Image: Supplied by Catholic Youth Ministry Perth.

At World Youth Day in 2016, Pope Francis called young people and the Church to ‘open new horizons for spreading joy’. With Catholic youth being a key focus in the church, 2018 was nationally launched as the Year of Youth at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) in December last year.

“My friends, Jesus is the Lord of risk, he is the Lord of the eternal “more”.  Jesus is not the Lord of comfort, security and ease. Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths. To blaze trails that open up new horizons capable of spreading joy, born of God’s love and wells up in your hearts with every act of mercy.”
Pope Francis, World Youth Day Vigil with Young People, 30 July 2016

There are so many exciting ways your school can get involved in the Year of Youth. The Catholic Youth Ministry Perth (CYM) has compiled a Year of Youth Resource for the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth that can be downloaded here. The resource is available to assist parishes and communities to explore the theme of the Year of Youth, and provides suggestions and ideas for bringing the Year of Youth into local communities and schools.

Some other resources and events to check out include:

• ACBC National ‘Year of Youth’ reflection booklet: for use with leadership teams, school boards and P&F associations. Schools can collect this resource from the CYM office. Contact them on 9422 7912 or admin@cym.com.au to arrange collection on weekdays between 9am and 5pm.
• Jason Evert & Steve Angrisano from the USA presenting on the Year of Youth (registration is necessary):

Jason Evert

22 March – Young adult session at St John and Paul Willeton Parish
Click here to register.

23 March – Parents & teens session at St Peter the Apostle, Bedford
Click here to register.

Steve Angrisano
11 May – evening rally, more info TBA.

• Veritas WA Catholic Youth Festival 2018: 6 – 8 July. This year, they are calling for talents from schools to be a part of the annual Veritas youth festival. Schools can also register a group of students to attend the festival. Registrations open mid-March, visit the website for more information.

There are also more resources and events to come, so sit tight and we will keep you posted!

CEWA would love to share your stories about how your school is getting involved in the Year of Youth, email communications@cewa.edu.au to let us know what you’ve been up to.

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