As 2024 draws to a close, Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP) is looking ahead with anticipation to the incredible opportunities that the new year will bring.
In 2025, the Catholic Youth Parramatta team are committed to accompanying young people across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains through opportunities to deepen faith, participation and communion through spiritual formation, leadership training, and pilgrimages both locally and internationally. With a focus on empowerment and discipleship, the year ahead is set to be a transformative journey for young people, where they can encounter God’s love and their local community.
There are many exciting events lined up throughout the year, designed to engage young people in their faith journey while also offering spaces for connection and personal growth. These events are opportunities to get involved, share experiences, and step up as leaders in mission and service.
- Duc In Altum: A key pathway for those interested in leadership within youth ministry. The program includes training, group accompaniment, and mandatory safeguarding sessions, ensuring that young leaders are well-prepared to serve in their communities.
- Good Friday Night Walk: A solemn yet meaningful tradition, this event invites young people to reflect on Christ’s passion through prayer and pilgrimage, commemorating the sacrifice of Good Friday in a profound and communal way.
- Women’s Ministry: A space dedicated to empowering women in faith, the “At the Well” gatherings and podcast provide spiritual nourishment, and a sense of community.
- Men’s Ministry: Similar to the women’s ministry, the men’s ministry offers a dynamic space for men to deepen their faith and forge lasting friendships.
- LIFTED Leaders, LIFTED Jnr, LIFTED Rise, and LIFTED Unleashed: provide young people with a range of opportunities to grow in faith, leadership, and community. These events cater to various age groups, ensuring that everyone has a space to thrive.
- LIFTED Launch, LIFTED Live, LIFTED Sports Day, and LIFTED Retreat: These events are the perfect opportunities to invite friends and family to experience Church and community, all inspired by faith. They combine elements of worship, fellowship and fun, offering something for everyone.
- Jubilee Year Pilgrimage: Following Pope Francis’ declaration, the Jubilee Year Pilgrimage is an extraordinary spiritual journey designed to inspire hope and renewal.
- Australian Catholic Youth Festival: ACYF brings together thousands of young people from across the country to celebrate faith, share experiences, and build lasting connections. This festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, with talks, workshops, and moments of deep spiritual reflection.
Catholic Youth Parramatta actively engages with our local diocesan community both in person and through social media channels, including Instagram (@catholicyouthparra) and Facebook (Catholic Youth Parramatta), where updates, event details, and inspiration are shared regularly. Be sure to follow these pages to ensure you don’t miss out on anything exciting coming your way in 2025!
As we prepare for a year filled with opportunities to grow in faith, communion, service, and leadership, let us keep hope alive in our hearts. With God’s grace, 2025 will be a year of profound transformation for the youth and young adults of the Parramatta Diocese. Together let’s step forward in faith, embracing all that lies ahead as we live out our mission to serve and lead in the name of Christ.
2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year – are you ready to be part of it?