Diocese_Of_Sandhurst_YearInReview_2021

35 A team of young people from across the Diocese came together to dream about and create an event that celebrated young people in Sandhurst for a local World Youth Day celebration. World Youth Day has been celebrated annually by the Catholic Church around the world since 1986. With Pope Francis’ announcement at the end of 2020 that he was changing the date from Palm Sunday to the Feast of Christ the King in November, SYM decided that this was the perfect opportunity to begin a new annual tradition to celebrate and connect young people at a local level. Most people would be more familiar with World Youth Day as the international gathering that takes place approximately every three years. This is still the case, with the next pilgrimage expected to take place in August 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. A local celebration acts as a connection between the international event and the local parish and Diocese, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be included. As with most current events, the celebration was offered both online and in- person. Those who could travel to Bendigo were able to meet other young people, attend workshops and take part in all aspects of the day. Those online were able to join for a youth rally followed by Mass celebrated by Bishop Shane. Attendees were able to participate in workshops drawing from the theme Stand Up! Presenters included Romina Martiniello from Caritas, Fr Nathan Verallo the Director of Vocations for the Diocese, Bishop Shane Mackinlay and the event planning team. Each workshop aimed to offer young people insights into the many different ways we are called to Stand Up! in our lives, while also offering opportunities for discussion and sharing from the participants. The livestreamed Youth Rally welcomed back guests Gen Bryant and her band, as well as Josh Angrisano. Fr Rob Galea and his band contributed to the celebration at Fr Rob’s home parish of St Kilian’s. With music, sharing and a live Q&A opportunity there was plenty of joy filling the Church. Ms Ruth Lawlor Coordinator of Youth Ministry Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst “Stand Up! I appoint you as witnesses of what you have seen. ” MISSION AND PASTORAL LIFE ( Acts26:16) Sandhurst World Youth Day