31 January 2024 · 2024-01 newsletter
On 7th and 8th December Catholic Youth Sydney (CYS) organised a Conference with the theme: “Purpose”.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher invited the youth of the Sydney Archdiocese and anyone interested, to this Conference which was held at Rosebank College, Five Dock. The venue was ideal with a huge auditorium and plenty of other spaces for the varied activities which took place.
The conference was for high school students in the afternoon and in the evening for young adults with approximately a total of 1800 youth in attendance. The days involved talks, workshops, adoration, stalls etc. Two guest speakers from the USA, Matt Fradd and Jason Evert, who unfolded our Catholic teaching re marriage, sex, and gender questions, proved to be a real drawcard. Their talks each day were highlights.
The time of adoration on the first day and Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Fisher for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception were both prayerful and remarkable and left a deep impression on the youth.
For the breaks in between the workshops and talks there were plenty of food trucks and stalls available where a variety of communities and organizations could offer things for the young people.
Through the combined efforts of many sisters, Schoenstatt was also present, and the sisters were able to set up a Schoenstatt stall. We sold Schoenstatt merchandise, handed out flyers for upcoming functions and connected with a lot of people. In the middle of our stall was our dear MTA and the young people were invited to write a petition and place it in the jar. We promised to pray for these intentions. Many were grateful and took this opportunity to entrust their petitions to the blessed Mother, even the Archbishop got involved!
In the days prior, many sisters worked together in preparing our free giveaways – a tealight candle with a quote from Fr. Kentenich and an image of a shrine. The young people were very appreciative of this small gesture! A few photos from the two intensive but fruitful and blessed days will hopefully share a little of the atmosphere!
Sr. M. Rita
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