Equipping school reignites enthusiasm

Fr Josh Scott joins Youth Ministry leaders Grace and Tom

Last week nearly 70 young Catholic youth leaders, future educators and religious from around Australia gathered in Canberra for the annual CSYMI Youth Ministry Equipping School.

The event included workshops, keynotes, and night sessions, allowing attendees to learn new skills for youth ministry and their future careers as Catholic teachers.

Many of the attendees including ACU Pre-service teacher Cameron Streeter commented on the enthusiasm of those attending the school.

“It was a great opportunity to network and to learn how to implement catholic values into the teaching profession,” Cameron said. “I want to continue to learn about my faith so I can pass that knowledge on to my future students.”

Archbishop Christopher with Youth Minister Gerard

In reflection, Cameron said he found the experience had “reignited an enthusiasm for the catholic faith” and that attending the Equipping School had been a “transformative experience.”

This year, the theme was based on the scripture passage, “Therefore go and make disciples.”

After listening to speakers and participating in prayer and reconciliation, the four-day Equipping School finished on Sunday morning with a commissioning Mass celebrated by Archbishop Prowse at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka.

The 2022 Equipping School provided an opportunity for all participants to learn, build relationships and to put what they learned into action.

• Olivia Brown is currently the Youth Minister for Weston Creek / South Molonglo