Catholic Youth Parramatta (CYP) gathered youth leaders from across the Diocese for their annual Thanksgiving Dinner, celebrating a year of service, community, and dedication. The celebratory evening reflected on 2024’s achievements and honoured the incredible contributions of youth leaders around the Diocese of Parramatta.
Representatives from Kellyville, Mount Druitt, Marayong, Quakers Hill, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and other parishes came together to share stories and celebrate the year of youth ministry. Emcees Eleanor and Seb from the CYP team led the evening, which featured a mix of delicious food, interactive games, and Catholic youth-themed trivia.
A highlight was an Advent reflection from Fr Chris del Rosario, Parish Administrator of St Thomas Aquinas Springwood, who encouraged leaders to embrace the season of preparation and hope.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“Well done for this year. Well done for the work that you’ve done; drawing people to God.
“People think that [ministry] is the job of the priest – yes, it’s my 24/7 job and I’m very happy to do it – but I can’t do this on my own,” Fr Chris said.
Adding a personal and heartfelt element was a video message from Boston, USA, by Qwayne Guevara, CYP Manager on study leave.
In her message, Qwayne emphasised the value of deepening community and walking together with Christ, offering her hopes for the Jubilee Year. With the support of Bishop Vincent and the Diocese of Parramatta, Qwayne is currently completing a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry at Boston College, scheduled to return in August 2025.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Another key moment of the evening was the announcement of Hannah Portelli as the new MET Facilitator for CYP. A Campion College graduate in Theology, Hannah brings extensive experience in youth formation, pastoral care, and event planning.
She expressed her enthusiasm for the future of youth ministry in the Diocese of Parramatta, marking the start of an exciting chapter.
The night also featured plenty of laughter, games, and dancing, as leaders celebrated the vibrant community that has been built over the year. CYP extended their heartfelt gratitude to all youth leaders for their tireless efforts in 2024, which have made a meaningful impact on the lives of young people around Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Looking ahead, CYP invites everyone to explore the 2025 Calendar of Events now available.
