Youth 2000 30th Anniversary Homecoming

By Nicole Luke

Team member, Youth 2000

As a member of the Youth 2000 Team and a past coordinator, attending the 30th anniversary Homecoming celebrations on September 14 was a profoundly moving experience for me.

The echoes of our past events—both triumphant and challenging—resonated deeply within me during the planning stages leading up to this joyful occasion. Reflecting on the setbacks we faced in the past served as a powerful reminder that God is always in control and that we are but vessels of His love and mercy.

The day was filled with inspirational talks, notably from the dynamic Fr Nathasingh and Fr Kellan. Their insights encouraged me to reflect personally on what this movement has meant to me, both in my youth and at this moment in my life. They reminded me that while times may change, the call to faith, community, and discipleship remains steadfast.

For me, the true highlight of the celebration was the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for Adoration throughout the day. There is something profoundly grounding about being in the presence of Christ, and as I served in the choir and liturgy, I was reminded of the impactful retreats I participated in as a young woman searching for my place within the Church and my community. Those moments of prayer and reflection shaped my journey immensely, igniting a yearning for deeper communion with God.

As I prepared my heart for the celebrations, I felt the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Archbishop’s message, delivered with eloquence by Taresa Best Downes, struck a particular chord within me: “Your nostalgia for Youth 2000 will not ‘disciple’ anyone if it does not become your discipleship.”

This statement reverberated through my soul, igniting a thoughtful introspection about my role as a member of the Team.

Taresa urged us to consider what it truly means for us to carry the legacy of our experiences forward. She emphasised that relying solely on our cherished memories of past conversions is insufficient; our prayers and reflections must translate into tangible actions of evangelisation for the next generation.

Her words inspired an awakening in me, prompting me to ask myself, “What is the Lord calling you to, Nicole?”

In that moment of clarity, I sensed the call: “I am calling you to continue the work I started with you so many years ago; bring the young people to Me.” It was a reminder that each one of us has a unique role to play in the story of faith within our communities.

Remembering Fr Neil, who was my spiritual director and guide during my formative years with Youth 2000, brought forth a wave of emotion. I could almost hear him saying, “Welcome home.

His mentorship was a spark that ignited my desire to serve and spread the love of Christ to others. As I stand renewed in my commitment to this mission, I feel a deep sense of responsibility and joy to continue the work he began in me.

The Youth 2000 Homecoming was not just a celebration of the past 30 years; it was a call to action. It reminded us that faith requires ongoing commitment and that we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in our world today.

As I leave this experience with a heart full of gratitude and hope, I carry with me the challenge to reach out to young people—to encourage them to encounter the transformative love of Jesus and to inspire them to take up their own call to discipleship. As we journey together forward, may we remember that God, who has walked with us through every joy and trial, continues to invite us into deeper fellowship with Him and with one another. Here’s to the next chapter of Youth 2000—may we all answer the call to bring more young people to Him.