Primary school students have come together at St Vincent’s, Aranda for the first ILLUMINATE gathering run by Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA). ILLUMINATE is part of the growing and evolving Faith formation pathway in youth ministry within our Archdiocesan Catholic schools and Parishes.

Archbishop Christopher Prowse affirmed the joy of youth and reminded the children of Pope Francis’ message, that they have a special job as the ‘Church of Now’ and are called to ILLUMINATE the world around them with the light of Christ.

Over 300 enthusiastic Year 5 and 6 students from eight Catholic primary schools celebrated their faith and explored their relationship with God. Archdiocesan Youth Ministers, Priests and Catholic Agencies provided students with a hands on and practical experience of Faith through a variety of activities, testimony and practical workshops.

“In an age where our young ones aren’t in our Parishes and many families are disengaged from the Church, ILLUMINATE reflected the power of what can be achieved when we work together to live out the joy of the Gospel,” said Nathan Galea, Project Officer for the New Evangelisation and coordinator of the event. “The CSYMA junior model provides a great framework for students to deepen in their faith and encounter Jesus through the very best of our Catholic Faith.”

Sarah Larkin, a Youth Minister at St Vincent’s Primary School and South Belconnen Parish said she enjoyed seeing how excited her students were to be at the event. “I couldn’t wait to see them afterwards and at school to touch base and reflect on their experience,” she said. “It was wonderful to see how encouraged they felt about their faith.”