Primary school students came together for the second annual Primary Youth Ministry gathering, Illuminate, run by Catholic Schools Youth Ministry Australia (CSYMA). Illuminate is part of the growing and evolving Faith formation pathway within our Archdiocesan Catholic schools and Parishes.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year the event was livestreamed from St Jude’s Primary School, Holder, to over 700 participants from 14 schools across the Archdiocese. Local teams consisting of Parish Priests, Religious Education Coordinators, classroom teachers and youth ministers led student activities in each school.

Mr Angus Tulley, Deputy Director of the Catholic Education Office, ‘virtually’ welcomed all students across the Archdiocese, live from the St Jude’s gathering. Archbishop Christopher Prowse joined Zoom, encouraging students to get to know Jesus, sharing with them the message of Pope Francis, “you, dear young people, are not the future but the now of God,” he said.

The day consisted of talks, drama, testimony, music, prayer and other Faith-based workshops and experiences. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, experience what it is like to be involved in Youth Ministry and acknowledge the special role they play in the life of the Church and their school.

“Illuminate was a fantastic celebration of the growth and increase of student involvement in Youth Ministry in our schools,” said Luke Maher, coordinator of the event and Religious Education and CSYMA Officer at the Catholic Education Office. “We look forward to continuing to support all our students in being the Church of Now,” he said.