More than 100 youth leaders from across the Diocese of Parramatta have been commissioned for the coming year of service to young people across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
Commemorating the Solemnity of Christ the King and the local World Youth Day, the faith-focused leaders celebrated Mass at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish (OLQP), Greystanes.
To open the Mass, the Year 12 school leaders and parish youth leaders — together representing 12 local parishes — took part in a solemn procession carrying flags of the world.
Fr Fernando Montano, the new Vicar General of the Diocese of Parramatta, presided over the event, which was concelebrated by Fr Paul Roberts, the Parish Priest of OLQP.
During his homily, Fr Fernando invited the future church leaders to think and act like Jesus Christ.
“We need to be always ready to discover His presence,” Fr Fernando, who was also a previous World Youth Day chaplain, said.
Fr Fernando Montano, Vicar General, delivers the homily during the Diocesan World Youth Day celebrations and youth leaders commissioning at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes on the Feast of Christ the King, 26 November 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“Ëach person has the potential to provide mercies. The kind of mercies Jesus expects are within reach of us. We all can do it.
“Kind words and a listening ear can help a person in despair. Ïn these kind manifestations, we meet the criteria of the Kingdom.”
Following Mass, Fr Fernando blessed the youth leaders, praying for their continued commitment to their faith and for the growth of their outreach to young people in the wider community.
“We, as a community, are especially grateful for their commitment,” he said.
Fr Fernando Montano, Vicar General, blesses Year 12 student leaders and youth leaders at the Diocesan World Youth Day celebrations and youth leaders commissioning at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes on the Feast of Christ the King, 26 November 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“Christ the King is the model of leadership and the model of service. This commissioning reminds us we do this ministry in the name of God.”
“Bless the youth ministry that it may grow and reach the young people” — Fr Fernando Montano, Vicar General of the Diocese of Parramatta.
Speaking to the leaders in our midst afterwards, it was clear to see Christ’s royal power reigned in their hearts.
“Faith to me is all about guidance; almost a ‘what would Jesus do, or what would Mary do?’” said St Patrick’s Marist College Year 12 Captain, Joshua Tallaridi, who worships at St Bernadette’s Parish, Dundas Valley.
St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas Valley Year 12 Captain, Joshua Tallaridi, at the Diocesan World Youth Day celebrations and youth leaders commissioning at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes on the Feast of Christ the King, 26 November 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Elisha Fernando, a youth leader at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville, in the north west growth sector of Sydney, welcomed the opportunity to honour Jesus Christ as Lord over all creation with her peers.
“Ït’s important to support the youth leaders and give them a boost of courage,” Elisha said.
St Patrick’s Marist College Year 12 Captain Alessia Georges, agreed.
Alessia, who also attended World Youth Day in Lisbon — a global gathering where young people deepen their faith — said it was empowering to come together with other young people.
St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas Valley Year 12 Captain, Alessia Georges, at the Diocesan World Youth Day celebrations and youth leaders commissioning at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes on the Feast of Christ the King, 26 November 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
“[My faith] is the backbone of my life,” remarked Alessia who, fittingly, belongs to nearby Christ the King Parish, North Rocks.
Also in the pews were Year 12 leaders from Catholic girls’ secondary school, Catherine McAuley, in Westmead. Leader of Hospitality, Amelia Chadszinow, said she looked forward to creating “a welcoming environment for everyone” in the upcoming school year and “leaving our mark.”
(L-R) Year 12 student leaders from Catherine McAuley, Westmead Mikaela Salazar, Alyssa Aoun, and Amelia Chadszinow at the Diocesan World Youth Day celebrations and youth leaders commissioning at Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes on the Feast of Christ the King, 26 November 2023. Image: Isabell Petrinic/Diocese of Parramatta
Eleanor Bonwick, the project coordinator for Catholic Youth Parramatta, said the Diocese was in good hands.
“The reason they do [the youth leaders] this is because they truly believe Jesus is King of the Universe and they want to share their joy and that personal relationship with Christ with other people,” said Eleanor, whose passion and purpose is to spread the Gospel and inspire young people to do the same.
She said the celebration was a chance to “recognise and thank our young people for their contributions this year and to bless and commission those stepping into leadership roles and youth ministry.”
“The Church is very much young and alive,” said Eleanor. “I think there’s great things to come.”
Isabell Petrinic is a freelance writer and contributor to Catholic Outlook.
View images from the local Diocesan World Youth Day celebrations and youth leaders commissioning here or below:
