may be constantly sent out into the world, equipped and intentional in our love for others. Below you will find some information about formation at the Ipswich Catholic Community. For the most up to date information please check out our latest newsletter.

What is Hive like?