Excitement is building across Sydney as parishioners prepare to step into their calling at “The Way of Hope”, the Catholic conference designed to ignite faith, equip leaders, and renew hearts, hosted by Alpha Australia in partnership with the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.
Whether hoping to explore how to lead renewal in their parish, or seeking fresh inspiration in their ministry or vocation, this two-day event, running from Friday, 31 October, to Saturday, 1 November, promises to be transformative for those desiring to go deeper in discipleship and boldly lead others to Christ.
“This is a discipleship and evangelisation conference focused on mission. It is a conference for everyone, not just for those interested in Alpha or running Alpha,” said Tania Rimac, from the Parish Renewal Team within the Sydney Centre for Evangelisation and leader of Alpha in a Catholic Context in NSW. “People who are looking to take a next step in their discipleship are invited and encouraged to come along, as this will be an opportunity to be formed, attain practical skills and grow in confidence to serve in the Church according to how God is calling them at this time. It is also for seasoned disciples already active in ministry. It will be a time to pause and receive and opportunity to be restored and renewed, so that they can be sustained for ongoing mission.”
Jakov Miljak is a 33-year-old father of three who feels called to take on a more active role in his parish. But, like many, he feels hamstrung by self-doubt.
“It’s not something that comes naturally to me. It’s something I’m still learning to do,” he admits. “I think we always feel unequipped in some way. We’re always doubting ourselves,” he added.
It’s why “The Way of Hope” conference, featuring keynote talks from leaders like Bishop Michael Gielen, from Christchurch, New Zealand, and Dominican Sister Elena Marie Piteo, is a must-attend.
Bishop Michael Gielen, Bishop of Christchurch, New Zealand, who will be the keynote speaker at “The Way of Hope” Alpha Catholic Conference in Sydney. Image: Supplied
“Having leaders give you that confidence to flip those moments of weakness into becoming powerful witnesses and leaders, where it becomes your strength and an expression of your faith can help me step up.”
Tania reinforces that this is the primary goal of the conference: “we want to give people the tools to go out on mission, to make disciples, to renew communities and to bring all people to faith, with a particular focus on youth and families”
David Vucic is a 24-year-old revert Catholic from Sydney’s North Shore who has often been called by his parish to use his powerful story to help lead his parish youth group – but he remains reluctant.
“I can’t even lead myself! How can I engage other people in a conversation about faith and life and the virtues we want to live for?”
However, like Jakov, David can see how “The Way of Hope” conference will help empower him to take the lead. “The mission of the church today is to bring souls to Christ. We all require inner conversion, and I pray that with conferences like ‘The Way of Hope’, we can all strive towards a deeper, more intimate connection and relationship with him.”
Jamie Alam was a shy young Catholic man, who despite his inclination to remain on the sidelines, has taken that next step, leading youth ministry in his parish, St Kevin’s in Eastwood. His message: “All of us have a calling on our heart to follow Christ, and I think it’s really important that whether you’re a man or a woman, we need to really pick up our cross, to shine for Christ, and to do it fearlessly. ‘The Way of Hope’ can equip you to find that inner strength,” he said.
Robert Falzon, founder of the men’s ministry, Men Alive, has a direct challenge to those wishing to discover their next step: “If you think you have a gift or prodding or something inside of you, just go and have a look. You don’t know what God will do with you,” he said.
He believes the fruits of hearing from hearing insights from leaders like Bishop Gielen and Sr Elena Marie, who has a PhD in psychology, will be profound and transforming.
“You could be leading your parish in one year, you could be starting something that will set the church on fire,” he reiterates. “Get involved, even if there’s just a little whisper in your ear, or if you’re saying to yourself, I don’t know if I have anything to offer. Just go and sit at the back and watch. Bring what you’ve got, get alongside, and go learn how God will use you.”
The “Way of Hope” conference takes place on 31 October and 1 November at the Liverpool Catholic Club. Registrations are still open. For more information, visit the link here.
Darren Ally is the Manager for Communications and News Media at the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.
Reproduced with permission from The Catholic Weekly, the news publication of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney.
