Youth Ministry Equipping School ignites faith and connection across Dioceses

Two hundred people from the Archdiocese and beyond gathered today for the commencement of the Youth Ministry Equipping School 2025.

Young adults and ministry leaders from the dioceses of Christchurch, Broken Bay, Sydney, Bathurst, Parramatta, Sandhurst and Wollongong joined those from Canberra and Goulburn at St Christopher’s Pastoral Centre for an intensive two-day formation experience aimed at inspiring and training participants for the mission of the Catholic Church.

“The atmosphere is electric,” Youth Minister Officer Ethan Mass said.

“One person has a conversation with another, and it just spreads. It is so joyful, with people from different walks of life.”

Project Officer ‑ New Evangelisation in Catholic Schools Nathan Galea said three streams were running during the event: a student stream, a youth ministry officer stream, and a teacher stream.

“Also exciting this year – we have the ACU cohort of pre-service teachers who are coming to experience something of a deep encounter with Jesus over the next couple of days,” he said.

“After the Equipping School, we are really excited to see our young people and our staff go back into their schools or their places of ministry and to be that light in the world and a person of hope in this time.”

“It’s a really cool opportunity to see the future of that ministry blossom through our students and staff,” Ethan said.

“A lot of them are at that age where you are finding yourself and reaching out in your faith life. You are moving from going to church because Mum and Dad told you to, to making it your own decision. When we talk about that global community or global church, it’s beyond your school and your diocese – and this is the foot in the door for that.”

Catholic College Wodonga Year 12 student Maggie McInnes said the Equipping School was a great way to connect with new people, explore aspects of youth ministry, and learn more about faith.

“I’ve loved it so far. I think I’ve definitely got a better understanding of what youth ministry means, and it has been great to hear people from all different places speaking about their lives,” she said.

“I joined youth ministry because I love helping out in the community. It makes me feel so much better about myself and it is a great way to help people who are less fortunate or just struggling a bit.”

Trinity Catholic College, Goulburn, student Hope Seselja said it was her second time attending the annual event.

“I came here last year and really enjoyed it, so I was very keen to come back and bring some of my friends along,” she said.

“It is a good way to start the year. I am always learning more, in every session. It is really nice being with people my age. I am looking forward to some good prayer time, meeting new people, and working out what I want to give up for Lent.”

ACU La Salle Academy’s Trish McCarthy said undergraduate or pre-service teachers had travelled from campuses around the country for the formation opportunity.

“Schools are crying out for teachers who can not just teach the faith, but can actually witness the faith in their daily lives,” she said.

“This is a formation process that enables and activates that, and gives them the confidence to contribute not just to the classroom but to the broader school, and to participate in making schools places of faith and spirituality, working together and walking together.”

At the opening session, Archbishop Christopher Prowse said participants were pilgrims in the Year of Hope.

“Everybody here is a pilgrim. You’ve come from New Zealand, you’ve come from around Australia, and you’ve come from this diocese,” he said.

“You are intentional disciples. When you left your home, you started your pilgrimage. We are on the move—a community on the move to someplace holy, and the holiness is Christ Himself.”

The Equipping School runs until Saturday 1 March.