Sounds of music, laughter and joy filled the church at Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton, as they commemorated 40 years of the parish’s Antioch youth movement on Sunday 16 November. Around 400 people attended the event, lasting from the late afternoon to the evening.
The day featured speeches, testimonies, panels, worship, and Mass celebrated by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, along with concelebrants Parish Priest Fr Gerard O’Dempsey OFM Cap and Assistant Priest Fr John Nguyen OFM Cap.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent shared his own connection to the Antioch movement and the impact it had on his faith.
“I treasure the love, faith and friendship that was born and nurtured through the movement,” he said.
“Like the early Christians, Antioch is recovering the spirit of Christianity. It is to recapture the inspiration and the fervour of the Church that was few in numbers, but rich in solidarity, prayer and witness.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, speaks during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Antioch youth ministry at The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton. Image: The Good Shepherd Parish/Facebook
“If we follow the example of our ancestors and the early Church in being an alternative society, a community and justice, inclusivity, solidarity, prayer and support, it is a future worth dedicating our lives to.”
A memorabilia room was set up next to the church, displaying photos from Antioch in the founding years of 1985 to the current and most recent weekends, generations of Antioch shirts and merchandise, materials and music books from past members, and a wall in memoriam of past members. Tapestry cloths in the centre of the room were signed by participants – an Antioch tradition, with the cloth later placed on the altar during meetings.
Memorabilia on display during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Antioch youth ministry at The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton. Image: The Good Shepherd Parish/Facebook
About Antioch
Antioch is a parish-based, youth-to-youth ministry for people aged 16 to 20. It begins with a weekend experience and continues with regular gatherings to help young people explore and live their Catholic faith. Named after an early Christian community, it recalls where “the disciples were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26).
The Antioch movement was brought to Australia by Sydney couple Ron and Mavis Pirola and their three children Byron, Teresa, and Claire Pirola, who had attended an Antioch weekend in New York in 1980. The Pirola children then hosted Australia’s first-ever Antioch weekend in their home Parish of St Mary and St Joseph, Maroubra Bay a year later. Ron and Mavis spoke at the Plumpton Parish event.
“It’s exceedingly rare for any youth group to continually meet over such a long time.” Mavis said.
“It’s a reflection of the faith, generosity and commitment of this parish.”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta (centre) with the original Australia Antioch parent couple Ron (second left) and Mavis (second right) Pirola with the current Plumpton parent couple Russell and Nicole Arayon during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Antioch youth ministry at The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton. Image: The Good Shepherd Parish/Facebook
Parish reflections
Fr Gerard shared that young people are as much the Church as anyone else – emphasising they are not the future but the present – and their voices should be heard.
“[Antioch] provides a safe space for young people in the community to share their story,” he said.
Julie Christie, recalled how she led the first Antioch weekend in Plumpton, after attending an “inspiring” weekend in Baulkham Hills. Keen to start Antioch at her own parish, she said it took lots of faith, hope, countless prayers and “countless meetings”.
“We were very lucky to have such great support in this parish – and still have that support today.”
Former Antioch member Julie Christie speaks during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Antioch youth ministry at The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton. Image: The Good Shepherd Parish/Facebook
Isaac, a current youth member, reflected on how Antioch helped him find clarity and purpose in his prayer life.
“My form of prayer is an ongoing conversation with God,” he said.
Another member, Camille, said, “It’s comforting being in a room feeling the presence of other people and feeling God’s presence through them.”
Past members also joined the celebrations. Dr Cristina Lledo Gomez remarked on her transformation during Antioch, saying, “Community gave me purpose”, while Helen Zammit said, “I always hold Antioch close in my heart as a place to belong.”
A panel discussion with past and present Antioch members during the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Antioch youth ministry at The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton. Image: The Good Shepherd Parish/Facebook
There are currently three Antioch groups across Sydney – Plumpton, Epping-Carlingford and Liverpool.
Elise Portugal is a parishioner of The Good Shepherd Parish, and a member of the Plumpton Antioch community.
The celebration of Plumpton Antioch aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan’s priorities of Community, Mission and its objectives to be an Inclusive and Welcoming Church and a Church Renewed in Spirit and Prayer.
