Students revisit gospel values

By Bridget Cook
ABOUT 300 students from across Australia gathered at St Francis Xavier last week for a conference aimed to bring Catholic students together.
The Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA) National Student Conference was attended by students from a number of local schools including St Francis Xavier Berwick, St Peters College Cranbourne and Marist Sion College, Warragul.
The three-day conference aimed to bring together students from secondary schools, staff and representatives from organisations to talk about and promote the preaching and advocacy of the gospel.
Kelly Lucas, youth minister from Catholic Diocese of Sale, said the conference used drama, prayer, mediation, music, concerts, mass and reconciliation to make the conference more relevant and engaging for young people.
“We were trying to help people understand that the teaching of traditional Catholicism is relevant to their daily lives,” she said.
Ms Lucas said the feedback from the students had been wonderful.
“They absolutely loved it,” she said.
“A lot of them couldn’t believe the energy in the room and many made new friends. It’s a great way to meet new people who have similar interests to what you do.
“Many said they were energised and empowered to be more who they want to be.”
CSYMA is a new initiative networking secondary schools, staff and organisations committed to working together with youth evangelisation initiatives for Catholic Secondary Schools.
It was designed as a post World Youth Day strategy for the Australian Catholic Church and its primary vision is to provide support and empowerment of staff and students for evangelisation, discipleship and mission.