CYSMI at Merici – more than just a curriculum

Merici students give a presentation to conference delegates

When Merici College student Zoe Pearson joined the school’s youth ministry program, she got much more than she had bargained for.

“I got to do a semester less of religion and lead a retreat and talk about something I knew a lot about – it sounded like a pretty good deal,” the Year 11 student joked.

“What I didn’t think it would do was challenge me about my faith. Through the program, I had the opportunity to think about my faith and what it meant to me. I started asking bigger questions and talking to people. This sharing of my faith forced me to deepen my relationship with Jesus and to realise what the true nature of having a relationship with God is.”

Zoe shared her faith journey with A Current of Grace delegates from around the world today, as Merici College demonstrated the practical experience of the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry International (CYSMI) program.

“It was great to see how it is lived out in a school environment and the students did a wonderful job,” Christchurch Diocese Bishop’s Pastoral Office Director Mike Stopforth said.

“There was a lot of value for all of us in how they unpacked the process through music, drama and reflection.”

The Merici youth ministry program is based on the three core components of connection, proclamation, and response (CPR).

“The CPR model acts as a dynamic framework for bringing faith to life for young people,” Youth Minister Zoa Salazar explained.

“Through connection, proclamation and response, we help them build relationships, understand the gospel, and engage with their faith in a profound and personal way.”

Merici Head of Mission and Community, Veronica Harrold-Carter, said she firmly believed the CYSMI program, inspired by the selfless service exemplified by St Angela Merici, offered a transformative journey for students.

“This program serves as a driving force of evangelisation at our school,” she said.

“It plays a crucial role in building a body of young people who embody the charisms of St Angela Merici, demonstrating not only a deep commitment to their faith but also the zeal of evangelism.”

Veronica said CYSMI invited students to explore their faith in a safe and nurturing way.

“It is about helping teenagers and young people grow and work out where they fit in the world, and their own sense of faith and their sense of belonging,” she said.

“As a result, our school culture has flourished, with students readily engaging in faith discussions and fearlessly living out their faith in genuine peer-to-peer encounters.

“We like to think that CYSMI at Merici is more than just a curriculum; it’s a pathway to personal growth, community service and leadership development. It equips students with the skills and confidence to impact our community, rooted in faith and compassion positively.”

Veronica said she was incredibly proud of the students’ presentations, which included dance, drama, personal testimonies and interactive icebreaker games.

“The Merici girls are very generous, and they will step up, help out, participate and put themselves out there as well,” she said.

“Our hope is that this has inspired people to do something in their own communities; to take something back – even if it is just one thing that resonates with them – and they can pass that on to other people as well.”