Bishops are looking forward to the Australian Catholic Youth Festival as an opportunity to listen to and engage with the Church’s emerging leaders – its young people.
The festival is a three-day event bringing together thousands of young people, ranging from Year 9 students up to the age of 25, from across Australia to celebrate and express their Catholic faith.
To be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from November 30 to December 2, the festival will include talks, prayer experiences, Mass, workshops, forums, live concerts, games, a justice activity centre and an interactive expo.
Parishes, schools and communities can register groups, with single registrations also available for those aged over 18.
The Diocese of Parramatta is hoping to send at least one to two young people from each of our parishes to experience the vibrancy of the Church in Australia.
It is the fifth time the festival has been run, having been born out of the experience of World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008. The last festival was held in Perth in 2019.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, said it was a “critical encounter” between young people of faith and the bishops of Australia.
“It is an opportunity for current leaders of the Church to listen to emerging leaders of the Church,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“The bishops attending the festival are looking forward to hearing and learning from young people about their joys, challenges and fears, in a spirit of deep and respectful listening which is the hallmark of a synodal Church.”
Archbishop Costelloe said research had demonstrated youth festivals had delivered benefits including growth and re-engagement in faith and building a closer relationship with Jesus.
But he noted one of the key experiences highlighted by young people attending past festivals had been the opportunity to speak with religious leaders.
“Each Australian Catholic Youth Festival has generated enormous enthusiasm and energy and given young people a sense of being part of something bigger and life-affirming,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“I hope and pray that this year’s festival will sow the seeds of energy, commitment and hope in those taking part as we seek together, with the help of God’s grace, to enliven the Church for all that lies ahead.”
The detailed program can be found here: Program – Australian Catholic Youth Festival Melbourne 2025
The Diocese of Parramatta will be sending pilgrims aged 18 to 25 to ACYF, but registrations close on 1 October. If you are over 25, you are welcome to express your interest in becoming a small group leader for the young people. For more details and to register, see parracatholic.org/connect/acyf or email qwayne.guevara@parracatholic.org
