The local World Youth Day was celebrated on Sunday, 24 November, with the inspiring theme, “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary” (Is 40:31).
At St Patrick’s Cathedral, 40 students from schools across the Diocese came together to not only celebrate World Youth Day but to partake in the youth leaders commissioning Mass, led by Fr Peter Williams AM.
This year’s World Youth Day theme encourages young people to deepen their understanding of Christian hope and to witness joyfully that Christ is alive.
Students from schools across the Diocese came together to celebrate the Diocesan Local World Youth Day Celebrations and Leaders Commissioning Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
How each youth leader will achieve this in 2025, differs.
For Genevieve Allen from Catherine McAuley Westmead, her focus would be inclusivity.
“Making initiatives that involve everyone. Making sure everyone collaborates and across different grades, so it really gets that sisterhood going,” she said.
Grace Sammut, from Xavier College, Llandilo, is passionate about mental health advocacy and wants to build on her efforts from 2024.
She takes her inspiration from Christ.
“It probably seems clichéd, but I think Jesus himself [is my inspiration].”
“He was always there when no one else was, and I aspire to follow in His footsteps as a leader.”
“I’ve faced my own struggles and want to be the support I didn’t have. My goal is to bring change and help others at school,” she said.
Fr Peter Williams AM, celebrated the Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
This year Grace was proud of her initiative for Suicide Prevention Month.
“I made ribbons for R U OK? Day and was amazed when they became a big hit. We had the majority of the school wearing these ribbons which was great.”
Hayden Kennedy from Xavier College reflected on the World Youth Day theme and his highlight for the year.
“The [Year 11] retreat was really liberating. I found it a beautiful experience where I became spiritually connected. It was a wonderful time.”
Thomas Fox, also from Xavier College, said, “I’m really looking forward to representing the school. I want to stress the importance of equality in the school grounds. The leadership team want to make sure that everyone in the school knows that we’re equal – and we’re not above them – together like a family.”
Thomas finds inspiration in Olympic speed skater Steen Bradbury, saying, “He never gave up, even when the odds were against him. It’s like a moral in the stories to always, even if you’re coming last or even if you don’t feel good, to keep going through and eventually you’ll succeed.”
Students from schools across the Diocese came together to celebrate the Diocesan Local World Youth Day Celebrations and Leaders Commissioning Mass. Image: Alphonsus Fok/ Diocese of Parramatta
Words of encouragement to the leaders of tomorrow
Eleanor Bonwick, Interim Manager for Catholic Youth Parramatta, praised the event’s success and the leaders’ enthusiasm.
“I was really happy with the participation. I thought it was really great to be in the midst of the faithful that come here every Sunday as well,” she said.
“It was wonderful to have Father Peter Williams as our celebrant. I think he gave an excellent and encouraging homily that our youth leaders can take into the ministry they do next year.”
Asked about a message Eleanor would say to the leaders of tomorrow, “I would say keep prayer at the centre of all they do in their work. Do it for the one, don’t do it for the mass. If you’re faithful with the one, then the masses will come.”
View images from the Local World Youth Day Celebrations and Leaders Commissioning Mass here or below.
