Guests from Catholic communities across Perth gathered at Servite College on Tuesday 25 July to explore how the 2018 theme for “Year of Youth”, “Open New Horizons for Spreading Joy: Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment” can be lived out among youth here in Western Australia.

Hosted by the Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM), Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth Donald Sproxton, CYM Director Anita Parker and staff from Catholic Education Western Australia collaborated to host an evening to discuss new ideas for youth engagement and how they can be supported in their faith journey in today’s world.

Director of Religious Education, Dr Debra Sayce emphasised the importance of young people in the church both now and in the future, and addressed how the Catholic education system can be used to engage our youth and accompany them in the development of their faith.

“Young people have a part to play in the Church. They are not only our future, but our ‘now’.

“If they’re not engaged, where will they be in the future? How we engage and give them opportunities for leadership growth in the faith is absolutely crucial.

“We look forward to the Year of Youth and working together in harmony to make sure the young people are really well served not just in our schools, but within our parishes and our Church community,” she said.

Year of Youth will be launched at the upcoming Australian Catholic Youth Festival in December, celebrating ten years on from hosting World Youth Day in 2008.

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