‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Revelation 21:5

A group of Archdiocesan teachers, students and youth ministers attended the IGNITE Youth Conference held over three days in Sydney. The conference focused on real-world evangelisation and faith formation, using contemporary culture to engage the hearts and minds of young people.

This year’s event saw over 800 young people from across Australia attend. The conference was filled with music, workshops and presentations from youth and other leaders from the Catholic Church. Keynote speakers included, Fr Rob Galea; Paul J Kim; Fr Daniel McCaughan and Justine Cumbo. Catholic rapper evangelist, Josh Angrisano, performed for the large crowd. 

Carroll College, Broulee student, Liarna found the conference fulfilling and she enjoyed being surrounded by enthusiastic, like-minded people who proudly embraced their faith. “My highlight from the event was listening to others’ experiences and encounters with God,” she said. “Their stories really helped me grow and deepen my understanding of my own faith.”

St Clare’s School Captain, Laura Van Der Linden, said that IGNITE fostered true evangelisation, exposing the beauty and excellence of the Church. “IGNITE promotes a real, authentic connection with the heart of the Father, the person of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit,” she said. “I’ve been to similar events before, but I encountered God’s goodness in a new way and discovered more about His will for my life after school.”

“IGNITE was a powerful celebration of youth in the Church,” said Catholic Identity Officer, Nathan Galea, “it was a real demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit alive and at work, particularly through youth, supported by groups and movements within the Catholic Church.”

“Our group from Canberra and Goulburn had a thoroughly enjoyable time,” said Nathan. “I highly recommend it for others who would like to participate in 2020.”