Diocesan Youth Assembly Recap

Last weekend over 100 young people ages 16 to 30 and leaders from schools, parishes and communities across the Archdiocese of Adelaide gathered at Nazareth College in Findon for the Diocesan Youth Assembly. This was the next step in the ongoing synodal journey taking place in the archdiocese, continuing on from the 2021 Diocesan Assembly, Plenary Council and 2023 Synod of Bishops.

The day began with mingling activities and prayer focused on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus in the Gospel of Luke.

The participants heard from young participants of the Diocesan Assembly as well as Plenary Council members Julian Nguyen and Maddy Forde, who shared about their experiences of being young people in these important gatherings, the value of listening and speaking up, and discernment. They shared some helpful tips for the discussion and discernment that would take place at the Youth Assembly.

There were three rounds of discussion groups. In the first round, participants divided into small groups based on topics from the consultation with young people in the lead up to the Diocesan Assembly. The topic areas included accompaniment and outreach with young people, ecological justice and action, community life and opportunities in parishes, mental health issues, faith formation for young people, dialogue and listening, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and parish-based programs and activities.

In the second round, participants divided into small groups based on age. In this group they reviewed the current Archdiocesan Vision for Ministry with Young People (originally developed in 2009) and made recommendations for changes based on their previous conversations. In the final round, participants gathered according to region. In this group they discussed ways their various communities might be able to work together toward some action. Many of the group discussed hosting regional youth events, collaborative services projects and supporting one another’s efforts.

At the end of the day, Archbishop Pat spoke to the young participants, unpacking their experience and encouraging them as important members of the life of the church. He used the image of Jacob in the bible, who both experienced ‘wresting’ with God and divine consolation with God. He invited them to reflect on their experience of the day to see where God was present in the conversations and wrestling, and to continue to participate in the life and mission of the People of God.

Details about the day and to read the feedback from young people at the Diocesan Youth Assembly, visit www.cathyouthadelaide.org.au/dya