26 Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst Year in Review 2019 FORMATION & EDUCATION Sandhurst Youth Ministry Over the course of 2019 Sandhurst Youth Ministry explored St Peter’s relationship with Jesus. By following St Peter’s journey from fisherman to leader of the Church, SYM was able to set out a path to discipleship that doesn’t centre on being perfect. New Sandhurst Youth Cross In 1984 Pope John Paul II entrusted the World Youth Day Cross to young Catholics of the World. It has since travelled the world connecting young Catholics all over the world. On the Feast of Pentecost the new Sandhurst Youth Cross was blessed by Bishop Les Tomlinson. The Cross has been present at all major youth events as a constant reminder of God’s great love for us. Stronger Four Stronger Rallies and a Retreat were a highlight for many in 2019. Each Rally focused on a different event from St Peter’s journey from his call to Pentecost. A variety of guest speakers, including Sr Mel Dwyer, a Canossian Sister of Charity, Ezekiel Bartlett, a Catholic Prison Chaplain and theology student, and Jess Leach, a lay Missionary, brought St Peter’s story to life for a modern audience, connecting his experiences with those that young people may go through today. Some incredibly gifted musicians, including Fr Rob Galea, Genevieve Bryant and Alyssa Agius, led those at the Rallies in Praise and Worship. The Stronger Retreat provided young people the opportunity to delve deeper into St Peter’s example of discipleship. Through various forms of prayer, talks, games and workshops, those attending the Retreat were able to deepen their relationship with Jesus, as well as with other young disciples. How to Pray Day The first SYM Workshop Day took place at St Joseph’s Church in Axe Creek, provided young people with an opportunity to experience different forms of prayer. Specific workshops featured Ignatian prayer methods, as well as opportunities to experience Taizé style prayer and Stations of the Cross. ACYF’19 Around 70 young people and teachers from the diocese attended the Australian Catholic Youth Festival held in Perth during December. The group, predominantly made up of school students, were able to join 5,500 other young Catholics in celebrating their faith.
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