Over 500 students shine at annual faith conference

Students from around the Archdiocese united in a vibrant expression of faith this month at the eighth annual SHINE conference.

More than 500 Year 9 and 10 students—all completing the CYSMI Youth Ministry units of study—gathered at Merici College on Friday 13 September for various keynote speakers, presenters, music, drama, and other practical workshops and experiences.

Catholic Education Project Officer of New Evangelisation in Catholic Schools, Nathan Galea, said it was encouraging to witness so many young people making the decision to examine and explore their faith.

“It is a very powerful experience for our students, and in this Year of the Holy Spirit, we had a strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit as what helps us animate our faith,” he said.

“We walk together on this journey – we are not on our own. This is critical, especially with adolescents. They want to belong, and to find that sense of identity and encouragement in faith is transformative and lifegiving. It is a place where they can belong and can flourish.”

St Anne’s Catholic College Temora Year 10 student Anne Fogarty said the SHINE leaders made her feel welcome and helped her understand there was no one set path toward Christianity.

“Nobody is always a perfect Christian,” she said.

“The activities were aimed toward the new generations and created a new insight toward Christianity.”

Fellow student Matilda Reardon said the youth leaders created a safe space for students to relax, have fun and develop their understanding through relatable activities.

“I really liked the way we felt comfortable sharing our own stories,” she said.

“I also enjoyed the way we were able to interact with students from other schools.”

St Anne’s Religious Education Coordinator Jacqueline Collins said being from a regional community, it was wonderful for students to mix with others from across the Archdiocese.

“It is important for them to be part of a much larger group and see faith in action in a vibrant way, particularly among young people,” she said.

“The workshops really hit the mark. They all talk about faith in a contemporary way and that is what Year 9 and 10s need to hear. It was lovely for them to be so enlivened by it.”

Nathan said students left the conference with a sense of mission.

“Most of them will go back into the school and evangelise their peers – they are in that process where they are called to take their place in the life of the Church,” he said.

“I think in our Archdiocese, there is a good understanding that it is all hands on deck, and we are at our best when we are working together in a synodal way.

“These young people understand that they are the Church, and they are proud of it.”