Get ready for Catholic Youth Expo 2018

The Catholic Youth Commission is preparing for the most important, and exciting youth expo to date on June 23, as the Church continues the transition from one shepherd to another.

Archbishop Joseph Harris left us a powerful acronym ‘I AIM’ through which he challenged us to Inclusivity, Availability, Imagination, and Martyrdom—four distinguishing marks of “a Church of the 21^st century which is committed to Mission”.
As Archbishop Jason Gordon embarks upon his episcopal responsibility of teaching, sanctifying and governing the archdiocese, he is taking the time at the expo to listen to the collective concerns and dreams of stakeholders of youth and young adult ministry from every vicariate. This includes all parishes, Catholic secondary schools, departments, religious congregations, ecclesial communities, ministries and indeed all stakeholders. Our theme is Called to Serve, the title of the first pastoral letter of our archbishop.

We are inviting all stakeholders to invest time, talent and treasure to ensure that the Catholic youth and young adult community of our Church at this challenging time in our country’s history, is fully engaged in building a happy, healthy Church; a Church which is willing and eager to support the vision and mission of the Holy Father Pope Francis and our local shepherd, Archbishop Gordon.

How you can get involved

Parish representatives are requested to call or email the Commission’s office to get details about a) the Conversation with His Grace; b) nomination of most committed youth and young adult for our awards ceremony; c) participation in ‘Youth Splash’ our afternoon concert; d) place ticket and tee shirt orders; e) order banners for the procession of parishes in our opening ceremony; and f) promote the event and help us find sponsors and donors where possible.

Secondary school principals are requested to participate by booking booths to showcase the impact of the institution in sports, education, social action etc and as mentioned above in c, d and e.

Departments, religious congregations, ecclesial communities and Church organisations and ministries are invited to design and present exciting and informative expo booths to reveal the full range of opportunities for the Encounter with Christ, and formation and mission that are available for youth and young adults in our Church.

At our last expo, 2,700 persons attended. We appeal to the Catholic community in general to support the initiative by praying for its success, sponsoring youth of rural and distant parishes, helping to offset expenses where possible and, of course, attending the expo. Let us be One Church united in faith, hope and love.

The day will end with a special youth liturgy but we pray that it will be the beginning of a new springtime for youth and young adult ministry in our archdiocese.