The second Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Convention (ACYMC) will be held in Campbelltown from September 21st to 23rd, 2012.
It is expected to gather up to 500 participants from around the country who minister with young people in parishes, schools, religious orders, diocese, universities, diocese, movements and communities.
Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, recently appointed Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Delegate for youth will attend the convention and meet many of the key youth ministry leaders from around the country.
“It will be exciting to be back amongst a special group of people in Australia who I have missed since World Youth Day 2008”, said Bishop Fisher.
“There have been many great successes since WYD in Sydney, and we must continue to build upon them and listen to the Holy Spirit in all we do. The convention is special moment where those in youth ministry can do this”, he said.
Over the past 12 months a local organising committee chaired by Malcolm Hart, Senior Youth Ministry Projects Officer with the Bishops Commission for Pastoral Life, has been developing the program and preparing for this important biennial convention.
“Our focus for this year’s gathering is to explore the Bishops Conference Statement ’Anointed and Sent: a Australian vision for catholic Youth Ministry”, Malcolm said.
“Our keynote speakers Sr Hilda Scott, Fr Christian Fini and Mr Shayne Bennett will explore each of the goals of the document, and our workshops and expo will provide practical strategies and resources for youth ministry.”
The convention was first held in Melbourne in 2010 where over 400 participants, including seven Australian Bishops, gathered together over three days. The convention has now increased its capacity and creativity investing significant time in exampling good youth ministry practices.
“The convention organising committee has prepared an engaging experience as well as a convention which examples good youth ministry’ said Wollongong Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator, Loretta Brinkman.
“A full youth band will be present all weekend led by Jen Charadia, an experienced Australian singer songwriter and Wollongong local. We have also established a liturgy team to create a greater community setting for our prayer and liturgies, which is central to the formation and support of those youth ministers attending.”
The ACYMC 2012 will be held at the Campbelltown Catholic Club. The convention will include presentations on youth mental health issues, social networking protocols as well as giving the opportunity to utilise social networking forums such as Facebook and Twitter for participant discussion and feedback. The Diocese of Wollongong is also facilitating home stay for participants who wish to reduce costs of attendance.
The full program, registration and further details about the convention are now available at www.acymc.org. A promotional video clip highlighting the 2010 convention and testimonies form participants, together with some presentations from the 2010 convention, can also be found on the website or via the ACBC youth Ministry YouTube channel www.youtube.com/abcyouth
For further information or media enquiries please contact Malcolm Hart on 0419 951 417.