STEVE Lawrence, who is director of evangelisation and catechesis for WYD08, shared his vision at a breakfast hosted by Brisbane’s Emmanuel Community on April 19.
The former AFL footballer said the Sydney event would be “a catalyst for renewal”.
With three main points, Steve said the Australian perspective is unique, with the chosen scripture (from Acts 1:8) for World Youth Day – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you will be my witnesses” – being a vital component.
Breakfast organiser Luke Plant said Steve’s second focus concerned a broader vision.
“There is a three-phase plan for World Youth Day, of which the event in Sydney is the second phase,” Luke said.
“The first phase, which we are currently in, is about preparing and putting structures into place for ongoing ministry and renewal in the Church post-World Youth Day, which is the third phase.
“Steve said we need to be preparing now for the ministry we want to see over the next twenty years.”
Conscious of being “caught up” and “overwhelmed” in the lead-up, Steve’s third point was directed to youth leaders.
“As people involved in ministry to young people at this time in the Church it is essential for us to recognise that World Youth Day is not an end result but actually a tool for the renewal of our young people and the Church,” Luke said of Steve’s input.
“It is important that we are preparing our young people carefully not only for the experience, but to be evangelised, formed and engaged with the Church today and in the future.”
Youth co-ordinator of Darra-Jindalee parish Chris Lysaght said Steve gave “a great overall sense of what a World Youth Day is and can be for Australasia”.
“Having been to all past World Youth Day events he understands from a pilgrim to a parish leader to a diocesan perspective of what can be achieved.
“I loved his analogy that we are in a yacht and soon we will have to find the spirit and move with it, just like a yachtsman tacks with the wind,” Chris said.
Steve’s talk is available on CD for $10 by phoning (07) 3317 5199 or emailing luke@eyouth.com.au
